First Baptist Asheville Youth

The kingdom of heaven is near.

As you have received, so then must you give.

Be not afraid with the Lord at you side,

For Jesus died so we may live.

He said, “Come follow me.

Come by yourselves to a quiet place.

Come follow me, that someday we may see His face.”

Those who are weary, take rest.

Look to Him for comfort and He will sooth your soul,

For He is gentle and humble in heart,

And Jesus died to make us whole.

Luke 9: 23-26

What is the one thing you do best? It might be a hobby, school subject, sport or special skill. How did you get to be so good at it?

Several years ago Earth witnessed the beauty of the Hale-Bop comet. Back in the late eighties the infamous Haley’s Comet passed earth. The phenomenon of a comet is brilliant and exciting. Trouble is a comet as bright as Haley’s Comet only comes around every seventy-five years.

This morning we are witnessing another phenomenon. We also experienced it yesterday and the day before that. And we will see it tomorrow and day after tomorrow. In fact, this astrological event has occurred every day of history and will continue until the earth is no more. I’m talking about the rising of the sun. It gently warms the earth and shines its light every day. It doesn’t make the papers or the newscasts, but what an unbelievable difference it makes!

You know if we’re not careful we can become “comet Christians.” What I mean is that our faith can easily become a sparkling-brilliantly-for-a-short-time-only-to-fizzle-out-and-not-to-be-seen-for-another-seventy-five-years kind of faith. Instead we need to try to mimic the sun in our Christian walk. We need to be consistent, reliable Christians – that’s the only way we can be good at it. It’s easy to be a part of the big exciting things as a Christian and church member- retreats, choir tours, mission trips. But what about weekly Bible Study, Worship, Choir, and Koinonia? What about daily spiritual reflection and prayer or seeking to help others all year long? These are just routine things, sometimes exciting, sometimes not. However, it is in the discipline of routine things that real faith is developed. You have developed skill at a sport, hobby or school subject because you have practiced over and over again. Sometimes that practice or studying wasn’t much fun, but you did it anyway because you knew what the result would be. Being a good Christian requires the same consistent, daily consistent discipline. That’s why Christians are called disciples.

Think of ways you can develop your faith every day. Ask God to guide and help you as we go back home, enjoy the summer, and start next fall in college or high/middle school. Ask God to let you feel the Spirit everyday and to follow Christ’s teachings in all you do.

DC 09 Tour - Devotions for June 19, 2009

2009-06-19T11:15:00.001-04:00

The Youth Choir is enjoying a day off at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA. Here is their devotional reading for today:

We Sing the Mighty Power of God

We sing the mighty pow’r of God, that made the mountains rise,

That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.

We sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;

The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.

We sing the goodness of the Lord, that filled the earth with food;

God formed the creatures with a word, and then pronounced them good.

Lord, how thy wonders are displayed where e’er we turn our eyes;

If we survey the ground we tread, or gaze upon the skies.

There’s not a plant or flow’r below, but makes thy glories known;

And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from thy throne;

While all that borrows life from thee is ever in thy care,

And ev’ry where that we can be, thou, God, are present there.

Sing hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 8

Who do you consider to be beautiful? Has anything you have ever seen literally taken your breath away? What are the pictures or artwork hanging up in your room?

It is amazing how technology has changed the world in the last ten to fifteen years. Not so long ago cell phones were big, clumsy gadgets you had to plug into your car lighter. Most people thought they were just a stupid invention that would never catch on. Computers were big and fat, too, and were nothing more than just souped-up typewriters. The development of the internet has sure changed that! By the way, do you even know what a typewriter is?

Have you ever wondered how smart the people must be who have invented some of this stuff. (Like Al Gore?!!!) It really is mind-boggling to think how billions of pieces of data, pictures, music, and video are sent every day through tiny fiber-optic cables. How can a human voice fly through the air and be transmitted and perfectly understood by someone riding in a subway in another time zone half-way around the world? How can it be that an airplane which weighs 5 tons can move faster than the speed of sound? “Whoa,” and you were like “whoaa” and then I was like “whoaaaa….”

As amazing as these things are there is something else that makes them all look like kindergarten art. Look outside the window. Look around at the people beside you. Take a big, deep breath of oxygen. The most awesome invention of all time is God’s creation of the world and the people who live in it. The mountains, the sky, the moon and stars, a baby, a pine tree, a snake, a river, a seashell, a centipede, a grizzly bear, molecules and atoms and sound waves and eclipses and hurricanes and music and ideas and love and beauty and so on and so on to infinity and beyond…

‘Nuff said.

Thank God for the awesome world you live in. Remember the beauty of the world and the simple gifts of friends, laughter, and life as you enjoy this day of abundant living!

DC 09 Tour - June 18, 2009

2009-06-19T09:46:00.007-04:00

Reflections from Lawson McDonald for Thursday:

Today was a very full, memorable busy day. We began the day with some sight-seeing, visiting four different branches of the Smithsonian Museum. We first visited the introductory branch that gave us all a taste of what the Smithsonian was all about, along the way we saw props from the recently released “Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian”. Our next stop was the Air and Space branch; we saw every craft of sky and space from the very first flight all the way to the most modern technological advances of our day. The third branch we visited was up to the group, some went to the American-Indian branch and others went to the Art Gallery branch. Both were very interesting, exciting museums, there is so much to see it’s almost too much to take in! We then ate a very good lunch at the Museum Cafeteria surrounded by breathtaking sculptures and a waterfall that was truly a work of art. Our final sight-seeing stop of the day was the Museum of Natural History. Surrounded by hundreds of animals, priceless jewels and so much more we found ourselves lost in all the Smithsonian had to offer. And while we only had an hour to spend there, for some it was an opportunity of a lifetime.

Our afternoon plans for the day were to visit the local mall which is a converted train station but still a fully active station as well [Union Station]. Then we were to head to our evening concert at the Harbor Light Mission’s rehab program graduation. Our devotion this morning was about hope and the Lord’s deliverance of His people, in this case Daniel from the Lions den as is stated in our song “Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel”. It spoke of hope and how graduating from the rehab program was a new beginning for all of the graduates. It challenged us to be givers of hope tonight and show these people what it means to be forgiven and have a new start through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. After we spent some time shopping and eating at the mall we got changed and prepared to go to the concert, hoping to make a difference in these people’s lives tonight.

We arrived at the Mission at around 6:00, set up, and prepared to begin the service. From the very beginning we could tell this crowd was special, the atmosphere in that chapel from the very first word of our first song was one of hope, joy, and true appreciation. Every member of the audience was engaged and truly appreciative of our performance at this graduation. We finished singing our first two songs at took our seats for the handing out of certificates of completion. These certificates acknowledged sobriety for anywhere from thirty days all the way up to a full year. The crowd was instructed to wait to clap until all the names had been announced, but that didn’t last a second. The crowd could not contain their joy and pride to see their friends who had been through everything with them receive their certificates. It was a very humbling experience for all of us to see the crowd so selfless and truly joyful for one another. In the middle of the service we resumed our position in front of the congregation and sang another song. The rhythm was not one that was originally meant to be accompanied by clapping but it didn’t matter, we found a way! The crowd began clapping with the beat, they were so engaged in the music, they wanted to get up and move. It was an inspiring thing to see for all of us. Our final song was one that was very familiar to some of the members of the congregation and they were all invited to sing along, before long everybody in the chapel was moving and singing with everything they had. At times the crowd was singing louder than we were! It was a truly moving and inspirational experience.

This evening we went on a tour of the monuments of Washington DC. They were all beautiful and just breathtaking with this dim light of the evening. We made a quick stop at the Lincoln Memorial and couldn’t leave without seizing the opportunity to sing the National Anthem on the steps in front of the monument. We had a beautiful view of the Washington Monument as we sang and it topped off a great and memorable day. Now we head to the hotel and prepare for another full day tomorrow at Busch Gardens.

DC 09 Tour - Devotions for June 18, 2009

2009-06-19T09:44:00.001-04:00

Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel

Didn’t my Lord deliver Daniel?

Then why not every man? (woman)

He delivered Daniel from the lion’s den,

Jonah from the belly of the whale,

And the Hebrew children from the fiery furnace,

Then why not every man? (woman)

I set my foot on the gospel ship

And the ship began to sail.

It landed me over on Canaan’s shore,

And I’ll never go back no more!

Jeremiah 29: 11-14

What is the craziest dream you have ever had? What have you always said you want to be when you “grow up?” Where do you think you will be living in 10 years?

Daydreaming should be required in school. Maybe it shouldn’t be allowed in a classroom simultaneously with other subjects, but it should be a part of the curriculum. What I mean is...well...Martin Luther King said it like this, “I have a dream...”

Without a dream a person has no future. Without a future a person has no hope. Without hope a person has no life. Jesus’ entire life was spent trying to help people discover hope. He did this by helping them to look forward, not behind. He tried to help them see what they could be and he challenged them to get rid of potential-limiting sin. He knew the promise of the prophet Jeremiah that “God knows the plans he has for you, plans to prosper and not fail.”

However, simply having a dream and a hope is not enough. Jeremiah also said that we have to search and find God’s plan in everything we do. We have to follow the Christ-like way of living in order to fully realize God’s plan for a wonderful, dream-fulfilling life. Our hope is found in doing what God says.

Tonight we will be dream givers. We are going to sing for some people who because of life’s situation for them have made some bad choices. They have abused their bodies with drugs and alcohol. They have abused others out of insecurity or anger. Many of them have felt they have lost all hope and have bleak futures. We know differently. We know that all people, no matter what has happened or will happen in their life, are loved by God and that God has a plan for them. God wants them to prosper and not fail. We can be encouraging to them simply by our presence, our gift of time, our joyful music, our touch of friendship. Through us, the Spirit of God can show them a picture of abundant life. We can help give them dreams...and in the process we might become dream catchers ourselves.

Pray that God will allow you to be a giver of hope. Ask God to show you the plans he has for your life. And consider with God what dreams you should have as his follower.

DC 09 Tour - June 17, 2009

2009-06-18T09:34:00.007-04:00

Reflections from Trellace Lawrimore:

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

7:30 a.m.- To Clark’s dismay, we have not yet left the parking lot of Comfort Inn, south of Baltimore. Finally, our Youngs bus starts rolling, and we head off for the Capitol Building. Soon, Clark comes over the intercom and instructs us to begin our morning devotion. This morning we studied the song “Pacem,” and concentrated on losing the prejudices we may hold against others who are racially, religiously or socially different from us.

As the day proceeded, I accompanied 51 of my friends through a tour of the Capitol building, an edifying and entertaining experience in Ford’s Theatre, a walk-through of The House Where Lincoln Died, a delicious lunch at Hard Rock Café, a photo op in front of the White House, and a pensive trip through Arlington National Cemetery. Feeling like the ultimate tourist, I enjoyed each of our adventures today; especially being able to use something I learned in Civics—seeing a senator filibuster a bill on the Senate floor.

But overall, I liked visiting the Ford’s Theatre the most. We entered the actual theater where former President Lincoln was shot, and sat down to watch a presentation performed by a National Park Ranger. He entertained us with the story and history behind the day Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth. After the thoroughly enchanting production by the park ranger, we went upstairs and took fantastic pictures of the box where Lincoln was shot. It was an amazing opportunity.

7:30 p.m.-Our choir prepares to sing in front of a Filipino congregation in Woodbridge, Virginia. We performed beautifully (as usual), and it seemed as though the members enjoyed our concert. After socializing with the worshippers, and packing up our instruments, we walked out to the bus and finished our day by spending the evening in the pool.

Visiting with the Filipino community was a perfect time to practice the devotion on prejudices we had studied that morning. I have already had a great experience in Washington, and can’t wait for Thursday and Friday!

Trellace Lawrimore

DC 09 Tour - Devotions for June 17, 2009

2009-06-17T12:21:00.006-04:00

The choir did a great job with the National Anthem at last night's Orioles' game. (XM Radio broadcast the game, and I was able to hear it live myself! - Tracey)

Today they are touring the Capitol, Ford's Theater, and Arlington National Cemetery. Tonight is a concert for the Filipino Congregation at Grace Baptist Church in Woodbridge, VA.

Here is today's devotion:

Pacem

Dona nobis pacem.

(Grant us peace.)

Et in terra pax hominibus bonae voluntatis.

(And on earth, peace to all of good will.)

Romans 14: 13-19

Do these statements bother you?

Asian people are intellectual nerds.

Hispanic people love to drink beer and live in groups of twenty.

Black people are big fans of the welfare system.

White people can’t dance.

Blondes ask for a price check at the Dollar Store.

Surely the above statements are offensive to you. (Well, maybe not the one about Blondes!) They are offensive, first, because they are not true. Second, they are offensive because they reflect opinions that have led people throughout history (and even today) to commit acts of violence against others who are simply different than they are.

As we read in today’s scripture, since Bible times there has been conflict between groups of people over simple things like eating different foods. Added to the list could be differences between what people wear, how they talk, what music they listen to, and how they celebrate holidays. If we are very honest with ourselves, we must all admit that each of us hold certain prejudices against others. It might not be racial prejudice. It might be impressions we generalize about certain parts of our county, various types of cliques at school, even differing age groups. Unfortunately, it is human nature to be judgmental toward others who are different from us.

But we must remember that Christ came to redeem human nature. We cannot be comfortable with our prejudices “because that’s just the way we are.” Our scripture says that the kingdom of God is about peace and joy. Loving as Christ loved means that we fully accept everyone as creations of God.

Tonight we will be singing for a Filipino congregation in a suburb of DC. They are living in a foreign country. They have probably had to endure mistreatment, even abuse because they are racially different from the majority of people they live, work and go to school with. Yes, they will look different from us. They may dress differently from us. Most of them will have accents and eat different food from us and, perhaps, even serve us food unlike what we are use to. But they are, like us, followers of Jesus. God loves them just like he loves us, and the worship we share tonight will be a celebration of our similarities in Christ, not our differences. The peace that God grants to all people of goodwill will be shared tonight. We and they will be drawn closer to Christ because we will have lived together in peace.

Ask God to help you confess your sins of prejudice. Pray that God will show you ways to be a peacemaker in your home, neighborhood, school, church and workplace.

DC 09 Tour - June 16, 2009

2009-06-17T10:35:00.004-04:00

These are reflections from Ben Magee for Tuesday morning and afternoon:

It's been a very good day for all of us here on the youth choir tour. Rising early this morning, in the company of the wonderful host families, we traveled back to the bus and headed to the Virginia Baptist Retirement home in Culpepper. They were so thankful to hear the praises that we were able to sing to our lord and savior. This however was not a long stay, we finished the concert and quickly headed back to the bus to make our way to Camden Yards stadium in Baltimore. As we walked across the the harbor of Baltimore, We could see the flag that waved with thirteen stars that had inspired the writing of the National Anthem that we were preparing to sing. Though the large crowd can be somewhat intimidating, the words of another hymn we sing tells me that we should fear no powers of earth or death or sin because Jesus is ours and with us. Because of the confidence we gain from knowing this, we were able to sing wonderfully. After we had finished, Clark explained that a solider who had just returned from Iraq had come up to him and explained that he was so proud to experience such a wonderful performance from a group who lives in his own state of North Carolina. I think I speak for everyone when I say that while we sing of the mighty power of God, we are beginning to see that power working through us, speaking to the hearts that listen.

DC 09 Tour - June 15, 2009

2009-06-17T09:21:00.005-04:00

These are reflections from Katherine Ehrlichman on the first day of tour:

Yesterday was a great start to the tour. We got on the road around 8:45 and stopped for lunch at what we thought were three different restaurants (Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut) but they all ended up being built into one line… needless to say it took us a while to get through lunch. However, we were still able to arrive in Franklin right on time. Once we unloaded the bus, we began a very long, but productive rehearsal. The church cooked us a yummy supper of lasagna, salad, garlic bread, and lots of homemade brownies! After dinner, we all changed into our lovely khaki pants that fit oh so well, and our red polo shirts. Although many of us may not be happy with the uniforms, we do look very sharp! Last night, we gave an outstanding concert. Everyone there was very appreciative and complementary. We were placed with host families after the concert. I was placed in a house with 5 other girls and the best host family EVERRRRR!! They took us to Dairy Queen, which was apparently the place to be, when we got there, over half the choir ended being there. Yes, Franklin is that small of a town.

Yesterday morning’s devotion was about not conforming. We also were asked to reflect on what is “in” or “out”: Body piercings, American idol, Jessica Biel, Khaki Pants, Red shirts, and brown belts, etc. In this day in age there is a great amount of youth that don’t attend church regularly. It was even questionable for a time whether or not I would be attending choir tour this summer; However, I’m so glad that I decided to come on this trip and if yesterday was any indication of how the remainder of the trip will be, it’s going to be a great one!

DC 09 Tour - Devotions for June 16, 2009

2009-06-16T14:15:00.004-04:00

The choir has had a great start! They left Franklin, VA this morning and traveled to Culpepper, VA today, to sing in a retirement center, and are on their way to Baltimore, MD. They will be singing the National Anthem tonight at the Orioles-Mets game that starts at 7:00pm. Pictures will be posted soon!

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me, no turning back.

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!

O words with heavenly comfort fraught.

Whatever I do, wherever I be,

Still ‘tis God’s hand that leadeth me.

He leadeth me, by his own hand, he leadeth me.

His faithful follower I would be,

For by his hand he leadeth me.

Though none go with me, still I will follow, no turning back.

Philippians 2: 5-11

Do you have any nicknames? What is your unique trademark or what are you known for? What words do people use to describe you? What words would you want them to use to describe you?

We discussed a couple of weeks ago in choir rehearsal that your generation of Christians does not like to be known as “Christians.” Studies have shown that the majority of Christians under the age of 25 in America want to be known as “followers of Jesus.” Why do you think that is?

For someone to earn the description, “follower of Jesus” they have to be like Jesus. Just like fans or followers of a sports team wear jerseys and colors so that they look like their heroes, a follower of Jesus has to be like Him. It is only right to assume then, that a follower of Jesus would be someone who loves every person, no matter what. A follower of Jesus would be someone who tries to help meet the needs of people, especially those who are mistreated by others. A follower of Jesus would go to church and worship God with others. A follower of Jesus would want more than anything else to please God with how they live their lives. A follower of Jesus would pursue passionately God’s plan for their life.

It is a good thing that young Christians want to be known as followers of Jesus. Evidently, they want to be more than “believers in Jesus” or “admirers of Jesus.” They are interested in being more than “students of Jesus” or “authorities on Jesus.” They are not satisfied with simply being identified with “the religion of Christianity.” They want to be seen as people who talk like Jesus, who think like Jesus, who love like Jesus and who live like Jesus. They have decided to follow Jesus...no turning back.

Pray for God to let you know the reality of Jesus. Ask God to help you learn about Jesus through studying the Bible and observing other people who you know follow Jesus. Seek God’s Spirit of courage to follow Jesus, even though it might sometimes feel like none go with you.

DC 09 Tour - Devotions for June 15, 2009

2009-06-15T10:03:00.005-04:00

The Youth Choir left this morning for Franklin Virginia, where they will perform a concert at Franklin Baptist Church tonight. Here is their devotional reading for today:

The Heart’s Offering

As I rise with the dawn, may my soul be reborn;
Take this heart all forlorn, and refresh me in the morn.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

In the warmth of the day I consider thy way.
May thy love ever stay in my heart, O Lord, I pray.

In the still of the night, as I think on the light
In my heart burning bright, keep me precious in thy sight.

God of each living thing, bless the gift that we bring.
Take our hearts’ offering while in joyful praise we sing.

Read:

Romans 12: 1-2

American Idol – In or Out? Vegetarians – In or Out? Body Piercing – In or Out? Jessica Biel – In or Out? Shia Lebeouf – In or Out? Light Stone Khaki Pants, Brown Belts and Tucked-in Red Sport Shirts – In or Out?

From the first breath we take in this world we begin to be influenced by other people. Babies learn to talk by imitating mouth movements they see and sounds they hear from their parents. Children develop heroes and heroines who they want to be like so they dress up like them at Halloween. Teenagers form groups of like-minded and like-accessorized friends. Adults make financial decisions based on the expectations of those in their socio-economic class.

Some of this cultural influence is good, even necessary. Much of it, though, causes people to not think for themselves. Most people are passionate about whatever the latest sports craze is or whatever everybody else is watching on television or listening to on their Ipod. They make decisions based on what they think the world around them values. They are not just influenced, but totally instructed by other people. You know sheep are like that. They are so dumb that entire herds have been known to jump to their death by following one wandering member of their flock who accidentally falls over a cliff.

Conforming to the world is a big temptation. It is easier to just blend in or to believe whatever someone tells us. It would have probably been easier to not have made the sacrifices you have made to come on this tour. All this last year you could have just slept more on Sunday evenings at 5:00 or gone to the movies with friends or played an extra game of hoops. Going to choir at church- In or Out? Something made you decide that being a part of Youth Choir is In! Something makes you come to church. Even though the majority of teenagers in Buncombe County are not involved in a church youth group, you are. Why are you on this trip?

We are a part of this choir and on this trip because our hearts have been touched by the Spirit of God. We feel it when we sing, when we worship and pray, when we do something for others. Our heart’s offering this week is our time and talent. Instead of letting others wrongfully influence us, we are trying to influence them with the beauty, truth and grace of God. We are singing so that our hearts will continue to burn bright.

Ask God to show you this week who you are and what you want to be passionate about. Ask God to bless those who will hear us sing and to inspire all of our hearts to be conformed to the Spirit’s leading everyday.

Leipzig Trip

2008-08-05T11:54:00.002-04:00

We are home! Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support. Yesterday was a full day of travel from downtown Munich to Charlotte to the church....about 18 hours! The homecoming meant alot to the youth. It was truly great to see all of you. Watch the website and newletters from the church for pictures and mark your calendar for August 20, at 6pm for a time of sharing at the church. Again, thank you! We will all remember our 10 days in Germany and the experience of worship and culture exchange with 8000 young people from 89 countries. The challenge of the conference was for all of us to "dig deeper" in our relationship with God! Pray that it will be so. God bless you, Roy

Student Choir Devotion for August 4, 2008

2008-08-04T09:00:00.001-04:00

Come, Thou Fount

Come, Thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise.
Teach me some melodious sonnet sung by flaming tongues above;
Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I’m come;
And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.
Jesus sought me when a stranger, wand’ring from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood.

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wand’ring heart to thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, take and seal it, seal it for Thy courts above.

Read: Romans 8: 35-39

Reflect: Can you remember a time when you were a little kid and got lost from your parents? Where was it? How long did it take you to find them or them to find you? Have you ever been watching or babysitting a child and in a split second they were gone and you couldn’t find them? Can you recall that sense of panic?

Consider: It is not a fun feeling to be separated from safety. A child panics when suddenly they can’t find the adult who is their caregiver. A rock climber knows there’s trouble when the safety rope suddenly goes limp. A skydiver always has one hand on the parachute.

The song, Come Thou Fount reminds us that we are all “prone to wander, prone to leave the God we love.” The curious, explorative nature of a two-year old is something we never lose. We all want to see fresh places, be around different kind of people, do new things. This sense of adventure is a gift from God and is a wonderful part of being fully human. Unfortunately, sometimes such experimentation can result in unhealthy consequences. The thrill of seeking something new or out of the ordinary can lead us to mess up pretty badly. The pursuit of fresh excitement can take us further away from the safety of old reliable friends, habits and values.

It’s a great thing to know that when this happens the fount of God’s love still flows to us. A very true bumper sticker says, “If you don’t feel as close to God as you once did...guess who moved!” God is always there for us, constant and unchanging. As the text from Romans says, no force from the outside can separate us from His love.

As the experience of this trip comes to an end, let’s all be honest. Although there is great meaning and contentment in being a follower of Jesus, sometimes it is hard. Sometimes it is not very exciting. Sometimes the routine of praying, going to church, reading the Bible, or trying to do the right thing seems boring. This trip has probably been a high point for many of us in our Christian journey, but life back at school, college or work will not have the same “bada-bing” as a trip to Europe. We will all be prone to wander away from church or personal time with or service to God.

Pray: Let us all pray that we will remain faithfully close to Jesus and to one another. Let us seek to make the world more full of God’s love and joy. In doing this, may we each find the profound and abiding peace of Christ.

(Written by Clark Sorrells)

Leipzig Trip

2008-08-03T18:01:00.001-04:00

Last Full Day! As today was mostly a day of traveling, we still had many enjoyable exeriences. first, we woke up bright and early in our lovely uniforms, and headed straight to Bach's home church where he worked for twenty seven years. Naturally, this was a high for Clark, we got to see his grave and have a private tour all to ourselves. Then the service started, which I might add was completely in German. We added an american twist to the traditional sevice by singing three songs, "Come Flood This Heart of Mine", "Hush Somebody's Calling My Name", and the all famous "Alleluia Fugue". As we finished the first song we were echoed by the amazing reverb that the church's vaulted ceilings created. It was a spine tingling noise that completed our choir tour and literally was a great note to end on. From there we all rushed to the bus to get to the closing celebration of the BWAYC, still in our uniforms. Here we gathered for the last time with youth from eighty nine different countries where the celebration was broadcasted live on German television. We sang, danced, and prayed together reflecting on our time with each other and all that we had learned. Finally at the end of the conference, we had to say our goodbyes to our global friends and our uniforms as we ran to the bathrooms to change. We got on the bus once again and prepared ourselves for the five hour journey ahead of us to Munich. Once we arrived and found our hotel with lack of air conditioning, we cleaned up and headed out to the restaurant Lenz where we were greeted and served wonderful German food. This meal together truly wrapped the trip up for us since this is also what we arrived to on the first night in Germany. We got back to the hotel and gathered for final thought and reflection. From all that was shared it was evident how close we have grown to each other and God over the past ten days. Lastly, each of us were given a Dive Deeper bracelet by Roy that we exchanged six times with- prayer partner, family group members, and for some hugs. Thank you for your prayers and support. We get up in six hours to come home where we can't wait to see you all and share our many stories!

Love you!

Corey Hart & Madeline Lipe

Student Choir Devotion for August 3, 2008

2008-08-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Alleluia Fugue

Praise the Lord and sing unto His holy name. Alleluia, sing alleluia!
O let us sing a song of joy!

Praise the Lord and let the earth and heaven sing. Alleluia, sing alleluia!
O let us sing a song of joy!

Praise the Lord and let the joyful music ring. Alleluia, sing alleluia!

Read: Matthew 5: 13-16

Reflect: Who comes to mind when you hear the words, “Whassup dog?” What restaurant do you immediately associate with spotted black and white cows doing crazy things? What is your personal trademark?

Consider: Today we sing at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig. This church is the congregation where Johann Sebastian Bach spent the last twenty-seven years of his life (1723-1750) as organist/choirmaster, “minister of music” in modern Baptist terms. During a three-year period in Leipzig he composed a full-length (20-30 minutes) cantata for choir and orchestra every week: nearly 150 cantatas (obviously, this was pre-computer, quill pen and ink stuff.) These compositions are still sung and played all over the world today as are his other masterpieces: St. Matthew’s and St. John’s Passion, the Brandenburg Concertos, Christmas and Easter Oratorios, Preludes and Fugues, and Sonatas for various solo instruments- just to name a few. All in all, during his life Bach composed thousands of pieces of music, and still managed to father twenty biological children between writings!

Despite the rhythmic excitement and intricate details of his compositions, the one thing that makes Bach’s music extraordinary is not the music itself. To me, Bach is a musical giant because of the three simple Latin words that he penned at the bottom of the last page of every composition he ever wrote. The words and the sentiment behind them are Bach’s eternal trademark: Soli Deo Gloria (To God alone be the glory.)

No matter what the talent, skill or knowledge, our gifts come from God. Developing these gifts and using them to their fullest is the best expression of a life well-lived. Whether it is in the classroom, baseball field, theatre stage, computer terminal, or orchestral chair, when we nurture our special abilities to be the best they can be, we glorify God. The wise person is the one who always acknowledges this and is full of gratitude to God. Nothing is more repulsive than someone who has outstanding ability and behaves like they themselves are “God’s gift to the world.” However, nothing is more engaging or powerful than someone who humbly shares their talent as God’s gift to the world.

A very central part to the Christian faith is discovering our own individual contribution to the kingdom of God. Each of us must determine what we do best and then direct that ability toward helping or inspiring others, toward figuring out solutions to the world’s problems, toward expressing God’s grace to all people everywhere. This is referred to as “our calling.” God equips us all and then calls us all to serve others to the glory of God. What is your trademark and your calling in life? This is perhaps the most crucial decision you can ever make.

Soli Deo Gloria.

Pray: Pray that God will lead you to always use your gifts, time and energy to make a positive impact on others. Also pray that God’s Spirit will help you to discover your unique Christian calling in life.

(Written by Clark Sorrells)

2008-08-02T17:50:00.006-04:00

LEIPZIG TRIP!

First of all I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible for us from the bottom of my heart!! I cannot even begin to describe how amazing and life-changing this experience has been!!

Today we explored some of the most important historic places in all of Germany. I still cannot believe that I am actually here, seeing these famous places where so much happened. One of these places is the square where Adolf Hitler burned all the books...
And the Brandenburg Gate.
Another place we learned more about was Checkpoint Charlie. This part of the tour holds special meaning to me because my Granddad was a part of the U.S. Army that came through Germany. The Checkpoint Charlie Museum had disturbing images and moving stories of the people who tried to escape from East Germany.

And of course we could not come to Berlin without seeing the famous Berlin Wall. It is unbelievable that a government would do such a horrible thing to its people. Families and friends were separated literally over night. The people on the East side of the wall lived in constant fear of being arrested. They had no freedom of speech, especially against the government. There is no wonder there was such rejoicing when the terrible wall came crashing down in 1989. (I was alive then! This happened in my lifetime!)

On a completely different note, we had the great honor of singing in the actual church where Martin Luther put up his 95 theses that began the Protestant Reformation. Out of Martin Luther's convictions came the very doctrines we hold to be the basis of our faith. I am humbled when I know that I have stood and raised my voice in praise to God in the very place where God used a mere man to fight for His children's right to have a personal relationship with Him. We no longer need a priest to go to God for us. We are directly linked to our Heavenly Father. Praise be to God!

This evening we continued to participate in the conference where the worship was taken into the center square of the city of Leipzig. The hope was to involve the whole city in the festivities. The whole square was overflowing with people of every nationality and background. Music and dancing is the common language. In the middle of several of the songs a giant Congo line broke out. In the midst of the fun, I know God was smiling down on His children and His heart was glad of the bonds that were being made between His children and Himself. All glory be to God!

Hey Mom, Papa, and Cameron! I love you!!
Valerie Barnett

Student Choir Devotion for July 27, 2008

2008-08-02T09:00:00.001-04:00

* The devotions the student choir will use July 31-Aug 2 are provided by the Baptist Youth World Conference. During that time, I will post the devotions that they read the first 3 days of their trip: July 25-26-27. - Tracey
Zion’s Walls

Come fathers and mothers, come sisters and brothers, Come join us in singing the praises of Zion. O fathers don’t you feel determined to meet within the walls of Zion. We’ll shout and go round the walls of Zion.

Read: Acts 2: 38-47

Reflect: What is/was the favorite high school organization of which you are/were a member? A club, team, performing group, study group? Did you have regular meeting times or practices?

Consider: You know the feeling you get when your team wins? Whether it be the finals of a tournament, a big band competition or opening night of a play, there is nothing like sharing an accomplishment with a group of people with whom you have busted your rump in order to achieve a common goal. There’s a French term for it: esprits de corps – the spirit of the team!

The word “Zion” is the name of a team. It has been used since early Bible times to describe the people of God. “Singing the praises of Zion and shouting around the walls of Zion” means running around the stadium singing the fight song to the top of your lungs because the game is over and you have won!

God has given us a team with whom to live life. We call it the church. The scripture from Acts is a wonderful description about one of the very first churches ever formed. They shared everything together, supported each other and devoted themselves to learning about Christ in order to serve him better. Tonight we will be joining with a part of God’s church we have never met before: the International Baptist Church in Nuremberg. Other choirs will be there and we will all sing and worship together. We will be celebrating together as a team, as the body of Christ.

God made us to be at our best when we are yoked together with other people. We are hard-wired with the need for other people. Our happiness is always multiplied when we share it with others and our disappointments are divided when we allow others to help us. By worshipping and serving together regularly with others at church we follow the example of Jesus who “on the Sabbath went to the synagogue as was his custom.” That is what being a church is.

Think about your Zion. Do you realize how big the world-wide body of Christ is? Who are the important players in your own church who inspire your faith? Who are members of your church who might need your compassion right now?

Pray: Pray and give thanks to God for the universal church and the strength and encouragement it gives you. Ask God to help you become a loyal, valuable part of the body of Christ.

(written by Clark Sorrells)

Leipzig Trip

2008-08-01T17:08:00.007-04:00

This morning we arrived at the conference at 8:30 in the morning in order to warm up before we sang in the worship service. For the first time we were able to see the banquet hall in which we praise the lord every evening and night completely empty; the usual loud, worshipful, joyous room, was silent. As I looked around I could not believe that every seat in that room would be filled within a matter of thirty minutes with people from all over the world praising the same awesome God. Do you realize how magnificent that is? To worship our God, our Lord and Savior with people who barely speak the language you have spoken your entire life.

We sang three songs in the worship service this morning, "Come Flood This Heart Of Mine", "Praise His Holy Name", and lastly, "Hush! Somebody's Callin My Name", which was the theme of the entire day. We were encouraged throughout the day to open up our hearts and let the message of the lord fill our souls, to be silent and to listen to what God is calling you to do in your life.

After worship we all depart to our family groups where we have Bilbe Study with about twenty other people from various nations. In my family group, group number 234, we have people from Germany, Scotland, Swizterland, India, South Korea, United Kingdom, Alabama, Texas and Jamaica. I can honestly say that within a matter of two days I have became very close to a lot of the people in my group. I automatically formed a deep relationship with Timon from Germany, Chris from the UK, Inwhan from South Korea, Danielle from Jamaica, Paul from Germany, and David from Scotland. There was never an awkward moment between us, even with the language barrier, because right away we knew that something so much deeper than the avergae relationship was bringing us together, the will of God. Today's bible verse was Luke 9: 28-36, for quick reference, it is the bible verse in which Jesus takes Peter, John, and James to the mountain to pray and Moses and Elijah appear before them and then the voice of God booms from above saying to the disciples, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen, listen to him." In order to better analyze the story we broke into small groups and (pictured is Inwhan, Keli, Lauren, and Chris)

in my group was Danielle and Chris. To make a long story shorter, I have never been so inspired by two people I had just met than I was with them. They taught me more about the love of God in fifteen minutes than I could every imagine. I asked the question, "If the main point of Jesus bringing the disciples to the mountain to pray was for God to say what he said, then what was the point of Moses and Elijah appearing at this moment, because I know that in the Old Testament it states that they will appear, but why now?". Chris and Danielle thought a moment and then Chris replied with one of the most eloquently spoken statements I have ever heard, he said, "I think that they were shown to the disciples to illustrate the connection between generations, to bridge the gap between the old and the new, the wise and the learning, the prophets and the disciples. It is somewhat analogous to what God is trying to show us now, to show our generation, that he is not done forming great people to perform his will, that the gap is not done being bridged." WOW! Talk about powerful and this is just one example of how incredible the people in my family group are.

After family group time most people from the group went and toured Leipzig but eleven of us stayed at the conference with Roy. Tyler, Timmie, Brian, Keli, and I played volleyball on the courts surronded by people from all over the world, alongside people playing futbol and ultimate frisbee. I would just like to say, we were undefeated. Timon (the young man from Germany that was in my group) and Corbon (a young man from Tennessee) played volleyball along with us and were major contributors to our team's victory. After that we socialized and ate wonderful German chocolate until worship.

The worship service was fantastic with an interview of Asha Sanchu from Nagaland, India, who has done much work with female sex workers in Thailand and India; helping them find Jesus. The speaker of the night was Denise Vasconcelos from Brazil, and she spoke to us about listening to what Jesus was telling us to do in order to complete his will.

It was a fantastic day in Leipzig! I hope all is well back home and we appreciate your prayers. God Bless!!!!

With lots of love and joy,

Lauren Christian

Student Choir Devotion for July 26, 2008

2008-08-01T13:25:00.000-04:00

Down to the River to Pray

As I went down to the river to pray studyin’ about that good ol’ way
And who shall wear the robe and crown, good Lord, show me the way.

Oh brothers let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down
Oh brothers let’s go down to the river to pray.
(Oh sisters, sinners, Christians)

Read: II Kings 5: 1, 9-14

Reflect: Do you like to bathe/shower before going to bed or first thing in the morning? Bar soap or body wash? Shampoo and conditioner, or just shampoo? 5 Minutes, or 30?

Consider: Is there anything better than a good, slow shower after you’ve gotten majorly sweaty from basketball, mowing the yard, or just laying out in the hot sun? How about the feeling of brushing your teeth after you wake up with “gunk mouth” or after you’ve eaten Italian, complete with four pieces of garlic bread? Feeling clean means feeling good.

Imagine how Naaman, the guy in the scripture, must have felt when his larva-infested, leprous skin became like a ten-year-old boy’s skin after he dipped in the Jordan River. He surely must have felt like a totally new person, full of life and promise. He was, in every sense of the word, born again!

Throughout the Bible and the history of Jesus’ followers, water and bodies of water have symbolized new life. From the flood of Noah that destroyed the evil of the world and replenished the good to the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, water has birthed life. From the mighty waters of the Red Sea parted by the rod of Moses to the living water offered by Jesus to the woman at the well, water has given deliverance. From the watery womb of our mothers at our birth to the refreshing waters of our baptism, God sustains our life. These stories are what’s behind the power of the song Down to the River. For centuries people have gathered beside rivers in every part of the world to experience and witness baptism into a relationship with Jesus. It is an important ritual of our faith and a vital beginning step for a life-long commitment to Christ.

But the cleansing doesn’t stop there. The exhilarating feeling of ridding oneself of dirt and sweat by showering can only be surpassed by the freedom felt when we mend a broken relationship with God. Sometimes this requires confessing our sins to God and asking for forgiveness. Sometimes it means we have to say we are sorry to other people. And still other times it might mean an intentional change of bad habits. Whatever it takes, being made clean is always the first step to being made better. For the Christian, this is a daily process just like taking a shower.

So, what do you say? Oh, Christian, let’s go down, let’s go down, come on down…the water’s fine.

Pray: Ask God to show you the parts of your heart and life that are not so clean. Ask God to forgive you and to help you strive for holy thoughts and actions.

(written by Clark Sorrells)

Leipzig - BWYC

2008-07-31T17:45:00.005-04:00

Today was our first full day at the conference. The theme of today was deeper justice from Jesus, and in morning celebration and bible study we heard about Luke 19:1-9 the story of Zacchaerus. After that we got to meet our family groups for the first time. My leader was from the D.C. area and the 24 youth in my group aged from 14 to 18, coming from the US, Germany, Denmark, and other places. We sat outside as a family and talked more about Zacchaerus and struggles that we might have that hold us back from God. When it was time for lunch we at ate at a table with our family groups in a massive cafeteria.

For the afternoon we were able to pick to go to two of many different workshops that they offered, go to the global village, play sports and games (such as bull riding), or hang out in the chill zone to meet new friends from around the world.

In evening celebration tonight heard from Zach Hunter a 16 year old boy from the ATL, who has stepped up to change the world to end modern-day slavery. By hearing about everything he has already done, he showed us we don’t have to be an adult to change the world. Then our speaker for the night was a man by the name of Shane Claiborne. He told us his story about how he spent 10 weeks with Mother Teresa, and all he learned from her. “Even God was Homeless” is what he keep saying as he talked about how he help out the homeless through out his community in Chicago. Deeper justice form Jesus, and how we need to bring heaven down to earth by looking out for others before ourselves. One of his stories was about Mother Teresa’s feet. He said that they were deformed because when they got shoes they would only get enough for everyone and she would go and wear the worst pair, so others could be better off. Therefore during a song of reflection song after that, we where asked to take off our shoes to show that we too can he was humbled as Mother Teresa was.

Last thing tonight was our sound check on the main stage. We sing three songs in the morning celebration right before the message/main speaker. So please pry that everything goes good, as we sing for in front of everyone at the conference.

Student Choir Devotion for July 25, 2008

2008-07-31T11:32:00.003-04:00

Hush! Somebody’s Calling My Name

Hush! Hush! Somebody’s calling my name.
O my Lord, O my Lord what shall I do?

I’m so glad that trouble don’t last always.
I’m so glad I got my religion in time.
Soon one morning death come creepin’ in my room

Hush! Hush! Somebody’s calling my name.
O my Lord, O my Lord what shall I do?
Hush! Hush! Hushsshshshshshsh...

Read: Matthew 10: 29-33

Reflect: Write out your full name: _________________________________________________________

Write any nicknames you have: _____________________________________________________

Why did your parents give you the name you have? What characteristics make you unlike any other person? Who gave you your nicknames? Do you think your names fit you?

Consider: Didn’t you hate it in elementary school when on the first day of a new school year the teacher called the roll for the first time and totally screwed up the pronunciation of your name? Or worse, called you by your full name which nobody had ever heard in public - like Fred Clark Sorrells!

A roll call is an inevitable part of life, though. Because we are all unique individuals, we are given names so who we are can be distinguished from everybody else. Yes, God made each of us carefully and purposefully. God knows each of us by name and knows the number of hairs on our heads. And since God knows us so personally, then we each can also know God personally.

Faith and Christian living are not things we just naturally inherit from our parents or that we get through the osmosis of being a part of a church. A relationship with God is a gift we each must intentionally seek. It is a treasure we must find ourselves. It is something no person can give us or achieve for us.

This trip is a great opportunity to discover and deepen our relationships with God. That can only happen if we admit our own need for God. Traveling in Europe with this great group of people will be awesome, but this adventure is about so much more than that. It is a great chance for each of us to receive God’s gift of meaningful life. Right now, if you can be quiet and listen, somebody’s calling your name.

Pray: Pray that you can know you the way to discover and develop your own relationship with God.

(Written by Clark Sorrells)

Leipzig Trip

2008-07-30T18:07:00.002-04:00

Today we left from Prauge and started on our way to Leipzig. First we stopped in Dresden and ate lunch. In Dresden we saw a beautiful church that had been bombed in World War II and was totally restroed to look like new. Dresden is also famous for its China that is made there. We left there and came into Leipzig. We came to our hotels that are beautiful to clean up and get ready for the confrence. We went to the Opening Celebration that was in a beautiful glass building. We sang songs with thousands of other people from around the world and got to hear from the Mayor of Leipzig. They showed us a slideshow on the history of Germany and how it was destroyed and rebuilt after World War II. We then sang five of our songs to many people from across the world and got to hear some of them sing as well. Keep praying for us and we all miss you back at home.

Sarah Price

Student Choir Devotion for July 30, 2008

2008-07-30T12:02:00.002-04:00

Shout to the Lord

My Jesus, my Savior, Lord, there is none like You.
All of my days I want to praise the wonders of Your mighty love;
My comfort, my shelter, tower of refuge and strength,
Let ev’ry breath, all that I am never cease to worship You.

Shout to the Lord, all the earth, let us sing power and majesty, praise to the King;
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.
I sing for joy at the work of Your hands, forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand.
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You.

All creatures of our God and King lift up your voice and with us sing, Alleluia, Alleluia!
Thou burning sun with golden beam, thou silver moon with softer gleam, O praise Him,
Alleluia! Shout to the Lord! Alleluia!

Read: Philippians 2: 1-11

Reflect: What do you think is the most common theme in the current presidential campaign? in American culture in general?

Consider: Tonight will be the beginning of the Baptist World Alliance Youth Conference. We will be with thousands of teenagers and young adults from all over the world. The world has come to Leipzig for one reason: the words of Shout to the Lord, “Lord, there is none like you.” It is the perfect time for you to ask yourself some questions: “Is Jesus Christ really the most important person in my life? Do I genuinely want to be someone who makes him Lord, even if that means being different from other people I am around everyday? Do I want to dive deeper in my commitment to God?”

Of course, saying “yes” to these questions requires sacrifice. The scripture passage from Philippians says we are to have the same mind as Jesus had. We have to be a servant to others as he was. We have to be obedient to the ways of God. We are not promised “success” in the world- Jesus’ life on earth ended in his being killed by the misunderstanding establishment. What we are promised is significant purpose and everlasting peace in life.

These questions are relevant for all Christians in the twenty-first century. More so than any other time in history, the status and influence of authentic Christian faith is in peril. Especially in America, the power of materialism and the need for constant entertainment and recreation have people saying, “Almighty Dollar, there is none like you.” The desire to be self-giving servants is dwarfed by the thirst for comfort. Involvement in church is at an all-time low. In spite of, or maybe because of the saturation of Christian witness in our culture – television, internet, music industry – true discipleship in Christ is becoming more and more rare.

Your decision about the direction of your life amidst these challenges is not one that can be put off until “I get out of college, settle down, get a job and start a family.” The energy and time you give right now to whatever you think is most important will determine who you are for the rest of your life. Now is the time to decide to either be swept away by the strong tide of “looking out for number one,” “image is everything,” or “just being happy,” or to dive deeper into the rich, refreshing waters of joyful Christian living.

Pray: Connect with the spirit of God, submitting your values and highest hopes to the example and Lordship of Christ.

(written by Clark Sorrells)

* For the next 3 days, the devotions the student choir will use will come from the Baptist Youth World Conference. During that time, I will post the devotions that they read the first 3 days of their trip: July 25-27. - Tracey

2008-07-29T23:41:00.000-04:00

concert in St. Nicholas Church in Prague

Leipzig Trip - July 29

2008-07-29T23:00:00.000-04:00

Gute nacht! I would say that in Czech but I would have no idea how to do so. It has been a very long day here in Prague, but I mean that in the best way possible. All those people who call this place the most beautiful city in the world have a great point; all those who disagree have never been here. We started our day this morning by seeing possibly the prettiest and most worthwhile sites in the entire city of Prague: its castle and cathedral. After our breakfast, we got on the bus with our two Czech tour guides and headed up the hill to the castle which, as we were told, used to be an entire city by itself. The beautiful buildings actually form a complex of palaces, gardens, courtyards, and countless works of art known as the Prague castle. Half now in use as the offices of the President of the Czech Republic, the complex is also beautifully preserved for exhibition to the public. The most fascinating building in the castle, and the one that occupied most of our time, was Prague’s cathedral. This absolutely beautiful building (parts of which were built in the 14th century and others in the 20th) is the third largest cathedral in the world. Not in the Czech Republic or Eastern Europe, the world. Containing breathtaking architecture, priceless works of art, and the tombs of Kings, Emperors, and Saints (including Saint Wenceslas, of Christmas Carol fame), the Cathedral left all of us speechless. Or nearly so. After being informed by our guide of several choirs singing in this beautiful house of God, the group proposed and performed an impromptu concert in the cathedral, albeit without a method of attaining the proper key. The notes were not perfect; our placement in the Transcept made things a little awkward, but the experience of singing in that place was like no other I can remember or imagine. There are moments in life that take your breath away, when we manage to find a moment to empty our minds and let God fill the space. For me, at least, this was one of those moments.
In a wonderful turn of events, however, this was not my only moment of astounding closeness to God today. After a quick change back at the hotel and a somewhat awkward lunch on the Old Town Square we had the opportunity and blessing to sing in St. Nicholas Church, a 17th Century building that, at perhaps less than a third the size of the great cathedral, still managed to leave me in awe. The crowd that gathered for our concert (surprisingly large, perhaps due to the surprise fliers that were passed out on the square) was more than appreciative of our program. Several spoke to me afterwards, usually in broken English, but the tears rolling down several cheeks spoke more clearly to me about what we had done than even the best articulated conversation of thanks. Even during the concert (I promise this didn’t distract me, Clark) I had another moment of breathtaking closeness to God. The acoustics of the room caught the sound of our singing like few venues I have ever heard, and the sound of our music glancing upward off of the magnificent frescoes of saints and angels, as if carrying our voices and our praises directly to God, honestly left me near tears, even while trying to make it through “Sometimes I Hear God’s Music.” These are the moments, I think, that make the difficulties faith presents us with worthwhile; these fleeting times when we see the Almighty with startling clarity, the moments so beautiful that we are left on the verge of tears in the presence of God. I had two today, and I count myself blessed and hope that my peers can say something similar.
There was, of course, plenty of time for fun in the midst of our busy day. For me this included a wonderful dinner at KFC (with free refills!), a trip to the Franz Kafka museum (don’t ask), several hours perusing the narrow cobblestone streets of Prague and the countless souvenir stores and, coolest of all, a river cruise through the city courtesy of our friendly neighborhood ministers. The cruise gave us all a new view of the city, including a view of the Presidential residence and a giant metronome, as well as a much-needed opportunity to take a moment to sit down, slow down, and relax. Altogether, I have been going nonstop for the past 17 hours, have sung in two of the prettiest churches I can imagine, walked I don’t know how many Kilometers, asked myself how many Dollars this costs (converting from Crowns for now) countless times, and had two beautifully near-to-God experiences, all in the most beautiful city in the world. So, like I said, it’s been a long day (again, in the best possible way). I know I’ve written too much already, but on a quick personal note: Mom and Dad, we are in Prague alive, and I love and miss you. Mom, I apologize for all the grammatical errors and overly-used commas in the above. Thank you to everyone for your prayers and thoughts, please continue through the rest of our journey, including the BWS Youth Conference beginning tomorrow. Until I see you all to thank you in person, Auf Wiedersehen (again, not in Czech).

Jamie Gorsuch

Student Choir Devotion for July 29, 2008

2008-07-29T11:26:00.008-04:00

Salmo 150

Laudate Dominum in sanctis ejus, Laudate eum in firmamento virtutis ejus.
(Praise God in holy places, Praise God in the firmament of God’s power.)

Laudate eum in virtutibus ejus, secundum multitudinem magnitudinis ejus.
(Praise God for mighty acts, according to God’s excellent greatness.)

Laudate eum in sono tubae, psalterio at cithara, tympano et choro, chorids et organo.
(Praise God with trumpet, psaltery, harp, drum, dance, strings and organ.)

Laudate eum in cymbalis benesonantibus, Laudate eum in cymbalis jubilationis.
(Praise God with high-sounding cymbals, praise God with cymbals of joy.)

Omnis spiritus laudet Dominum!
(Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!)

Read: Colossians 3: 12-17

Reflect: Write the name of a song that really moves you: ___________________________________________ What is it about this song that you like? Does it make you hyped? Depressed? Romantic?

Consider: Music has a great power. It can penetrate our lives to the center of who we are: our emotions. Our feelings motivate all we do. If someone’s feelings are affected then their behavior and attitude will also be affected.

This adventure we are on is more than just a rockin’ good time. It is more than just seeing the world or showing off our musical talent. It is about influencing people with our music. It is about sharing Jesus. It is about singing the truth and love of God as we connect in a deep way with the people we will meet and with one another. You know, that’s the whole purpose of being a Christian – thinking about other people and finding ways to help or encourage them. Singing your faith is a great way to give your time and energy for the benefit of other people.

Salmo 150 was written by a composer from Brazil, Ernani Aguiar. His piece reminds us that all over the world people sing to God. The scripture in Colossians tells us followers of Jesus have always sung together. It says singing was an important act of faith, of teaching, of community building. It also shows that if the people who are singing love each other and let that love spill out to others, their music makes an even bigger impact. That’s what we are doing as we sing together on this trip. That’s what the church of Jesus Christ should always be doing, in whatever language, in whatever time of history, in whatever place they live.

Pray: Thank God for music and ask God to show you more ways to serve other people through music.

(written by Clark Sorrells)

Leipzig Trip

2008-07-28T18:21:00.006-04:00

Today we traveled from Nuremburg to Prague. We stopped at the International Baptist Theological Seminary and we learned about the amazing history that the Seminary has been a part of. During the second World War the buildings were used by the Nazi's to hold women and children in captivity before sending them off to concentration camps such as Dauchu and Auschwitz. After the war the communist party took over the facility and used it as a place to interrogate people trying to escape to the west. After the communists were run out of the complex the International Baptist Theological Seminary took the facility and tried to restore the reputation of the camp. They started with three students and today they have one-hundred and fifty students. After our tour of the Seminary we headed into Prague and got to tour around the St. Charles' bridge. We ended our tour of the area b walking up two-hundred steps to the Prague Castle and saw the most beautiful city in the world at twilight. We are having fun - keep praying for us.
-Jonathan Newman

Student Choir Devotion for July 28, 2008

2008-07-28T11:23:00.012-04:00

Come Flood This Heart of Mine