Today was a really great day!
We began with our work projects. The musical the music team is helping with is coming along very well. The demolition team originally had a project they were told would last all three days. They finished it in the first day. Then, they gave them an extra project they were told would last the other two days. They finished that today. The painting team has also almost completed their project. So, tomorrow most of those in the teams will be working on another project at a nearby Methodist church. All that to say... these youth (and their leaders) are working hard!! The leaders knew the work projects would help the two separate groups (Marion and Mount Holly) become one group. We were right. It really began yesterday, and today they are one group. They work beside each other, they laugh with one another, and they minister with one another.
After a quick snack (thank you Ealey family!), we did concerts for the State Hospital and then the State Supportive Living Center (SSLC) separated by lunch from Chick-Fil-A. Both facilities have residents with varying degrees of developmental disabilities, behavioral and psychiatric challenges, and medical problems. Each year, there is always THE concert. For many, the SSLC was THE concert. The audiences were wonderful!! They clapped (in rhythm), they sang, they smiled, they cheered! The residents are very well-loved and cared for. For some of the youth, the concert was sad because they realized how blessed they were to be healthy and felt so bad the residents weren't also. For some, the concert was happy because we had obviously made the residents so happy. For some, it was an eye-opener. One brave soul shared that when they first saw the residents, their first reaction was to snicker. But as the concert went on, they realized what they started to experience for these people was compassion. One youth said "This concert made my entire week." Wow! What a life-changing moment!! Unfortunately, due to confidentially reasons, we were not able to take pictures at those facilities.
We made a detour to Mission Concepcion, one of several Texas missions (the Alamo is the most famous one). We toured the chapel (which was small) and decided to sing "Lord, For Thy Tender Mercies Sake". What a sound!!! It was beautiful!! We did have a few for which that was their favorite concert and were blown away by it (no names... but I think you would be surprised which ones). Just one song, but a song between us and God. The acoustics were amazing, and the kids' already beautiful voices sounded like angels. We are hoping to go back tomorrow and make a video.
This evening we sang out on the concourse before the San Antonio Silver Stars WNBA game. Again, the kids sounded great. Families slowed as they walked by. Several stopped all together. Some stayed the entire time. Some people watched from the upper floors. Everywhere we have gone, the kids have shared the gospel through deed and song. How many other youth do you know who would give up a week of their summer to do that? What a special group of youth!!!!! We stayed for the game and had a wonderful times cheering on (sometimes too loudly) the Silver Stars.
As usual, we ended with devotions. Several of the Marion guys led us in a wonderful devotion. Then, the kids shared about their day. I wish I could record all the things they say. They are so excited about what they are doing. When they talk, it isn't about "this funny thing happened"... well, maybe once in a while. But usually it's "This moment of the day was special to me because..." or "I'm so impressed with ________ because of the hard work they are doing." Many times, Kendell ends his message with a challenge to go out "loving each other and loving the world." That is EXACTLY what these kids are doing. Sometimes, you wonder "Do they get it?" This week, they have gotten it!!! They are understanding what mission is all about. I am so excited to see what they will do and share tomorrow.
