BBC Chorale Tour 2007 --- Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina,Virginia & Maryland

*I faithfully kept a journal throughout my travels on Chorale tour and then transferred my experiences along with thoughts and reflections into the following journal entries for my student ministry journal. Enjoy! If there is anything I did not elaborate on or sparks your curiosity and you desire to know more about, let me know and I would be more than happy to share. Be blessed by the work God did in my heart and the hearts of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We were drained, challenged, blessed and loved on by the Creator of the Universe. GOD is awesome!

Ministry Date: Saturday, March 3, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Saturday, March 3, 2007
Chorale tour began with a long and overwhelming day of travels. Our expected 13 hour bus ride, thanks to the pleasant visit of a snowstorm and freezing rain attempted the journey in roughly 17-18 hours. It was in those moments on the bus, squished next to fellow chorale friends that I realized this trip and journey had absolutely nothing to do with me.
Our first tour ministry experience took place at the CLAM conference in Pennsylvania. Their local district comes together and connects once a year to honor God. I was selected to participate in a small ensemble group which basically led to me singing an extra service for the at the youth conference and then again at the adult conference. God has truly stretched me today in these ministry opportunities. When I awoke this morning at my host home I spotted three deer across the road in a field, nibbling on the grass as the sun was rising. I was reminded of the Psalm that calls us to long after God like a deer that pants for the water. My heart and soul were made hungry for Christ, thirsty for His life sustaining, life giving water.
As the conference closed I was reminded of my high school athletic career and the various tunnels and lines that were created to congratulate or encourage us after our matches. As our ministry portion of the conference finished the entire district rose to their feet and made a gauntlet, hugging and kissing us as we left. My heart was encouraged by the words of life people spoke and God used the testimony of His restoring power in my family’s life to encourage and bless many people. I am very thankful for affirmation of God’s work. I have faith in God’s power and I trust that He will complete every good work for those He has called, but still my human heart appreciates hearing the reinforced effects of God’s work voiced. This makes the results seem much more life like, and life changing for me. For example I observed a woman in the pew become weakened and broken as I shared my testimony and in the following song “Through the Fire” we sing of a God who never promised things would be easy, but to hold on when the enemy tells you to give up, because God will show up. At the close of the service, the woman made her way towards me and with a genuine sincerity, our eyes met and my heart was blessed by the touch God had placed on her heart. God is so faithful to use us as His vessels and the more I think about it and partake in ministry, the more unworthy I realize I am and the more dependent I become on God’s strength.

Ministry Date: Saturday, March 3, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Saturday, March 3, 2007
Following the CLAM Conference, we wasted no time in boarding the bus and heading to LaPlata, Maryland. We arrived at the church with just enough time to set up the sound equipment and sing through a quick microphone check before the service began. It was frustrating to realize we had neglected prayer time prior to this service. In our rush to get everything set up, we had pushed aside the one thing we needed to do to make the service run correctly, invite God to do His work in it. Aside from my frustrations with group prayer, my heart engaged in warfare against the enemy who was trying so desperately to tear us down.
The Holy Spirit was at work in caring for us, His children tonight. My body has difficultly breathing around smoke and therefore, while I am not allergic, I steer clear of it. Apparently I had been placed in a smoking home for the evening, but randomly and out of nowhere Melissa, our administrative assistant who oversees the billeting, approached me and asked me if I had any problems staying in a smoking home. I mentioned my breathing and she took care of things immediately. What struck me as amazing was that I had never made a big deal about smoking, or even mentioned my struggles to breathe around it, but God was watching over me and for His glory, He kept me healthy by ordaining an evening at another home. I am realizing more and more that God not only strengthens us, but sustains us and empowers us. He makes the path straight before us and gives us feet as sure footed as the deer.

Ministry Date: Sunday, March 4, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Sunday, March 4, 2007
My challenge today was to not allow repetition and familiarity to dominate over the power of the Holy Spirit working through me. We ministered during three morning services at LaPlata, Maryland, each with the same song and same message, yet somehow, by God’s grace each service was a little different than the preceding ones. Technology frustrates me sometimes, and today was no exception; however, God allowed my technological difficulty to prove His strength and to bring me laughter instead of frustration. Amy Thompson was counting us into the song “All Things New” and five seconds before I was to come in on opening praise team part, the cord slid loose from my microphone and like a lightening flash I watched myself set the microphone down on the ground and snatch a nearby one before those five beats passed. Slightly embarrassed I was reminded to place my confidence in Christ and not in man or technology. Once again the overriding theme of this busy morning was that it is in no way about me, but absolutely about Jesus Christ and His message of truth as He calls the weary and heavy laden unto Himself, and restores the joy in the hearts of His children. It amazes me to watch God at work in the hearts of my fellow brothers and sisters.

Ministry Date: Sunday, March 4, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Sunday, March 4, 2007
This evening we sang in Forest, Virginia. The service began a few minutes late as we once again arrived tardy from our day of travel. In my flesh, my mind can not begin to understand how it takes so much extra time to get somewhere then what was originally planned, but I am continually challenged to be flexible and to trust that God has a plan and purpose for all things. I was battling against the enemy all evening as he weakened me moment by moment. I lost my voice and sang louder and harder, only to gain it back once more. I was brought to tears at the thought of the nothingness I was plagued with. In my heart I felt nothing, but yet my mind brought me to a place of realizing despite the enemy wearing me down, God was shining in and through me. A smile glowed on my face the entire time and just as the enemy intended to weaken me, to destroy the work of God, Christ was instead exalted because God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. I was privileged to watch God’s transforming power at work throughout the congregation and was reassured that while we may not always visually witness the work God does, He still uses us time and time again to plant seeds for His glory.

Ministry Date: Monday, March 5, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Monday, March 5, 2007
Faith Christian Academy had our attention this afternoon as we ministered to a group of 50-75 kids in grades 4-12. I was saddened by the apathy and indifference present on the faces of the young kids, particularly the older kids. Though these children and their teachers were surrounded daily by a curriculum that teaches about Jesus, very few let the light He had placed within them shine. My prayer partner, Carly and I snuck away after the service and went to visit the fourth graders. Compared to the other students we had ministered to, this group had been the most enthusiastic. We had picnic time in their classroom as they shared songs and lessons they had been learning and made donuts in a frying pot. My eyes were opened up to the importance of investing time, energy, and belief into young children. In today’s society children grow up so fast, I think we take for granted their intelligence, capabilities, and dreams. Stretching myself outside of the safety of the my college choir friends and company allowed me to be a witness and example to kids who still have many years ahead of them before they consider going to college. I am thankful for the feeling of being uncomfortable so God can use me in work I would otherwise neglect to consider.

Ministry Date: Monday, March 5, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Monday, March 5, 2007
A lesson I learned this evening was not to judge a person by the number of gray hairs on their head and the strength of their glasses prescription. The size of a sanctuary and congregation are not important because what are walls to the God of the universe? My heart was lifted as we sang “Give me Jesus”. I was reminded that all we need is Jesus in this life, the world can have everything else; I just want Jesus. Following the first two verses of this song, we divide into four rows or two sections depending on the structure of the church and surrounding the congregation we sing “And when I come to die, oh and when I come to die. Give me Jesus!” Locking eyes with an older woman, I knew she had been blessed by the words of this song. Her physical body told a tale of aging and increasing weakness, but her blue eyes reflected a peace the only comes from God. Tears rested upon her pale cheeks and her hands clung comfortably to one another in her lap. What a precious child of the King this woman was and what a witness to my heart. Though no words were exchanged, the work of the Holy Spirit, wrapping the sanctuary in His peace and joy was enough. Give me Jesus!

Ministry Date: Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Tuesday, March 6, 2007
At the evening service in Roanoke, Virginia, I was challenged to humble myself before the Lord, to come and lay down the burdens on my heart and to rest in His peace. At the close of the service Mr. Klob made an altar call, but much to my heart’s disappointment, he simply asked people to respond by standing on their feet. I refused to go kneel at the altar, yet in my heart I greatly wanted to and needed to. I watched as two people slipped by me from the chorale and brought their hearts before our all-powerful God at the altar. I made a deal with God that if He sent one more person to the altar then I would go. Immediately I noticed a sister slip down and I followed. A woman I never caught a glimpse of approached me and resting her hand on my back prayer for strength and for God to lift the burdens on my heart. I felt the Holy Spirit descend on me and His peace fill my spirit and heart. I was so overwhelmed with His goodness and grace that I remained face down for the closing song of the service and only moved once I was sure God had done a work in my heart. I was humbled tonight as I became weak and watched as once again my faithful Heavenly Father caught me in His arms and brought me to a place of rest.

Ministry Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
A choice was made today between shopping at a mall and ministering at a nursing home. Given our current circumstances as roles as Chorale members from a Bible college, one could reason which opportunity we chose. President Medder’s Mom resides at a Nursing Home in North Carolina, and as a surprise the nursing staff was more than happy to allow us the opportunity to minister to the patients. We watched as patients in all different walks of health entered the room, some because they had to and others because their hearts truly itched for company and musical entertainment. My heart was moved as I watched the elderly and physically strained men and women rejoice at the truth of Jesus Christ. As I hugged an elderly man, he was so moved by our visit, he began to cry. God’s children are precious at any age and these people are much more fortunate than some of us could reason we are, because for many of them, their days remaining are much fewer than they used to and some day soon they will enter for all eternity into eternity and God’s glory.

Ministry Date: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Wednesday, March 7, 2007
We ministered in Randleman, North Carolina tonight and the southern hospitality was heart warming. Bless the Lord for Becky Brady’s testimony of a poor marriage and struggles, but in the midst of these struggles, God’s comfort and promise to keep her safe. Once again the truth of the song “Give me Jesus” was evident in the sanctuary as the powerful words of a friend’s testimony paired with the truth offered in our music. I watched as hearts of young and old alike were overcome with peace. For the older generations the peace was mysterious and sure, while with the younger crew, the peace was filled with wonder and expectation.

Ministry Date: Thursday, March 8, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Thursday, March 8, 2007
My heart was struck with curiosity yesterday evening as I was billeted at the home of a middle-aged couple who had only been attending the church for three weeks, and had never hosted anyone in their home before. Hospitality is truly a gift, and I have been blessed beyond explanation of God’s blessings to me throughout this tour at the many willing homes who have offered food, showers, laundry facilities, and warm beds to sleep in. God truly is Jehovah Jireh, our provider.
We ministered at a service in Keymar, Maryland this evening and I was not surprised ton see the enemy approach with full force. A crazy lady sat in the front row, and apparently no one who attended or worked for the church had ever seen her, but she sat upfront as a distraction, unashamed of her loudness and side comments. As I approached center stage to share my testimony, she looked at our group and screamed that we were all vampires. I continued speaking without hesitation and I know this peace and ability could only come from the Lord. Each and every word of my testimony was given as God intended it and without interruption from the crazy woman who continued to shout about vampires and strange things. Praise the Lord for His power that overcomes all evil. On another note, my heart was drawn to the little children in the service. I was amazed at their ability and willingness to behave and watch as we sang. I met a six-year-old girl named Sarah, whose house I was later billeted at, who shared that she really liked our singing and told me she sings too. I asked her what she sings and after answering with the typical six-year-old answer, “I sing lots of things”, I was able to hear her favorite song “Blessed Be Your Name”. I started singing the song and she joined me. It was a sweet moment of glorifying Christ in company of the faith of a small child. God truly works through old and young alike. I am most certain that God’s call on someone’s like has no age limit. God is limitless in His power. My mind can not comprehend His greatness, but once again I rest in knowing I am secure as a Daughter of the King.

Ministry Date: Friday, March 9, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Friday, March 9, 2007
I was called aside tonight during group prayer and was asked to minister to someone who was being overcome with lies from the enemy. I approached the situation asking God for discernment and direction. As I opened the door, to the room in which this person was, heaviness was present, but the power of Christ in me, rose above it. The person screamed “Get out!”, but I found myself walking towards them. As their eyes flashed with an unknown and very evil presence I pleaded in Jesus’ name for the enemy to flee. I observed a breaking of the heaviness, but was still confronted with sporadic thoughts and lies from the person. I continued to pray God’s truth and peace over them, but as I sang “Holy Spirit come” and invited Him to fill the room, my dear friend became hysterical. They told me to shut up and stop singing. I finished the song and felt the Holy Spirit fill me with His peace and confidence. I returned once again to praying the truth over them, and sensed I needed to seek a higher authority to finish sharing the truth with this friend. As I returned to group prayer I found myself standing in the corner, overcome with the battle I had just encountered and fought with my sword of truth lifted high. My entire body shook as the evidence of my human weakness and God’s moment of empowering me was revealed. A beloved brother approached me with a curious understanding in His eyes and gave me water. He walked me over to the group and as I held his hand I felt secure and safe. A beloved sister pulled me close to her side in a hug as we finished praying and I walked into the service fired up to battle the enemy. Tonight I was reminded that spiritual warfare is not a joke, it is real, and the enemy is very tricky about how and when he strikes. I also realized that when this friend said they hated me it was not me they hated, but the One who dwells within me; because they were being overpowered by the evil one and claiming they hated God and were done with Him. Praise the Lord for His awesome and unfailing power. The Holy Spirit filled the sanctuary tonight. It was absolutely amazing.

Ministry Date: Saturday, March 10, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Saturday, March 10, 2007
Today was our day off in New York City, so while we did not minister in church services this day, I still found evidences of God at work in my life and the lives around me as I was a representative, or Christ’s ambassador in a city full of lost faces. I found it interesting to smile at people who were otherwise in a great hurry to get to their next destination. Receiving smiles back warmed my heart. I attempted to build up workers on the street to made a diligent effort of keeping their area clean and thanked them. Also, while shopping I spotted a homeless man hanging out on the steps of a nearby church. He was bundled up in black clothing and looked very lonely. I walked by without stopping the first time and then knew I had to go back and just acknowledge him. I went back and attempted to start a conversation. The man was thankful for a hello, but shut down at the thought of company. Rather than walking away disappointed because I had not even come close to leading this man through the four spiritual laws, I walked away content and satisfied in knowing that it felt good to stop and acknowledge a man who hundreds of people probably pass by everyday and do not have a second thought about. My heart was also challenged to give a homeless woman some money in her little cup. Our eyes met and as I said “God bless you…” she returned a genuine “God bless you dear!” as well. The Big Apple was greeted by 40+ Bethany Students and I wonder how many people will never be the same because someone took the time to notice them, smile at them, or appreciate them.

Ministry Date: Sunday, March 11, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Sunday, March 11, 2007
We had double services this morning and a wave of fatigue swarmed over the Chorale, but we came boldly before the throne of God believing for Him to show up and be our strength, to sing through us and speak through us, because we knew we were incapable. I observed roughly 1/3 of the chorale nodding off as President Medders spoke a message during each service, but by God’s grace heard very little complaining about fatigue. I shared my testimony this morning in both services, and a few ladies approached me and thanked me for sharing the words of truth about God’s power, confessing it encouraged their hearts and fit right in with things they were dealing with in their life. Some beloved friends in Chorale are experiencing family problems and God worked it out during tour for the parents to be present at separate, but very moving services. My time given to sharing my testimony was truly ordained by the Lord, and I was able to witness God working some things together for His perfect plans and was amazed that it worked out “coincidentally” that two people really struggling with this particular issue to be present and to hear the words of truth about our God’s awesome power. With God, all things are possible.

Ministry Date: Sunday, March 11, 2007
Date of Journal Entry: Sunday, March 11, 2007
The evening hours brought us to a place called the Brooklyn Tabernacle. We were unable to seat a group of 40, however 5 Chorale members were blessed with the opportunity to see them live and the rest of us walked up the street a little bit and watched the concert in the overflowing rooms on a screen. This experience motivated us to quickly set up for our evening service at First Wesleyan in Brooklyn. Honestly, when we arrived at the church I was shocked and amazed in the same moment. We basically were in some potentially sketchy neighborhoods and we walked into a building that looked like all the others on the street and we ministered there. Simplicity and its importance became very clear to me tonight. Worship time was amazing and as a member of the praise team I found myself feeding off the energy of God’s Spirit moving throughout the sanctuary. God sang each and every song through us tonight and spoke each and every word of testimony given. My heart rang out with a cry to bless the Lord, and the evidence of God’s dwelling inside the walls of a street church in Brooklyn became so clear. President Medders spoke a quick word and the truth that poured out from his heart as he broke open the Word could only come from God. My heart overflowed with gladness and broke for the people that surrounded me. Tears stained my cheeks as God reassured me that I was safely in His arms and He would guide me through life, in joys and sorrows. Tour could not have ended on a better note, and I have honestly never experienced the presence of God in a choir setting like this ever before. The Holy Spirit fell heavy tonight on every willing heart and I watched as people around me were broken and restored more into the image of Christ. I watched sorrowful, gloomy faces light up with the joy that only comes from Jesus. God is so faithful and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We had nothing left to give, but Jesus paid it all. God showed up when out voices were gone, our eyes heavy and our hearts overwhelmed, and He lit a fire of victory in our hearts as we joined hands and marched forward in battle. We never partook in the battle however, because all that was needed was God’s power. Tonight I was reminded once again that I am only a vessel and that it is Christ in me that can accomplish things both great and small. Bless the Lord at all times!