Cantata Celebration
Sunday, December 17, was a huge success. I was so proud of our faithful folks who labored diligently to present a Christ-honoring Christmas cantata. Under the direction of Brother Ray Turner, the choir and orchestra did a superb job. I heard several comments from our people like: "This was the best musical I have ever heard." Another said: "In all of my years of being involved in church, this has to be the finest cantata I have ever experienced." A visitor made the comment that she was extremely impressed.
I must say that the orchestra was outstanding. In addition to our own players, ten additional musicians, including my brother Mark and my niece Lauren, and others that had been taught by Brother Jared Matthews in high school, joined forces with us to add to this festive night. The drama team, the choir, the orchestra, and the special singers were at their best! The Lord was glorified and the church was helped. All of this followed the morning service as eight precious souls came to know the Lord as their personal Savior, another joined the church, and one of our missionaries borrowed our baptismal pool Sunday afternoon to baptize a new convert.
That's not all! Sunday night at the end of the service, the packed house came forward to bring a birthday offering to Jesus. This is an annual event that we call our "I Love My Church" offering. Members as well as visitors came forward and brought almost $50,000 to the altar.
The whole day was a huge blessing and an encouragement. I love my church and our precious people. The spirit was festive and the music moved everyone's heart. I give God the glory and thank Him for His unseen hand.
I must say that the orchestra was outstanding. In addition to our own players, ten additional musicians, including my brother Mark and my niece Lauren, and others that had been taught by Brother Jared Matthews in high school, joined forces with us to add to this festive night. The drama team, the choir, the orchestra, and the special singers were at their best! The Lord was glorified and the church was helped. All of this followed the morning service as eight precious souls came to know the Lord as their personal Savior, another joined the church, and one of our missionaries borrowed our baptismal pool Sunday afternoon to baptize a new convert.
That's not all! Sunday night at the end of the service, the packed house came forward to bring a birthday offering to Jesus. This is an annual event that we call our "I Love My Church" offering. Members as well as visitors came forward and brought almost $50,000 to the altar.
The whole day was a huge blessing and an encouragement. I love my church and our precious people. The spirit was festive and the music moved everyone's heart. I give God the glory and thank Him for His unseen hand.