 |
|
|
 |
|
Mission Trips - Genesis Choir Tour 2006
Genesis Choir - Choir Tour
On the sunny afternoon of July 9, 2006, following pizza and prayer, the
Genesis choir left Morgan Hill for its second annual Summer Choir Tour. This
year, we stayed a little closer to home and served the Fresno area. Little
did we know that, although we didn’t travel far, God had big plans for our
youth choir…
Sunday, July 9 – DAY ONE:
The very generous MHPC congregation gave Genesis Choir a grand send-off as
they laid hands on us and prayed over our safety and that we might be able
to discern God’s leading for this trip. Following services, Genesis had
lunch together, held a brief organizational meeting, and prayed. Then we
packed our HUGE amount of equipment and baggage into the cargo van and left
for the 2-1/2 hour trek to the San Joaquin Valley. Driving across the
farmland between Morgan Hill and Fresno, we watched the temperature climb.
By the time we reached our destination, it was about 6:00pm and still well
over 100 degrees outside! Fortunately, our wonderful hosts, University
Presbyterian Church, supplied us with air-conditioned rooms for sleeping. As
we piled out of the vans and ran for the coolness within, everyone claimed a
spot, rolled out sleeping bags and set up “camp” for the week. The evening
ended early with dinner, worship and prayer as we knew that the week was
going to be busy.
 Monday,
July 10—DAY TWO:
Day Two began with devotionals and an extended rehearsal time to make sure
that our musical, “Joseph: From the Pit to the Palace,” was as good as it
could be. Genesis put in a lengthy 4-hour rehearsal to polish and prepare
for our first performance of the trip. That evening, we were to meet and
minister to the children at the
Fresno
Interdenominational Refugee Ministry (FIRM) and we were eager to help
them know the story of Joseph.
By the time we drive to Butler Church, where FIRM is ministering to some
children, Genesis is heating up…both physically and spiritually!
Temperatures have climbed to 110 and we are performing outside. Genesis
mobilizes its unloading and unpacking routine and we set up risers, props,
and sound. Unfortunately, it is SO HOT outside that our sound equipment
malfunctions but God is greater than 110-degree weather and we eventually
get things working. The children laugh, clap and dance along with us and we
have laid a strong foundation for the rest of the week.
Tuesday, July 11—DAY THREE:
The sun rises bright and warm on the third day of our trip. This morning,
after devotionals, we are to visit the
Craycroft Youth Center, a facility that has been designed to serve as a
safe, stable and nurturing temporary placement for children who have been
removed from their homes by Children's Protective Services. The children at
Craycroft are abused, neglected and exploited. As the director tells us,
“all of the children here are victims.” After a brief tour of this unique
and compassionate facility, Genesis sets up their program in the great room.
As we begin the first, celebratory song about the life of Joseph, children
begin dancing and clapping along. It is a fun romp through the next 40
minutes as we make new friends through our musical.
After the musical is finished, Genesis steps down from the risers to meet
the children and spend some time playing and cementing relationships. We are
invited to have lunch with the children and are happy to spend more time
with our new friends. After lunch, we spend some time talking, praying and
playing as the center’s director reveals that the children should have been
dismissed to their room 10 minutes ago, but because Genesis is giving these
children the love and attention that no one else has time for, she is
allowing them to stay longer. Truly, Jesus is shining through our youth as
they show His love to these little castaways. Several hours after our
arrival, we bid a fond farewell to our friends and are pleased to receive an
invitation to return to Craycroft anytime.
Later that day, Genesis returns to Butler Church where we work with FIRM
once again. Today, we teach the children there a little about rhythm and
have fun with our charges banging on buckets, pails and sticks. It is noisy
but we enjoy sharing our love of Jesus and a good time was had by all.
Following a quick dinner at University Presbyterian prepared by our
wonderful Joy Jones and Julie Bayle, Genesis embarks for a visit to
Cornerstone
Church’s youth drama ministry . We are impressed by the passion and
power exhibited by these urban youth and are a little nervous about the fact
that we will be performing for them tomorrow night. God is working,
however….read on for the exciting results.
 Wednesday,
July 12—DAY FOUR:
After taking some much needed rest time in the afternoon, Genesis readies
for its performance at Cornerstone Church’s “One Eighty” Youth Ministry.
Located in the heart of downtown Fresno, the One Eighty leadership team
regularly spreads out on the streets and brings downtown youth inside to
learn about the love of Jesus. It is a very different kind of ministry than
our youth has experienced…very loud, extremely hip, and obviously
passionate.
Genesis had already been slightly intimidated by the talent and fire of the
One Eighty drama team and now, in the midst of almost 200 relatively new but
very vocal Christians within that ministry, we are wondering if we can make
an impact. Will we be good enough? Will they ignore us? Or worse yet….will
they laugh at us? Many of us don’t want to go on that stage but God has
placed us here so we step out in faith…and He rewarded the choir’s efforts
beyond their wildest dreams. The One Eighty room dances, sings along, claps,
shouts encouragement and enjoys the story of Joseph right along with us. It
is the best performance that Genesis has delivered all week and the most
richly received. At the end of the evening, we are hot, tired but
exhilarated and we have a lot of new friends from all different walks. It is
a wonderful feeling to rely on God and actually SEE that He has you in His
hands! The youth pastor of One Eighty tells us to come back soon and we are
certainly looking forward to seeing our friends at Cornerstone in the
future.
Thursday, July 13--DAY FIVE:
It is still VERY HOT in Fresno. Not a day has gone by when the temperatures
have dipped below 100. Today, we visit San Joaquin Gardens Assisted Living
Center. On choir tour, you can never be sure how large your audience will be
nor how receptive they will be but today we were excited by what God has
provided. More than 50 seniors fill the auditorium as Genesis presents the
story of Joseph and they are obviously enjoying the typical Genesis energy.
Following the performance, Genesis steps down from the stage to meet and
visit with these wonderful people. We hear many stories of history and lore
and are thrilled to meet 103-year-old Helen, who shows us all that age is
only a number. Our goal is to share Jesus with all that we meet on this
trip…but today, Jesus was not only shared but also experienced in the
relationships of many who have known him for longer than we have lived.
A few hours later, we head back to Butler Church’s multicultural environment
to work, once again, with the refugee ministry. Today, we teach one of our
favorite songs “I Just Wanna Praise” and the children really raise the roof
with praises to God! It is rewarding to both us and the FIRM staff as
everyone, from children to kitchen staff, dances and loves our Lord through
music and worship.
 Friday,
July 14—DAY SIX:
It has been an emotionally and physically taxing week so far and Genesis is
ready for some rest. Fortunately, we have part of the day off today and
spend it relaxing at a local water park. We spend a grand day playing on the
water slides and floating in the rivers. Later that day, sunburned and
waterlogged, we return to FIRM for our last visit with the neighborhood
children.
It has been hot all week and a water day is planned for the group. We toss
water balloons and stand in the misters trying to cool down. And even though
it is hot and wet, there are smiles and laughter all around as we enjoy our
new friends in Christ. What a fun and fitting way to end our week-long
engagement with FIRM! As we bid a final farewell to our friends, we realize
the depth and breadth of God’s family and are happy to have been able to
share Him with these young people.
Saturday, July 15—DAY SEVEN: 
Genesis has really put in a lot of hours praising and working for God this
week! This morning we have just one more performance of “Joseph.” Today, we
are to sing at the Fresno Rescue Mission’s Open House. As we arrive at the
location, the street is barricaded for the festival that will take place
during the day. We enter through the blocks and set up our risers on the
sidewalk. It is already getting very hot, with temperatures headed, once
again, above 100. Genesis is now proficient at setting our tour performance
up, however, and they accomplish it in minutes.
As we wait for our turn on stage we visit and share with those attending the
open house and a crowd begins to assemble at the festival. Among those
interested in the Rescue Mission’s calling, are those who depend on the
organization for their daily existence. Homeless people and those working
below the poverty line are actually in the majority today as the Rescue
Mission is offering free food to those in need. God has placed Genesis near
the food line and we are able to reach many with Joseph’s lessons as we
brave the temperatures, ignore our tired bodies and, for one last time on
this tour, sing of Joseph’s forgiveness and attention to God’s leading to
those whom He has placed in our path. What an amazing ending to a packed
week!
There are many stories from a variety of people who went on the Summer 2006
Genesis Choir Mission Tour. Speaking to any one of the tour members will
give you a different perspective on the events and emotions of the week.
Please take the opportunity to talk to a choir member about it. You will be
blessed.
Genesis Choir Mission Tour Members:
- Monica Allen
- Rebecca DeVillez
- Kyla Hanes
- Alyson Inouye
- Jamie Inouye
- Lacey Kral
- Christopher Lahr
- Eric Tolson
- Erin Toombs
- Jennifer Hinman
- Koedy Brant
- Daniel Galli
- Sidney Main
- Amanda Wong
- PJ Boyd
- Michelle Upton
- Christy Wright
Genesis Staff and Chaperones
- Sandy Hanes: Genesis Director
- David Frederick
- Julie Bayle
- Joy Jones
- Penny Bell
- Roger Bell
Thank you Morgan Hill Presbyterian Church. It was a
week to remember! |
|
