Day 2 @ Mission Arlington...Through the eyes of Steve-o and Dylan

Well...the day kicked off at 7 in the morning and we went and ate some yummy eggs and hash browns.  Then we headed off to the Green Oaks School, and then learned the "to do's and not-to-do's."  Since we didn't know exactly what our schedule was going to be, because we had the privilege of working with down syndrome children, we had to be very flexible.  After the orientation, we found out where we would help out at and we separated into our groups that we called "stations" and went deeper into what we would do from there.  Then, around 9, the kids started piling in.  Starting off the rotation of the 9-3 school day, we went into what was called the music room and started getting to know the kids there.  At around 9:30 we started singing some songs of joy towards our wonderful Savior.  Our theme for the week was that God is with us, and every time we head someone say "God is with us," everyone said "FEAR NOT!" with a little fist pumping action.  It was sweet!  

From there, we moved to our stations to start the rotation.  Dylan and I were in the science room and we showed the kids that seeing isn't always believing.  We had the kids close their eyes and we put things like brownies in front of them for them to smell and cotton balls for them to feel.  We told them that even though you couldn't see these objects, you still knew that they were there and what they were.  We made sure they knew that this was the same with God and that even though you can't see Him, you can feel and sense His presence.  On the last activity we had the kids dip their fingers in baby powder and put their fingers on tape so you could see their fingerprints.  This showed the evidence that we are here and that we are someone.  It also showed that God had fingerprints around the world that we could see all over.  

After three rotations of this we went to lunch and then went to the music room again and watched a Veggie Tales movie.  By this I had a girl that was a little sweet on me and i got to sit by her and watch it with her.  After a long Veggie Tale movie we learned a couple more songs including my personal favorite, "this little light of mine."  Then we went on the last rotation of activities and then went back to the music room, reviewed the songs and Bible verse, and then started getting ready to leave.  Once everyone started heading out we found out that our van was broke down and we had no chance of going anywhere, so we were stuck at the school for a little while longer.  We made the best of our time by playing some serious foam ball dodge ball and an intense game of cow racing on Wii.  After about 2 hours of waiting for the bus to get back we finally started heading back to the greatest hotel on earth.  Hawthorne Inn and Suites!  When we got back here we cranked up the A/C, some took naps, others took showers, and some like Clay watched Sportscenter.  We had dinner at 7 and a meeting at 9 preparing for tomorrow.  That's all I've got for today! I love you!

Much love, 

Steven (typed this wonderful story) :D and 

Dylan 

Mission Arlington-Day One

Hello from the Metroplex!

Today was day one of traveling for Mission Arlington!  We jetted early this morning around 8:00 AM and made it to Mt. Pleasant before girls started crying out for a bathroom break.  SO....we kicked in to the Braum's parking lot and it just so happened they were open for lunch.  It was muy delicioso!

We arrived at MA (Mission Arlington) and headed out to canvas an apartment complex where a Rainbow Express (Backyard Bible Club) will be held tomorrow.  We stopped at a convenience store for a quick liquid break and much to our dismay the ol' faithful FBC step up van would not operate correctly!  sad day!  after God sent a kind angel to fix it we went on to worship at MA and then on to dinner.  BUT....once again the mechanical demon reared its' ugly head and we finally realized that we had an ineffective battery!  so we made a quick dash to Wally World RIGHT before the automotive department closed and got a new battery!  YEAH!!!  

so we went on to dinner.  i chose panera bread (i love this place..especially the soft chocolate chip cookies!) others chose taco bueno!  then it was on to make our crazy wal mart run and then on to check into homebase here at our hotel.  after a brief prep meeting tonight we've headed to our rooms and we're going to get some shut eye. 

be praying for God to do great things in us and through us.  pray that God would give us eyes and hearts of compassion and mercy.  pray for people that we meet to be convicted by the Spirit and turn from a life of darkness to a life of light in Jesus!

see ya tomorrow!

PS....Caleb and Tanner W. say HI to their moms!!

Choir Tour Wrap Up

WOW!  that's all i can say as i sit here this afternoon trying to process all that God did in us and through us during Choir Tour 2009.  our time at camp was incredible as we slowed down a little bit and allowed the Holy Spirit to refresh us and renew us and teach us great things about Him.

do not miss out on the Homecoming Concert THIS Sunday evening at 6PM in the Worship Center.  it is going to be a great night of worship!  to God be the glory!

Click here for Camp Pics.

Click here for more Camp Pics!!

Choir Tour 2009-Day 5/6-Church & Camp

hey folks...

Sunday, June 7th

Our day began very early, even before breakfast was served at the hotel. We loaded the buses at 6:30 a.m. to leave for morning worship.  You could tell who the morning people were.  We arrived at First Baptist Church New Braunfels, Texas around 7:15 a.m. . The first service began at 8:15 and then they ate breakfast.  Our menu consisted of Mrs. Bethel's rolls and chocolate chip cookies with juice and milk.  After our breakfast, we had a special prayer time for our accompanist and friend, Retha Kilmer.  Retha is having surgery Wednesday at noon, so please pray for her.  She plans to be with us Sunday evening for the homecoming concert, what a trooper!  The second service began at 11:45 and was a thrilling time of worship. The act of worship comes in many forms and it is not the same for everyone.  The presence of our Lord was felt by all in the service.  Some stood, some raised their hands to heaven, some remained silent and still but it was evident that God was speaking through us and to us.  

After worship, we ate at yet another mall and Doug took Retha to the airport and picked up Pastor Rick, Janice, Kristin, and Josh.  We traveled to the Flying L and bus 2 had joke time.  An hour of jokes.  The insanity of it all.  After arriving to camp and finding our rooms, we were treated to a meal that did not come from the mall food court.  Our first meal at camp was spectacular.  It was also talent show night.  The sponsors took us through the decades and spared no expense for the show.  The expense might have been their dignity but a fun time was had by all.  John Bethel (aka Edwin Starr) sang "War" with background dancers, one of which was our very own Pastor Rick.  He's got skills.  

Monday, June 8th

Breakfast began at 7:30 but I don't think many were actually awake at that point. Our first Bible study began at 10:00 and Clay began in Psalms 3:3-4. A Shield for Me.  The highlight for me was the realization that God is not just a shield in front of me or behind me but around me.  Every part of my being is protected by the shield of God.  What an awesome and comforting promise of God.  He is my protector!!!!

See you tomorrow!!  Click below for Day 5/6 Pictures

Day 4-Choir Tour 2009-Sea World

hey folks...

quick post tonight before we go to bed!  we have to be up and at em EARLY in the morning as we we will be worshipping with FBC-New Braunfels, TX.  today we traveled from the metroplex to san antonio, ate lunch, and then spend the day at Sea World.  we loved watching Shamu and the other shows as well as hitting up some roller coasters.  tonight we are spending the night in San Marcos before heading toward camp tomorrow afternoon!  continue to pray!

Click Here for Sea World Pictures!

Day Three!

Greetings from the DFW Metroplex again!

Today was a BUSY day as we had 3 times of worship and took in a great movie.  The weather was hot, but God gave us some nice gusts of wind every once in awhile to make it very bearable!

We began this morning by traveling to Cook's Children Hospital in Fort Worth.  We had the privilege of singing in their beautiful atrium and as we sang patients, doctors, and nurses would stop in and listen.  It was a very moving experience for our students and for those who were patients there at the hospital.

We then moved to the University Christian Church on the campus of TCU.  This is where we had our concert with God.  As we loaded the busses at the hospital a 'no talk' order was executed and our focus quickly was on what was about to happen.  A concert with God is where we go into an older church and there are no other individuals in the church.  It's us and God.  This was an incredibly moving time!  

After lunch we headed to Mission Arlington.  Every summer our students have the opportunity to spend a week at this incredible missions center in the heart of the metroplex, so it was cool to see all of our youth choir serve as we helped with a Tent Revival.  A bunch of children came and the Gospel was presented clearly and passionately!  It was a great night of worship and ministry!

We capped off the night with a Jason's Deli boxed dinner and a viewing of the new Pixar movie "Up" in 3D.  The students and adults loved it!  It was a great way to cap off a great day!  We are getting up early in the morning as we head to San Antonio and Sea World!  Continue to pray for God to do great things in us and through us!  To HIM be the glory!!

Click here for Day 3 pictures

Choir Tour-Day Two-FBC Sachse, TX

greetings from the Lonestar state!

hope all is well in BTOWN!  we had another GREAT day as we traveled much of the day from El Dorado to the DFW metroplex.  after we traveled down I-20 from Shreveport to Dallas we stopped and ate lunch at the Town East Mall in Mesquite, Texas.  we then traveled on to Sachse, TX and settled in at FBC-Sachse.  Matt and Chelsea Jones welcomed us there.  Matt is the worship pastor and his wife Chelsea is a Pure Energy alumni.  it was a joy to see her!

our time of worship tonight was powerful.  "Revelation Song" was especially meaningful as the entire congregation stood in worship as we proclaimed the Scriptures of Revelation that describes our future times of worship of our Father in our heavenly home!  it was a great night to say the least.

we actually get to keep our suitcases unzipped 2 nights in a row here in Arlington!!  tomorrow will be an eventful day as we have 3 concerts!  there will be lots to talk about tomorrow night!  enjoy the pictures below!

Click here for Day 2 pics!!

Choir Tour 2009-FBC El Dorado, AR

Hey Folks!!

Day one is in the books, and it was a good one!  Excitement was felt all over the building at FBC as the day that we had been working so hard towards had finally come!!  After some last minutes instructions and a prayer by Pastor Rick we filled the busses and headed out.  

We arrived at FBC El Dorado around 3:30 and set up in their sanctuary.  It was a beautiful sanctuary and we enjoyed the people there a lot.  After a quick rehearsal we spent some time in their student ministry building and enjoyed a great dinner.  After dinner we got ready and headed to the sanctuary for an incredible night of worship.  There was such a neat spirit of worship!

After worship we snuck a quick round of bowling in at El Dorado Lanes before heading to our hotel!  Tomorrow we venture to the DFW metroplex for a little shopping and our second time of worship at FBC Sachse, TX.  Former Pure Energy Chelsea Crowson Jones' husband Matt is the Worship Pastor.  We are looking forward to seeing Matt and Chelsea!

Look for more updates tomorrow.  Click on the link below to look at pictures from Day One.  Feel free to leave a comment!

Blessings!!

Click here for Day One Pictures!

CHOIR TOUR!

hey folks!

well Choir Tour 2009 is just hours away!!  check back here for updated news and pictures from tour!  be praying for God to do a great work!