Student Choir Tour Final Days

 

On Friday, June 17 we traveled to Amarillo, TX to sing at Youth Center of the High Plains. 

This JDC was very strict on their residents. They came in with books, placed them under their seats when we started, clapped politely and then left. A few kids that strayed from that at all were made to stand with their faces toward the wall or had to leave. 

I pray that though we didn't see it, their hearts were touched. The guards really enjoyed it and one asked me if they really are as genuine as they seem. I told him that they are. 

That evening we took the kids to Walmart where they bought gifts for the Seniors. We gathered at the hotel for pizza and a last night party where the seniors were honored. Then Fruit of the Spirit Awards were given. The choir voted on one boy and one girl that demonstrates the Fruits of the Spirit in their everyday lives and especially through the tour. 

Gabe was chosen as the boy. 

We arrived home on Saturday around 11:00 am. The next morning The kids sang for both morning services and then had their homecoming concert. 

As part of the concert, a few students were chosen to share about the tour. Gabe shared about the night in the parking lot. 

Then he sang his solo. 

I also shared Dad Serna's story one last time. 

At the end of the concert, anyone who had been a past member was invited to join us for our last song. 

It was like a bit of heaven!! 

I can not tell you how impactful this trip was. Not just for Gabe and Selah, but it was so impactful for me. To see God working in such a mighty way was such a blessing. The teens were amazing and a grew to love them all as my own. It was an amazing blessing!!

Student Choir Tour Day 7

Thursday, June 16 was the most impactful day of our tour. 

We loaded the buses early and headed to Spring Creek Youth Services Center in Colorado Springs.

Here the kids were asked who was the youngest member. It was Selah! She was given a scholarship for next year's trip! 

There were not many residents present at this performance. Most of them were watching in their rooms on a livestream.

At this concert I started to notice some kids really connecting to the lyrics of the songs like never before. They were sounding better than ever, too!

Our next stop was also in Colorado Springs, Zebulon Pike Youth Services Center. 

We were ushered into a caged area of their gym while they set up dividers. We were told that there is a large gang presence at this center and the kids can't even see each other. We all felt the heaviness of that statement and the darkness surrounding us. 

By the second song I realized that our kids were worshipping like never before. By the third song, choir members were crying. Or trying to hold back tears. 

I found out later that they were watching as one girl went from making fun of them to crying uncontrollably. Other residents were emotional as well. One girl gave her heart to the Lord right then and there! As that was happening, we were all feeling the darkness lifting from the room. It is so hard to explain, but it was a very tangible tension - a spiritual battle that we could all sense. The battle was won over that girl and the tension was over! 

 Not a single choir member left dry eyed. We were all changed that day, as well as the girl in the audience. It was nothing short of miraculous. We heard back from the center last week that the girl had formerly been praying to an Egyptian fertility god and now is still walking with the Lord. Her behavior is different and she shines!

 

Student Choir Day 6

 Day 6 of tour was Wednesday, June 15, and it was a busy day!

We arrived at Lookout Youth Services Center at 9:45 am. 

Most of the choir sang in direct sun the whole time. 

At one time our sound system completely stopped working and the choir continued a Capella. It was so beautiful! 

The night before I had told our kids about Byron's dad who spent some time in detention as a kid and then grew up to be a lawyer and judge over jv cases. Our director, Kendall asked me to start sharing his story at the JDC's, too. This was my first one to share with. 

Our next stop was Mount View Your Services Center. 

It was again, in the direct sun. I was there as a medic/nurse to distribute medicines and just comfort kids when needed. I started having to treat sun burns, heat exhaustion and dehydration, but the kids pressed on. 

That afternoon we went to Park Meadows Mall for some down time. 

That evening I gave my testimony and later that night we had one of our members give his life to Jesus. It was a great day! 

Student Choir Tour Day 5

Did I mention that the a/c on bus 1 still wasn't working after our night in the parking lot? And bus 2's a/c never did get fixed either. So, we had different buses in Colorado. 

Our first JDC in Colorado was Marvin Foote Youth Service Center in Englewood. They have tons of prairie dogs right outside of the center - which the kids found fascinating. 

This JDC looked very much like a prison. The kids were very nervous there, not to mention dealing with altitude sickness, dehydration from sweating the last 2 days on a sweltering bus and some travel tummy issues. 

While some kids are setting up the risers and sound, the others pray over the concerts. 

The residents here were rough! The heckled and made fun of our kids the entire time. The yelled and cussed, but our kids stood firm!

This picture may look like the first row is praising, but they are actually mocking. 

Aren't they a good looking bunch of kids?

Not to mention the sponsors!!

When all was said and done that night the kids shared with us that it all just urged them to give their all even more. They actually felt honored to be mocked for the sake of the gospel. The response they got from those residents is what they were most nervous about and they survived it and weren't as scared anymore! 

After that concert we had some fun! We went to the Georgetown Loop Railroad and rode a steam locomotive! 

It was gorgeous and we all had a great time! Just what we needed to be ready for the next performances!