Tour Day 2: Calvary
Chapel
We were up and on the buses before 7 am this morning for a
short ride to Calvary Chapel. The choirs were singing back-up for a Christian
band called Reilly in all three worship services, so we arrived at the church
and spent the time before the first service doing warm-ups, sound checks, and
quick rehearsal of the morning’s music.
Reilly was premiering a song called “Change Me God” this
morning, and we had the privilege of helping them introduce it to the
congregation. In all three services, the students were blessed by seeing
members of the congregation enter wholeheartedly into worship, and were
inspired to “give it their all” as they sang.
The pastor at Calvary Chapel was starting a new sermon
series on wisely stewarding our time, money, and work, and this morning’s
sermon related to our use of time. We were challenged to keep the “urgent,
important” tasks we all face from crowding out those things (like relationships
and time with God) that, while less urgent, are no less important. The pastor
particularly challenged us to remember the “3 S’s”—Sabbath, silence, and
solitude, and to be wise in the ways we use technology.
We had a short break between the first and second service,
and after we’d finished singing for the second service, we had a short devotional
outside led by Ms. Kauffman. Focusing on our trip meditation verse, Zephaniah
3:17. She challenged us to remember
God’s love for and delight in us, especially when we are afraid, overwhelmed,
or disappointed by other relationships that don’t fulfill us. Students had the
opportunity to reflect on both the devotional and the message in small groups,
and prayed together before getting ready for the 3rd service.
After singing for the 3rd service, students had free time
until lunch. Students spread out across
the lawn, playing football and “gaga-ball” (you’ll have to ask them) with some
of the youth from the church. Other students used this time to interact with
some of the church members, or simply enjoy time outside in the sunshine with
their friends.
We headed upstairs to the youth room for a delicious lunch
provided by the church, and were joined there by the members of the Reilly
band. They ate with us, and then talked a bit more about their backgrounds,
both as individuals and as a band. After this, the students had about 20
minutes to ask questions of the band members, who gave us some food for thought
as they talked about the challenges of being Christian musicians, and how each
of them discerned their calling for music. They also talked about the
challenges of being on the road, and the joys of touring internationally. This
was a rich and thought-provoking conversation!
Then it was back to the bus to head home! It has truly been
a wonderful weekend, and we are grateful for the ways we’ve seen your prayers
answered in God’s daily provision for us.
Some particular praises:
-the beautiful weather we’ve had all weekend
-safety in all of our travels and activities
-the opportunity to interact with other musicians (yesterday
during the clinic, and today in church)
-the opportunity to worship God with his people
- the capability for the students to support each other and
love each other well during this trip
- the many opportunities to take risks, so that the students
could grow musically as well as spiritually
Things the students have been particularly thankful for:
-the opportunity to interact and start friendships with
people they didn’t know well prior to this weekend
-the chance to both worship and lead others in worship this
morning
Again, thank you for your prayers—please continue to pray
for God to be at work in the hearts of our students and the people who heard us
sing this weekend. Especially after this morning’s sermon, please also pray
that students would make time to practice the discipline of rest this weekend,
and that God would prepare each of the for the week ahead. Please pray,
similarly, for physical health as we come back from an exhausting weekend!
Know that we are grateful for your partnership in prayer!
And for God’s provision for all the details of this trip—it has been a
delightful weekend!
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