The first hour is filled with a theological debate among the men, excited children exploring the bus, and a few nerves about giving our first program.
After a safe travel day, we arrived at Living Water Mennonite Church for a few hours of setup and practice. Following our haystack supper, we met as a group before the program and discussed the reality of an enemy who despises any endeavor to exalt God’s name, and the reminder to die daily to ourselves as we live in the reality of Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me, and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” It is only through Christ that what we seek to do each evening in program is possible!
A few comments from the audience:
- One host commented that she appreciated “The Heavenly Son,” as it was a hymn she remembered from long ago and had never heard in performance.
- Someone commented that “A Prayer of Compassion” was their favorite song.
- “Down in the River” was the best version they’ve ever heard.
A personal reflection:
The idea of light and darkness has been a running discussion throughout our rehearsal, and the program brought this alive for me! Many of our songs portray being in darkness, in hopelessness, or in suffering, and it is the light of Christ that brings hope and deliverance! A personal favorite is Randall Thompson’s “Alleluia.” As a melancholic, mournful song, to me it expresses worship even in the suffering of life. God’s heart delights in a child who will praise His name no matter the circumstances. The only way this is possible is if our hope is rooted in the eternal Savior of our souls, who has saved us and is coming again!
– Written by Jessica Wenger