This morning we drove to Olive, OK to sing for the morning service at First Baptist Church.  Their Minister of Music & Youth and his wife, Josh & Blair Henson, along with four of their youth, Martana Whitehead, Melissa Whitehead, Sierra Whitehead and Kylie Reiter. 

This trip will be the springboard to help them launch a youth ensemble in the Fall.  It has been a great experience for all of us as the girls and our kids became famous friends, and Josh & Blair were a great assent to our sponsor team.  We sang six songs during their morning service and heard a sermon from Ephesians 4:1-6 that just wrapped a bow around what we’ve been talking about all week in the devotions and our Scripture theme. (pictured l to r: Josh, Melissa, Sierra, Kylie, Martana, and Blair)

Our other sponsor couple was Troy & Suzzane Duncan.  Every year God puts together just the right people for the right trip, and this year was no exception.  We are so grateful for their contribution to our mission.

This is the last post from the road as we will be home in about 45 minutes.  Tonight is our home concert at QSBC.  The group from Olive as well as several from their church will make the drive to OKC to join us.  We are looking forward to a great evening.  By the time we get home we will have traveled 2317 miles through 5 different states, sung for around 600 people in 9 detention centers, youth and homeless shelters, and seen about 220 pray to receive Christ–not to mention the spiritual growth our kids have experienced and we have witnessed.  (Not to mention singing at the Air Force Academy Chapel, white water rafting, Royal Gorge, Pike’s Peak, Garden of the Gods and Glen Eyrie.)  Another great choir tour is now in the history books.  Only time and eternity will reveal all the fruit from the seeds that have been sown.  While we may not really know the exact number of people who gave their hearts to Christ, He knows and on the basis of His Word we trust that He will continue the good work He has begun in them.

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?  Who may stand in His holy place?  The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not set his mind on what is false, and who has not sworn deceitfully.  He will receive blessing form the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.  Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. –Psalm 24: 3-6

After spending last night in Dodge City, KS we made our way to Hutchinson where we ate lunch before going to First Southern Baptist Church to sing for a group of about 15 youth, mostly from Reno County Youth Shelter.  The pastor and youth minister at First Southern do a Bible study every Tuesday night for these kids.  They are teenagers who have been removed from their homes by the state for various reasons.  Because of the smallness of their facility, the kids were transported to the church where we sang, stomped and shared our message of hope and change.  When Bro. James asked those who prayed to receive Christ to acknowledge their desire for him to continue to pray for them, 10 people including the two workers from the shelter raised their hands.  One of the workers was visibly moved and well into the next song was wiping tears that were running down her face.

A Scripture that kept coming back to me these last few days which I shared with the kids this morning is Isaiah 61:1-4,6. 

“The Spirit of the Lord God is on Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor.  He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and freedom to the prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of our God’s vengeance; to comfort all who mourn, to provide for those who mourn in Zion; to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, festive oil instead of mourning, and splendid clothes instead of despair.  And they [i.e. the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, the prisoners and all who mourn] will be called righteous trees, planted by the Lord, to glorify Him.  They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the former devastations; they will renew the ruined cities, [this next phrase I just really noticed today] the devastations of many generations…But you will be called the Lord’s priests; they will speak of you as ministers of our God.”

The kids we sang for today, as in all the facilities we were in, are the product of “the devastations of many generations.”  This is the ministry we’ve had these last nine days.  A ministry that our youth choir has embraced with all their being.  A ministry that sets this choir apart from other youth choirs and a ministry that we hope continues for many years to come.

We left Hutchinson and arrived in Ponca City in time for supper.  (You should have heard the whoopin’ and hollerin’ in the bus when we got inside Oklahoma!)  After supper we spent the evening in the gym at Northeast Baptist Church where James’s good friend and fellow Singing Churchman, Guy Cooper, is Minister of Music.  After basketball, volleyball and other games, we settled in a room and had our annual Secret Saint Reveal.  Bro. James began by sharing the character qualities seen in his Secret Saint, Alisha Lackey, who then shared the character qualities she had observed in her secret saint, Meagan Thomas, who then shared and revealed her secret saint, and so on until Casea Boyd revealed her secret saint as Bro. James.  After that Caleb led us in a time of worship and several of the kids shared their feelings about the trip and each other, especially towards the seniors in the group.  It was a very emotional time and one they did not want to end.  But since we had to leave so they could close the building, the love continued on the bus where when we arrived at the hotel we could hardly get the kids off the bus.  Then when we got them off of the bus we could hardly get them out of the parking lot.  Eventually everyone made it to their rooms in a timely fashion for room checks and tape on the doors.  What a special year this has been with a great group of kids!

In the morning we get up and head to Olive, OK where we will sing in the morning service before heading down the turnpike to OKC and our home concert at QSBC.  Can’t wait to get home and let the kids sing, stomp and share with all of you.

Today we left our beautiful “home away from home” at Glen Eyrie and traveled south to Pueblo where after an early lunch we made our way to El Pueblo Boys & Girls Ranch.  As you can see, each person has a specific job when it comes to unloading and loading the bus.  For a few minutes it’s a mad scramble getting everything set up:  risers, keyboard with the stand and bench, music stands, speakers, mic stands, amp, and STOMP equipment.  Then mic cables have to be run and a sound check done. 

Today, because we finished all that with time to spare, we did a new thing.  We prayer walked across the bleachers where the kids would be sitting.  As I walked across the section directly behind where James would be sitting, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to pause and pray especially for the simplicity of the gospel to be understood.  The first group to enter came directly to those seats and it didn’t take long to see this group of students were mentally disabled.  Immediately I thought about what I had prayed and was so grateful to know that that prayer was directed by the Holy Spirit knowing who would be sitting there.  It was a living illustration of part of our devotion today about allowing the Holy Spirit reveals to us how to pray so that we pray according to the will of God.  What a blessing!  When James gave the invitation 35 made decisions.

El Pueblo Boys & Girls Ranch has goats, hogs, and miniature horses.  On the way out we stopped by the barn to see the horses.  We then made our way a couple of hours down the road for a fuel stop in Lamar where my aunt and uncle, Linda & Douglas Sanford met us.  Douglas has been a bi-vocational pastor for more than 45 years.  They recently moved to Wiley (a few miles from Lamar) to plant a church.  Not only was I able to spend a few minutes with them, they got to meet the kids who did a short concert of all their a cappella numbers for them right in the corner of the truck stop (two of which I had arranged so it was a special treat to me for them to get to hear the kids sing them).  I was so proud of them as every choir member not only stopped to shake their hands as they got off of the bus, they shook their hands and hugged their necks before they got back on the bus.  I know it was a blessing to my aunt and uncle, and it was a blessing to me!  Your kids are the greatest!

The rest of the evening was spent traveling to Dodge City where–with the time change and a supper stop–we arrived save and sound at 10:00 pm.  Two more nights and we’ll be home to share our message and music with our QSBC family.  Thank you for your continued financial and prayerful support that makes these trips possible. 

After the Starbucks stop we made it to the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center which housed male and female youths between the ages of 13 and 21.  we set up and sang in the courtyard.  This day was sunny, but it was very windy.  We sang for a crowd of about 80 including workers.  Out of that number about 20 raised their hands to indicate their decision to follow Christ.  The average age of this crowd was older than most we’ve sung for, and they seemed to be a little more hardened, especially the girls.  When we left, the director did ask James to bring us back next year which means we have an open door for service again some day.

Next on our agenda was the cog train up Pike’s Peak.  We boarded the train and headed up the mountain–all 14,110 feet.  We made our way through the Pike Forest where among the trees we saw huge boulders and interesting rock configurations.  As we rose higher and higher the views were spectacular.  At one point we had to stop, switch tracks and wait for a train coming down the mountain to pass.  We were stopped for several minutes and of course, we seized the opportunity to sing America the Beautiful.  At the request of Bro. Don, our bus driver, the engineer asked if there were any veterans on board and explained that we were going to sing in their honor.  After the song the train passed and we were able to get back “on track”.  As we climbed higher and higher above the timberline it looked as though we were going right off the edge of the mountain.  As you can see, there was a good deal of snow.  The temperature at the top was 25 degrees.  Good thing we had our short sleeved t-shirts, long sleeved t-shirts and our wind breakers all on our bodies.  The wind was fierce, and the ground was muddy from the snow, and most of us were a little light-headed.  Since we didn’t have time to eat between the detention center and the train ride, most of us grabbed something to eat before we boarded the train for the ride down (which took about 1-1/2 hours).

Next up was a quick drive through Garden of the Gods which is right next door to Glen Eyrie, where we’re staying.

Our last stop for the night was a fine Italian meal at Giuseppe’s in the old train depot.  As usual we closed the day with a time of worship and sharing observations about the day and spiritual insight into the day’s activities.  Tomorrow, after singing at the El Pueblo Boys & Girls Ranch we will begin our journey home through Kansas with a few stops along the way.

Thank you for your prayers.  To date there have been at least 175 who have indicated a desire to follow Christ, and for this we are thankful.

Having crossed the bridge without anyone jumping off into the Colorado River, it was time for a rendezvous on the Arkansas River.  The first order of business at Vessels For Honor Rafting (a Christian based rafting company) was a barbeque sandwich with all the “fixin’s”.  Then it was time to get outfitted in wet suits. With everyone suited out, it was time for a 20 minute rafting lesson.  Then it was on to the river.  Over the next 2-1/2 hours they floated 16 miles down the river, learned spiritual lessons and had an absolute ball.  After  returning to the VFH base and changing clothes, all  STOMP equipment was unloaded from the bus and an impromptu concert ensued.  People seemed to come out of the woodwork to listen to what was going on.  (The dogs in the area especially seemed to get into it.)  After singing all three a cappella songs and performing both STOMP pieces for a most appreciative and awestruck audience, we loaded the bus, made a supper stop, and headed back to our “home away from home” at Glen Eyrie.  With everyone worn out, we had our worship time and if was off to bed.

In the morning we leave bright and early for another detention center in the Denver area.  Thank you for your prayers and support.  To date 155 have made professions of faith and we are so grateful that day after day God has shown Himself strong on our behalf.

Below are some photos to give you an idea of the beauty of our surroundings.  What a beautiful illustration we saw of Psalm 23 “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.” 

At lunchtime we enjoyed a Mexican Fajita Buffet in The Carriage House.  It was good food and plenty of it.  As Abby McBride said, “Now this is what I’ve been waiting for!”  Before we ate, we sang Psalm 91 for the wait staff and then James invited some tourists in the courtyard to step inside and we sang Shout to the Lord for them.  After lunch we had more time for hiking before leaving at 3:00 for the Springs Rescue Mission.

A rigid state of flexibility is always required as we walk into a facility without knowing about space issues.  Sometimes we have to get real creative as to how we set up.  Such was the case at the rescue mission.  After rearranging the room to accommodate the choir, the keyboard and the STOMP equipment (minus the brooms), and all the people there to eat (about 100), we proceeded with the concert.  The people were so appreciative.  Some said that was the highlight of the whole year.  Others said they would remember it for a long time.  The workers said they had never had a group there like ours.  After singing and stomping James shared the gospel.   When he asked for a show of hands of those who wanted Christ to become the boss of their lives, 12 people raised their hands.  Springs Rescue Mission is dedicated to transforming the city of Colorado Springs one life at a time.  James begins his message by sharing that change on the outside is impossible without a change on the inside. Our prayer is that 12 people were indeed changed tonight and that their lives will be transformed by the power of Christ as was the testimony of some who worked at the mission.  It was a sweet time and one we will remember.

After everyone else finished with their supper, we ate our supper at the homeless shelter.  As you can imagine, not the food the kids were used to.  It made us all more appreciative of what we take for granted, and more aware of the heartaches and suffering of others.  When we returned to Glen Eyrie we had our nightly worship time in “The Hayloft” and enjoyed ice cream sundaes for dessert. Luke kept us entertained with his jokes while we waited on the ice cream.

After the worship time, James shared about how important the character qualities of discretion, loyalty and meekness were in our lives.  We then split into groups and each sponsor prayed over the kids for their lives to be marked by these qualities.  Afterward James prayed over the whole group, then encouraged them at this midway point of our trip to stay focused on our mission and not let Satan hinder us through fatigue and other distractions. 

A good day of physical activity, servant ministry and spiritual encouragement has led to a quiet house tonight and peaceful sleep.

The wonder of nature is also abundant in wildlife which we encountered on our return to our lodge.

Oh, wait a minute, that’s not wildlife that’s Tanner, Paul and Tommy playing basketball.  Well, back at the lodge it’s time to get moving. 

Today we visited two facilities:  Gilliam Youth Center in Denver and Adams County Youth Detention Center in Brighton.  The first concert took place in the courtyard before a crowd of about 50.  It was a little cloudy when we arrived, but we went ahead with the plan and set up outside.  There were a few sprinkles and at times we heard thunder and felt the wind stir and the clouds darken, but we went on trusting the Lord to hold off the rain until we were finished.  During the program James decided to give the invitation after the song God Is Love which asks the pointed question, “Won’t you open up your heart and believe?” and save I Will Trust You for after the invitation.  During the invitation after James spoke, most of the kids raised their hands indicating they had prayed to receive Christ and wanted James to pray for them.  Then, James said, “Wait a minute, this isn’t just a club you join, or to put your name on a mailing list.  This is about a relationship with Christ and if you meant business with God, if you really prayed that prayer from your heart raise your hands.”  Once again most hands went up.  After a quick count it was determined about 40 young men and women asked Christ to take control of their lives.  There was no more appropriate song to end on than I Will Trust You since the first words of the song are “You can still the pounding of the ocean.  You can move Your hand and stop the rain.”  That’s just what we saw God do for us so that we could share the gospel with people who needed to hear the good news; He moved His hand to stop the rain. 

You would think nothing could top that, but we didn’t know what was waiting for us at the next stop.  Of course, in between we had a little extra time so where else would we go but where there are Always Low Prices?   You know the place. 

With that out of the way we went to Adams County Youth Detention Center, a small holding facility that housed only 25 students.  We bought pizza for all of us and shared supper with them.  They were very receptive and responsive to our kids, both individually and as a group.  And our students were so at ease speaking with them one on one, living up to the example set by Christ.  Out of the 25 students in that facility 12 prayed to receive Christ.  After visiting, eating, singing and sharing, we heard from a couple of the students:  one played the piano and sang, and the other performed an impromptu rap about our visit.  It turned out to be one of those special evenings.  Pray for these students in the days ahead as decisions about their futures are made. 

When we returned to the lodge we had our nightly worship time led by Caleb and Josh.  To hear these kids lift their voices in praise with hearts full of gratitude giving glory to God for all He has done is an indescribable joy.  Four days into the trip, five detention centers and 143 decisions for Christ later, we’re glad we came and we’re not turning back.

I couldn’t help but think of Moses as I boarded the bus, looked straight out the front window and noticed the “cleft of the rock”, perhaps a cave entrance.  Immediately I thought of how Moses asked to see the Glory of God, and how graciously God placed Moses in the cleft of the Rock and covered him with His hand until His glory passed by.  Moses was allowed to see only His back because as God explained to him no flesh could see Him and live because of His holiness.  A perfect setting for our devotional study this week about the tabernacle, God’s holy dwelling, and its significance to our relationship with Him.

Today we worshiped at the Air Force Academy Chapel.  During the school year they have a liturgical service at 9:00 and a contemporary service at 10:00.  But since school was just out for the summer, they have one blended service at 9:00 for which we were invited to sing.  We opened the service by singing Psalm 91 and Only the Lamb for prelude.  Then at various times during the service we sang God Is Love, Your Grace Still Amazes Me and I Will Trust You.  It was amazing how the Scriptures, songs and sermon all had references to the specific things we are studying in our devotions this week.  On a personal note I was moved to tears when we sang There Is a Redeemer as I thought about Jesus, the Lamb, appearing in the Most Holy Place to offer His own blood as atonement for our sins.  Knowing that later in the week we’ll study this very thing in our daily devotions, and remembering the kids’ opening song, Only the Lamb, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness and praise over the goodness of God at work in all things.

After the service we traveled to Pueblo to grab a quick lunch then share our message with the kids at Pueblo Youth Services Center.  When we arrived the weekend supervisor had no idea who we were or why we’d come, but she welcomed us with open arms anyway.  Of the 36 juveniles in attendance we estimate 18 prayed to receive Christ.  Just to explain why numbers of decisions are estimated, James has to quickly count the number of hands raised signifying they had just prayed to receive Christ.  This happens in the brief seconds their heads are still bowed after James has led them in the sinner’s prayer.  While numbers are our only gage of possible effectiveness, We thank God that He knows each heart and will continue the good work He began today in those who truly placed their trust in Christ.  By the way, before we left we discovered that they had placed on the schedule for June 29 instead of May 29.  We praise God that we were there on the “right” day–the one on His timetable–and were not hindered from our work. 

Our next stop for the day was Ridgeview Youth Services Center in Watkins, CO (You can see we’ve been all over the map today!) where we sang for 110 young men.   Of that number about 45 indicated they prayed to receive Christ.  On the way home we made an ice cream stop at Dairy Queen where, of course, we sang America, the Beautiful in appreciation for the hospitality we received and discovered one of the employees was an army veteran which made it a special treat at DQ on Memorial Day weekend.

After our presentation we headed down the road a ways and stopped for lunch in Dumas.   After lunch we had nap time for a couple of hours, then after a quick pit stop we pressed on to Colorado Springs for a sound check at the Air Force Academy Chapel.  In the morning we will be singing five songs during the Protestant Chapel Worship Service. 

 After sound check it was time for supper at Chili’s.  (I know you’re thinking, “They can eat there at home.”  But, we don’t have a Chili’s with this kind of view.)

After supper it was on to our “home” for the next six nights–Glen Eyrie Conference Center (a ministry of The Navigators).  Glen Eyrie will serve as our home base, with trips to Pueblo and various destinations in the Denver area.

Thank you, parents, for your love and support.

Like parents waiting by the bus until we leave,

    goodbye hugs and kisses,

  sponsors,

    Don Laughlin as our bus driver,

   students feathering their nests,

   “run-way” safety instructions,

   friends,

   singing at every stop,

  circling the bus in prayer,

not to mention the famous clipboard, STOMP, tourbooks, t-shirts, taped doors,

  and last, but certainly not least, Cindy’s bagamawagers (or BMWs as they are affectionately called because their value is way beyond my pocketbook!)

Yes, there are just some things you come to count on every summer, and High School Youth Choir Tour is certainly the one we look forward to it all year long.