Lee Moor Center El Paso

After a very tough day on Wednesday, when we endured 3 flat tires....and a grueling trip....Thursday was a great day of harvest!  I am never surprised when our kids stand up to a task...they do it all the time.  Today was no different.  We arrived at the center and Tim shared one of the most stirring, Holy Spirit led devotions ever...many tears flowed as we were reminded to never take our witness for granted...he also compared us to the 72 that Jesus called out in Luke 10...just so happens there are......you guessed it 72 of us here at this time!  Awesome word of inspiration from Tim!

At 8:30 the games started...Joey and Richard had a great plan..."The Day of Miracles".  Each station was built around a Bible story of one of the miracles of Christ.  It was beautiful to see the kids interacting and leading all of these stations.  Every choir member had the opportunity to share their personal testimony during this day, it was great to see.    Following the story stations, we did a 50 miniute worship service....we taught the kids some praise songs, and them sang 4 or 5 of our songs....definitely not your traditional choir service....because much of the time, our choir was sitting with the kids singing and leading them....it was precious to see...at the gospel presentation, three kids prayed to receive Christ!  Hallelujah!  He is Lord!  Following the prayer, several choir members went to those who prayed and ministered to them...another picture of the maturity of this group...I walked up to Tyler Hale immediately following the service and we both just looked at each other...stunned...it was truly amazing what God was doing....and how He was using us in such a mighty way...HE DESERVES THE GLORY AND THE PRAISE!!!!!!!

Following the worship service, we played a bit longer, had lunch, then departed....to lterally cross Texas....all the way to San Antonio.

During the trip, we watched Louie Giglio...Hope #1...intense...reminder that trouble will come in this life...but HE overcomes the world!!!!!!!  We serve a MIGHTY GOD!!

more to come...

brian

ps....will post pics later

pss...you better watch the morning show today....it may be the funniest ever.....especially the bloopers!

Crazy Day

Today was a crazy day for us and I think the Satan was trying hard to throw up some road blocks for us to keep us from our time with the kids from the Lee Moore home in El Paso. We started off the day witha flat tire on the bus and were held up about an hour and a half. We blew out another tire on the way there on the interstate and spent about an hour on the side of the road. Finally we got another flat at the center. Luckily, our bus will have six new tires in the morning!

We did make it to the center tonight though and had a great time playing games, basketball, and singing with the kids there. We had to pospon the concert until tomorrow but that is alright because that justallowed us two days to spend time talking and building relationships with these kids instead of just one. Gos is good and had it work out perfectly!!!

We are going to have a great time tomorrow with our VBS style Day of Miracles. Good night!

Richard

Actions speak louder than words~

Just a quick note ~aren't these kids just amazing...I sooooo enjoy reading their thoughts...however, (as an eye-witness)- their actions speak louder then their words.    Seeing them minister to folks is truly a blessing!  Sharing communion at the Grand Canyon was truly one of the highlights!  Your prayers are so special.  God is really moving in the lives of these kids (and chapherone's too).  Please continue your prayer support.  See you Sunday (invite a friend)!!

La Emily's (sleepy-eyed) thoughts

Hello from sunny Arizona...where it's 101 in the shade. Yesterday was so unbelievable. I shared the morning devotion...then,seeing the Grand Canyon was breathtaking, by far!! I don't know if I will ever participate in communion in a more reverent place. Overall, I'm tired, but, having a WONDERFUL time experiencing God and ministering to others.

Amazing

This is my first choir tour, and so far, words like 'awsome', 'wow', 'and 'unreal' have not come close to describing what I have seen.



-Matthew Brown-

God is Amazing

This has been so very awesome in so many ways. I can just see every where we go the work of Gods hand. I have never felt the holy spirit as much i do now. Being that this is my first choir tour its just so "AMAZING." Even though that tour is soon coming to an end on sunday, that should'nt stop us from just praising him. The father has made so many wonderful creations, take for example the grand canyon we visited it on tuesday. It was amazing just to see what all God created for us.  I cant wait till next years tour.

Matt Parker

Thinking

Everyone wants to write something in this blog, but everyone is confused. Confused about all of the things we have done and having to pick out just one to write about. I could tell about the missions, the churches or even the random singing at random places. But i wont, i will tell you of my favorite part. Communion at the Grand Canyon was a very special way for our choir to come closer, break down walls with each other, and resolve any issues. As I walked to take the bread from Brian and dip it in Trea's cup I felt a feeling of resolution, of excitement, and of peace with my heart. I dont know if what i wrote is very good, but it came from my heart. Thank you and God Bless!!!!

Andrew Cofield

God is Great

Choir Tour has been awesome so far. God has been shining through us the whole entire time. It's been great to sing to all of the people we have met. My favorite place so far has been the Union Gospel Mission. Everyone there was just worshiping. There was one service we were in that 22 men were saved. We went to the Grand Canyon yesterday and went on a tour. We saw lots of the beautiful creations God has made. This is my first choir tour and I am having a blast.

Samuel Murphree 

La Hannah's view!!!

Preparing to come on this trip, I struggled with would I come on tour next year? I would be having senior trips and my last time to spend with my family still in there household. With over 40+ professions of faith and rededications, God has truly showed me what an opportunity this mission trip is and what a blessing I receive by just ministering to others. God has truly worked miracles through us in all that we do!
Our first hike at the reservation resulted in a miraculous view, but the Grand Canyon yesterday blew it out of the water. God is AMAZING and Almighty. We had the opportunity to take communion looking out over the Grand Canyon and it definitely was a once in a life time experience.
I am so excited for the Children's home tonight and tomorrow night. God will be glorified! Please continue to pray for us! You have no idea how much it means!
Hannah

The Canyon (and I don't have to tell you which one)

Oh My Goodness! It was amazing! If you have never been to the Grand Canyon, stop what you are doing and go! We did our communion there and it was so good. We were supposed to get the bread and then dip it in the drink, but I , being the blonde that I am, ate the bread first. Idiot. But its ok. I understand. We had so much fun. Looking at what God created was....breath-taking. I was just sitting there and I started crying. It was so wonderful. God created everything on this Earth. the Heavens and stars and the Grand Canyon, but he took the time to create us too. even though he didn't need to. We are so blessed that we serve a merciful Lord.
~Cara~

The Grand Canyon "was" grand

-How great is our God that he can create Earth's wonders,
keeping us in his mind the whole time-
-Keaton-

CANYON DAY WAS GRAND!!!!

It was a grand day at the canyon.  The guides from Angel's Gate tours were very knowledgable and entertaining.  They led us in viewing the canyon as those who discovered it might have.  It was absolutely awesome to walk up....and then all of a sudden...out of nowhere...this wonderful creation of God!  Breathtaking!  Indescribable!  How Great is Our God!  He is Lord!!!

The second part of the trip was even more amazing...we had a communion service at the rim of the canyon!  It was very special and inspiring!  The seniors led the communion by reading the scripture, and actually serving the elements!  It was a very meaningful service!  I appreciate their leadership so much.  

Tomorrow, we are back to the business of leading worship...we are refreshed and ready to get back to it!  Pray for travel mercies as we move on to El Paso...Pray for the residents of the Lee Moor Children's Home as we minister there...He will be Glorified!!!!

more to come...

Brian

God's Work ( A whole new tour)

Hi everyone its Tyler,
For me this choir tour has been on like no other. By now it seems that the entire trip has already flown by, and I think that the past years we have not taken advantage of everyday in our sharing of the word. However, this year with the 40+ professions of faith and recommitment to Christ each day has seemed like its own personal trip with God instead of one 12 day trip. We are more prepared to spread His word than we have ever been and with that we have had a tremendous first week. As said by Brian I think, most pastors will go through their entire career and not see the number of lives saved at one time as we have. We thank the parents and friends at home for all your prayers. We hope to continue with the success we have encountered in the first week and become closer in our walk with Him.

God Bless,
Tyler

TUESDAY SURPRISE!!!!!

Today, we will have two step on guides join us at the hotel for an in depth guided tour of the Grand Canyon!  It's gonna be awesome.

Yesterday, we rode the PINK Jeeps and saw the beautiful red rocks of Sedona...The views were spectacular, and the choir sounded incredible as we sang "the Star SPangled BAnner" and "How Great is Our God" at the top of one of the fabulous peaks of Sedona.  I hope this was an experience of a lifetime for the students and chaperones alike...Following the tour, we had free time in Sedona...my group enjoyed a real meal...

more to come...

brian

Headin' to the Grand Canyon

Hey, it has been a great couple of days on tour! Yesterday was a much needed relaxing day, as we headed from Gallup, NM to Flagstaff, AR. We stopped off for some time in Sedona, AR to do the Pink Jeep Tour, where we went on some extreme trails in pink jeeps. It was a ton of fun. We also sang some songs up at the top looking over some of the most beautiful scenery God has created! We headed on from there to Flagstaff to the beautiful and luxurious LaQuinta Inn where we cleaned up, ate dinner, and had an awesome devotion shared with us by Spencer Boozer.

We are loading up and heading for the "surprise day" which is the Grand Canyon. Not much of a surprise as almost everyone has figured it out by now, but there will be no official announcement until 8:30 when we get ready to leave.

Looking forward to another awesome day and waiting to see what God has in store for us!!!!

Richard

MONDAY AM

We had two great worship services yesterday.  The First was at First Indian Baptist Church in Gallup...Mark Campbell, the pastor there, has been our host while in Gallup, as well as scheduling our activities in the area.  We really appreciate his hard work in pulling all of our stuff together. The worship service at First Indian was a special time for all of us.  The Sharptons and the Gallup Mission group, provided our lunch after church...homemade spaghetti...it was great.   After lunch we visited Window Rock, the home of the government agencies of the Navaho nation.  We stopped for a "Chevy Chase Style" photo op, and then moved on to the Community Bible Church in Window Rock.  The Worship service there was at 6 PM.  It was a very uplifting service and the choir was very well received.  In both services today, we did a set of worship songs, with the choir encircling the congregation.  It was very powerful.  In the PM service, as we sang "How Great Thou Art", they sang it in the native Navaho language...it was an awesome experience.  

Today, we are off to Sedona!  We will be riding the Pink Jeep Tour and visiting the area today.

more to come

Brian

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!! This is my fifth year on tour so far and I can honestly say that I cannot remember going on a tour that has had a better start than this. With over 40 decisions for Christ within the first three or four days is amazing! I am so glad, thankful, and humnbled that God has worked through us in this way. I have thrououghly enjoyed the devotions at night. Last night, Loui Giglio presented a messgae from the scientific prespective which would crush every agrument made by a nonbeliever. I was truly flabberghasted at the research that he had done and how God was glorified in every aspect of that research. Yesterday, we hiked on the Navajo Reservation and had a definite "mountaintop experience" with God. It is amazing to see all that God created. It is also very humbling that He would allow us to enjoyed something that He did not create for us. I am continually impressed with the younger choir memebers. Their leadership and spritual feror continue to encourage me as well as many others. Please continue to pray for us as we endure many more LONG bus rides, mission and church concerts, and bearing witness by our actions. Thank you again for your love and support.
-Spencer Boozer

Well...we it is our last day in NM and w are about to go sing at the First Indian Baptist Church. Choir Tour has been so amazing thus far and i cant imagine how much better it is going to gt these last 6 days of our journey together. Last night's devotion was the best one we have had in my opinion....Louie Giglio is an amazing speaker and he pulls you so much into his message....we hope everything is going well with you back home and as we know you are praying for us we are also praying for you
-Matthew M

What a crazimazing trip...

Jonathon Whitesell here, and I couldn't be happier that I am.
This is my first choir tour and I have been blessed and touched by God more than I've breathed. Between the performances at missions, the Bible studies by Louis Giglio, the devotions by students, the animated acrobatics by Brian, the family fellowships, and the One Word Studies God has laid on my heart, there's so many blessings and so much Holy Spirit getting poured into me that it's overflowing.

I wrote a song with Ben last night till about 1:00 AM--it's about not falling in love with the world and understanding that God is the only thing we need. I got messed up last night with the study that touched on things like Beetleguese, Canis Major, the Whirlpool Galaxy, and laminin, and now my prayers, my thoughts, my priorities, and my lifestyle will never ever be the same. God is more amazing than anything we have ever ever imagined.

I love this group, these leaders, my fellow students, and the hearts that all of them have that God uses to light up this world. THANK YOU Mom and Dad for allowing me to be here. Thank you Lord...for everything.

Cheers and God bless your socks off,
And Happy Father's Day, Dad,
-Jonathon

Be Thankful

Every year on tour we see those who are less fortunate than ourselves and it helps to make us realize that the Lord has truly been good to us all. Yesterday at the Indian reservation I witnessed people who have almost nothing, but still hold true to their faith. Day after day, while we witness to those who are downtrodden we are help giving them something far greater than anything material they could ever gain. Keep praying for those we will sing to and pray for us to love each other unconditionally through our Lord.

Patrick Murphree

Tour 09

So far so many peoples lives have changed outside our group but also inside our grop. Every tour we accept the young seventh graders into our loving family and the family grows stronger. We all have inadiquate love for one another but also for our Lord Jesus Christ. Just continue praying for our safty as we continue our journey. We love you all!

Graham Hall

SATURDAY Fun day!!

Saturday was a day off...filled with many new and exciting things...Victoria Underwood started us off wit our Devotion based on the call of Jermiah....wonderful Word from the Lord.  We promptly loaded the bus and went to the Jr Rodeo...it was a lot of fun...some of those kids are really incredible.  We watched Steer riding and Team roping.  At the end Trae Norrell volunteered to ride a steer...that's right..Trae rode a bull.  He made it a full 5.5 seconds....not bad for slippers and shorts!  From there we went to lunch (me and my group of 20 were 20 minutes late back....cost us $2.00 in late fines, yes...I pay too)it was very good .  Next, we went to Mrs. Johns house on the reservation...She is the mother of the family the Sharpton's have been ministering to for 8 years.  We first made a nice hike up to the highest point in her area...it was breathtaking!  We sang and had a time of worship up on the mountain that was extremely cool...then went back down to visit with the family...and enjoy some homeade flatbread....so good!  Then Mrs Johns prayed over us in her native tongue...although we couln't understand her prayer...you could understand the name...JESUS!  You could also feel the passion in which she lifted up the prayer...thanks be to God!

Later we went to the cultural dance...it was very cool ....then we sang the Star Spangled Banner for the people at the dance.  Came home...enjoyed a wonderful two pronged devotion with Whiney Eason and Louie Giglio...they are quite a team.  Family time was POWER PACKED...GOD IS SO GOOD!

more to come....

brian   

FriDAY PM

well the rest of Friday certainly did not disappoint.  We had a pretty easy travel day to Albuquerque. We arrived at Joy Junction around 4:30 PM and saw friendly faces immediately.  The Brown family and the Sharpton family fresh off "the mountaintop" of their own mission trip were there and it was great to have Matthew, Natalie and Katie join us. Then we saw Mary Ann Campbell...a friend of the Cape's who brought us snacks and a great big smile!

Immediately upon entering the mission....the sound crew began setup and the rest of the choir began serving the meal...there were around 150 - 200 women, children, and men at Joy Junction.  After serving we rehearsed for a few minutes and "chilled out" for a few in the heat of New Mexico.  Trae led our preservice devotional time, and we went right into the service...the choir sounded wonderful, and looked as though they were singing this lineup for the first time....just as fresh as tuesday!  There were 5 decisions for Christ during the service...several came forward for prayer...a cross section of these decisions include...a saved couple, who stated they wanted the same excitement that they saw in the faces of our young people...Wendell Bennett prayed with them and they were very sincere...A young mother stood and prayed to receive Christ...then went to Jamie Sharpton and he prayed with her...She was very excited about her decision.  One woman stood up and prayed to receive Christ....then came to Trae...and prayed that Meth would be removed from her body...forever...I then talked to her, and she said she was born Jewish...and had lved in "bondage" all her life...that she had known God all her life...but tonight she met Jesus!  

This choir has an annointing from Jesus!  We will not be singing on Saturday...we will attend the Rodeo in Gallup....Giddyup!  Then visit the Navaho Reservation...then attend a cultural dance presentation in Gallup.  Should be a relaxing day...but I bet there's an adventure!

more to come....

brian

FRIDAY AM

We are about to load for Albuquerque....so there is no way I can tell you all I want about yesterday...we got in at 1 am  but were blessed to have a late departure time this morning..9:30 Devotion....depart at 10.

First....the kids are doing great.   Yesterday was a real highlight in the ministry of Chapel Choir...from start to finish.  They worked in various stations at the mission for two hours in the morning...the led in 4 (countem' 4) chapel services.  The first was to homeless men at 12 noon.  The choir started with a bang, but as many mission crowds are, they were politely responding for the first couple of songs...then the Spirit kicked in...they were engaged with the songs and after the plan of salvation was presented...3 men prayed to receive Christ! AWESOME huh!  From there, we went to our childrens emphasis, and spent 2 hours with the resident children from the mission...Cara led a ton of games and it was so neat to see those children connecting with our kids...all were involved and it was great.  The Kids presented the plan of salvation at this event and 1 child prayed to receive Christ!  AWESOME huh! Then came the incredible opportunity of 3 services...back to back to back...no breaks!   From the first note...the precious Holy Spirit was SO PRESENT! The first was the resident ladies and children...during "think about the Lord"...she literally started shouting praises to our God...it was a rockin' service...3 ladies and one girl prayed to receive Christ!  AWESOME huh!  I'm not meaning to shout...but news like this shoud never be redundant...an I have no larger font!  Chapel 3 was Resident men...our largest group....many of these guys worked alongside the kids during the day...seeing Christ in their daily walk...the service was incredible!  In the midst of the concert, I motioned to Trae to come and share the gospel presentation...he did...and over 20 men prayed to receive Christ!..Can I say AWESOME HUH!!!!!!!!!!!! God is so good...to hear those men praying the sinners prayer out loud was a "precious memory"...we are so blessed to be in this place and time!   Last chapel...we meet Linda...Linda had been praying for us all day.  She is a resident Lady...mid 50's...loves God and loves our kids...This was our last service with the homeless men, and Satan wanted us to cancel it...but when Linda walked in we felt we needed to do it!   for the 4th time in one day the choir sang with all they had!  PHENOMENAL!!! 5 homeless men gave their hearts to Jesus Christ on this night!!! AWESOME HUH!!!!!

We left and enjoyed a long devotional time with our mics open and people sharing...emotions flowed...HE IS HERE!!!!  HE IS ALIVE!!!!  HE IS LORD!!!!

Pray for these wonderful young people as we travel today!  I Love you all!

more to come.....

brian

Orrs are on the way

Our trip to meet up with Choir Tour began last night when we loaded up in the minivan and headed to Ohio to drop our kids off with my parents. It was a long trip, about 13 1/2 hours driving through the night, but don't worry I didn't drive the whole thing. Joey stepped up and was able to do about 45 minutes, up from the 30 minutes she normally does!

I had some great reflection time last night and also some great 80s music, highlighted by Rocket Man from Elton John and I Think Were Alone Now by Tiffany. Like manna from Heaven, God also provided me with food, a shining light from up above came to rest on a super sized Zebra Cake at one gas station. Mix that with the Combos, Whoppers (pretzel and cheddar cheese style is the only way to go), Blow Pops, Pringles (Salt and Vinegar and Cheese flavored), oatmeal cookies, and steady IV of Mountain Dew I had through the night and my stomach was not felling to well this morning! Don't worry, I am not a quitter, I still managed to eat breakfast this morning! I love traveling!!

We are flying out of Cleveland on Saturday morning heading to Albequerque. From there we will meet up with Julie Brown and drive to Gallup, New Mexico. Pray for safe flights for us, flying makes me a little nervous. We can't wait to get there and get to be a part of what God is already doing!!!

Richard

Day two Dallas/Arlington

Day two was another great day for us on the East West tour 2008.  We began the day with a Challenging devotion by Cara...and we were off.   first off...bus two was complaining because the bus was too cold(ha ha)....that was a great change.   Thanks to Adventure for getting us a new bus and cooling us off!...On our initial descent into Dallas...we were pulled over for a routine check...(that's no laughing matter)....and the kind officer allowed us to go on our way.  Lunchtime was a free couple of hours in the Highland park area...and most of the choir enjoyed some great "tex/mex" at Chuy's....AWESOME.   We finished and drove on over to Lamar Baptist Church in Arlington.  We enjoyed this wonderful body of Christ...they were so nice.   They spoiled us for sure....Barbecue dinner....worship service....the watermelon fellowship...JIm O'Dillon would have been so happy....there was food everywhere!    Special thanks to Jim for lining up hat service for us...you da man Jimbo!  Trae Norrell Continued to do a wonderful job in leading our pre worship devotional thought...He has a real gift for sharing and God is giving him the perfect words to say before we sing....Thanks Trae for letting God speak thru you!  The service was great.   The choir sounded amazing....Mike Hall thought it was a cd when he walked in!  The Spirit was wonderful!  We had some fbc, and former Chapel choir visitors there as well...Steve Levering and Heather Hale....from my days in Chapel Choir were there....it was great to see them.  Also, Becca Hirsbrunner came...It was awesome seeing her as well.  It was a great time being with fellow believers from across the country....and being together in His name.   Devotion time tonight was powerful as well....we viewed Louie Giglio's "Welcome to the Story of God" video....very powerful devotional study about total surrender to the control and will  of God.   The Kids are GREAT!   Chaperones are GREAT!  But more importantly...GOD IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

more to come...

Brian

Day one Shreveport

Crazy cool day one....we just checked in the fabulous La Quinta and are about to dive in deep to some bible study....God is so good!

Today was a fairly uneventful travel day except that....the air was sub par in bus #2 and Adventure had to bring us a new bus...but the good news was...we were in time all day...

the Bossier mission service was great.  This particular mission offers a recovery program for residents.   Three women prayed to receive Christ....the worship was great and the spirit was moving...Praise the Lord!

...more to come

brian

 

They're off!!!

What a great start to the 2009 East to West Choir Tour! We began by loading the buses this morning at 6:45 in the back parking lot. We moved to the sanctuary where the Chapel Choir were the guests on The Morning Show. Brian and Debbie played Regis and Kelly as they interviewed Chelsea Nesmith, Spencer Boozer, and Jon Whitesell about past experiences and upcoming expectations. They sang "Moses" and "When I Think About the Lord", followed with a devotion by Brian. We prayed and loaded the buses and are heading for Louisana. It's gonna be AWESOME!!!!

It's a CRAZY TIME MAN!!!!!!!!!!

well....we are down to literally hours before tour 2009 East to West...I am so excited about all awesome things God has in store for us! Pray for us daily!

This afternoon, we have a one hour rehearsal at 5 PM in the choir room.

BRIAN

Choir Tour 2009

Joey and I have been meeting with Brian and Rhonda today and planning events for the times we are at the childrens' home and the orphanage during the choir tour. We are so excited about the opportunities God has in front of our youth on this trip! Please be in prayer for everyone that we will encounter on this mission trip and that we will help them draw closer to our Lord!

Richard