OUR SOUND MAN FINALLY GETS A WORD IN (or a Man's Point of View)

A little perspective from  the sound man/driver....What a privilege to accompany the Sonshiners on their trip!  Eleven women working together with never a cross word between them.  When we first got there, we were discouraged by the reception from the pastor who had doubts about a group of women from a Southern Baptist church.

 However that soon turned to enthusiasm when we went to a halfway house for women recently released from prison.  The Sonshiners went to the women with open and loving arms, and when our group sang,  there were tears in some of the women's eyes.  From then on it was a repeat whether it was a nursing home, a retirement village, another halfway house or a service attended by recovering drug addicts or released prisoners.  At the church where the last two groups attended, the Sonshiners sang an hour long concert for over 100 people. When it was over, the people were standing, cheering and asking for more.

On Sunday morning where Doris had to insist that the Sonshiners be allowed to sing a couple of songs at the opening of the service, people from the congregation came up afterwards and said that they wished that our group had sung more.  Some asked how they could form such a group.

Then the best part of all for me was to be able to hear the Sonshiners sing.  Their voices blend so beautifully and they are so full of Spirit.  I never tire of hearing them.  However, did I mention that there was a lot of backseat driving?  Seriously, I couldn't have made it without the GPS and my navigators, especially Stephanie.  She saved me a lot of wrong turns.

DORIS MC SPARRAN'S HEART

Traveling with Hank and Dawna is a pure delight.   Hank spoiled the

ladies so, they will never travel without him again.   Dawna is the world's

greatest cheerleader and  prayer warrior; she ministers to everyone

she meets--first with her beautiful contagious smile that envelopes you

into her circle.

Don is so patient and proud of the 10 ladies that  he has hooked around

his arms. He is their Mr. Soundman. "Turn on my mic..."make me the

star of this group tonight?" He literally married Doris with Sonshiners-

it came as a package deal.

 The real fascination is to watch 10 women work as one strong team--

no jealousy, no fussing, and glaring looks--just a love for each team

member (teasing constantly) and the desire to hear and share with each

one in concert and in prayer---God uses that--far over any weaknesses

that we might have.  The one with the temper is the red head who

expects perfection and uses those excuses, but it so proud of the singers,

their sound, their demeanor--their facial expressions that shine with the

love of Christ that she cries often while directing them.

The trip was beyond expectations and beyond successful because

the Sonshiners were prayed up-practiced up-packed up-and performed

up because they were on a mission for God.   What a joy it is for me

to have the honor to be their director!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

DANA CRISTIANI'S HEART
God is so amazing!  To think that He took a group of ladies from West Texas and allowed them to travel to Seattle, minister to people that He intentionally put before them, sing to people who warmly received His message in song, kept them safe, and blessed them with memories that will last forever!  I will always hold a place in my heart for the people of Seattle and will never forget the sweetness of the Holy Spirit within our group and those we encountered. 

Friday, July 28th - Safely Home

SUZANNE BLOODWORTH'S HEART:
"A little taste of heaven" was what I experienced this week. Seen in the gratitude expressed by the women of Sojourner House, in the bubbling joy of Penny and her family of Epic Life House Church, in the enthusiasm of Cross Church Discipleship Program's ministries to men & women...WOW! What a humbling experience for us to sing for them! 


And then those precious children at the Academy...what musical talent! What vivacious personalities! WOW! What  an example for me to transfer to my own classroom in Midland! The song we sang all over Seattle is nothin' but true; "God ain't never been nothing but good"! I am so blessed !


NANCY DOSS' HEART:
I left Midland to be an encourager.  
     ...I'm coming home encouraged.
I left Midland to be emptied 
     ...and I'm coming home full.
I left Midland to share and give love 
     ...and I received more than I could ever give.

The faces of new friends, bright eyes of children and opened hearts of women
in trying times will never be erased from my memory or my heart.  Seeing my
Sonshiner sisters "serving beyond singing" was an added serendipity.  I'm so
blessed to be a part of this group!


CAROL DOVER'S HEART:

We had many opportunities to share Jesus through service and work, in smiles and tears, in words and songs. We were able to freely worship in love and joy. We were able to see and hear people's hearts. They were people of all kinds: those who know Jesus, those who are hurting and need Jesus, those who heard us, accepted us, those who allowed us to get close to them, those who joined with us, and those who did not give us much of a chance. Really, the same needs, the same people who are in Midland, and wherever I find myself.

   I won't forget this place, these people, and the week that changed me.

STEPHANIE LANGFORD'S HEART:

We are home and tired from a busy week. We have experienced more blessings from God than you would think possible in only one week. The weather, of course, was so refreshing and the colors of the plants are so vibrant.  I had no idea there was such a difference.

The people of Seattle are lovely, and like people everywhere, they are hungry for God's love. Often I would say, "and they don't even know it," but we met many who had hit the bottom of life and had cried out to God with a passion that I have not seen (even in the Bible Belt). They had traded their addiction for a new addiction, Jesus, the Son of God, the only one who could meet their need. They sang with all their heart and soul and wept in gratitude. Sonshiners wept with them and praised Him for His goodness and mercy. 

I also must mention the children of Epic Life Academy who are so bright and anxious to learn and share their talents. On Wednesday, our last day of ministry in Seattle, we were at the school most of the day and took turns singing and teaching each other songs. What a fun day!

These are just examples of two of the opportunities we had this week. We will continue to pray for our new found brothers and sisiters in Christ, especially Penny and Keith Roper and their three children, Grace and Russ Peters, Bryan and Julie Pinson and many others. (We had dinner with Bryan and Julie on Wednesday night.) 

I am thankful for a church that puts a high priority on seeking the lost and discipling believers in their walk with God. I pray God may give our brothers and sisters in Seattle supporters in the faith...friends in the faith. Thankfully, the internet will help us to grow our new friendships and encourage the body of Christ in Seattle.

Wednesday, July 27th

We had a wonderful day enjoying the beauty of Seattle and the joy of being together.  Hank took us to the "Locks", a smaller version of the Panama Canal.  We all got to see a barge pass through the Locks and some of us also saw a yacht pass through.  We also watched salmon swim up the fish ladder...very interesting.  After touring the Locks, the Fish Ladder and the botanical gardens, we ate lunch at a restaurant that was over 80 years old and enjoyed the local flavor.

Don & Doris McSparran and the Locks

Hank and Donna Henry at the Locks....

 Yacht passing through the Lock

After lunch we "rode the Duck,"  an amphibious vehicle, which was instrumental in the WWII  invasion of Normandy.  Our "Duck" was built in the 1940's.  The captain was part driver, part captain and part comedian.  The trip was lots of fun and he played great music.  The captain asked about our large group and we told him that we were a gospel singing group from Midland, Texas.  So he invited us to sing for the rest of the folks on the Duck.  Never having to be asked twice, be belted out a tune!  It was fun and the other passengers seemed to enjoy our entertainment.

Several found the Duck ride chilly!

Captain Dan Tenille

After the Duck ride we grabbed a few souvenirs and headed back to the mall to grab a quick bite, before going to a have dessert at Katelyn Roper's apartment.  While at the mall, Rhonda met a young Korean woman named Hein Lu. I'm going to turn the keyboard over to Rhonda to let her tell you Hein's story.

From Rhonda:
We had gone into the mall to grab a bite to eat before a wonderful fellowship at Katelyn's. With a few minutes to spare, [all Sonshiners are gifted in "quick shopping"], a few of us went to a cute boutique, Romy's, to just "look around".  I was wearing my "cross fish" earrings and necklace.  I purposely wear them to start up conversations.  They are a little unusual.  The clerk asked me about them and WOW, we were in a great conversation about Our Lord.  Hein, I quickly learned, was a newer Christian, very discouraged with life and becoming quite hopeless, even to the point of disavowing her new faith in Jesus and quitting on life altogether.  She said she had always been the one to help others and solve their problems but she had no one with whom to share her struggles in life.  Twenty-five-year-old Hein attends a Korean church, but her pastor is only a year older.  I shared with her about Epic Life Church, Penny, Kaitlyn and Abbey and gave her Penny's phone number and she gave me hers.  I waited until the rest of our group left and the store being empty, I asked if she could use a hug.  She immediately came over and gave me a BIG hug. Since she had admired my jewelry, I then asked which she would like, the earrings or necklace.  Amazed Hein said she just couldn't take my jewelry, but I took off my necklace and handed it to her. Hein broke into tears, sobbing in my arms and I prayed for her while I held her. She had realized Our God who knows our very heart, moment to moment, had sent over a matter of mere moments, eight Sonshiners to encourage and love on her. Please pray for the connection today with Hein and Penny, Katelyn and Abbey as they will make contact.

Hein Lu worker in the North Gate Mall

DESSERT AT KATELYN'S!
The dessert party at Katelyn's was so much fun!  She has a lovely apartment and it is quite large.  We were hosted by Katelyn, her Mother, Penny and her little sister, Abbey.  As we have shared before, they are precious women with hearts for ministry...and they have certainly ministered to us.  We were so comfortable in Katelyn's home.  After fellowshipping and feasting on yummy peanut butter cookies, cupcakes and fresh strawberries, we sang the VBS songs for them.  This gave us a chance to practice before we go back the the Epic Life Academy tomorrow.  Then Doris had us sing a couple of serious songs as a thank you to Katelyn, Penny and Abbey.  After the singing, we had a time of prayer, where we thanked God for the blessing of the Roper family, asked God's leadership and anointing on Epic Life Church and wisdom and grace for their leadership.  They also prayed for us, thanking God for our service and new friendships bound together by the love of Chirst Jesus.  Goodbyes were difficult because we all felt a deep connection to these women.

Hank is Flummoxed in Seattle

I forgot to mention that yesterday on the way to White Center Hank became confused, confounded and bewildered when we made a wrong turn. It was as if we were caught in a whirlpool and we couldn't get out. We circled and circled and laughed and laughed, until out sides hurt. "Frank" had lots if "he'ppers" (about 7 of us). See the picture of our GPS. You can see our circle, which we went round and round and round.

Monday, July 25th

We prayed for RAIN...and got it!  We awakened this morning to a slow, Seattle drizzle, but that was only the beginning of our day of wonder and answered prayers.  Our ministry began at 10:00 a.m. this morning at the  Epic Life Academy, which has students ranging from 4 years old  to junior high.  All the students were either Ethiopian or Eritrean.  We planned to do a short concert for the children and teach them some of our VBS songs.  When they came into the auditorium, they were very excited about performing for us and a little girl, Favra, was sitting at the keyboard.  As we soon learned, the school's music teacher left the school at the beginning of summer and nine-year-old Favra had taken over the responsibilities of music education and performances at the school.  The school's principal takes the children to parks in the community to perform about 3 days a week and the children were eager to perform for us. We couldn't wait!!

The first number they performed was a medley of "Today is the Day" with "Our God is Higher".  The band was:  Favra on keyboard,  2 little boys on acoustic guitar, two little boys on drums, two children on tambourines, and three liturgical dancers.  The performance was outstanding.

The children 

The guitarists were about 8 years old and played well

For their second number, a young boy and girl moved to the keyboard.  One played the trebel clef notes and the other played the bass clef notes.  Favra moved to the front of the group and picked up an electric guitar.  Under her direction, the children sang "He Reigns". Again there was an acoustic guitarist, two drummers, tambourines and three dancers.  Excellent!

Favra on Lead Guitar - Nine Years Old

The Pianists - One playing trebel clef and the other playing bass clef

They listened intently to all of our songs and especially liked "Nothin' but Good" and the harmonies of "Majesty and Glory".  However, their favorite selections were the VBS songs.  We taught them "JOY", "Lean on Me," and "Pharoh, Pharoh".  They loved the motions and caught on so quickly to the rhythms, words and movements...even the 4 year olds.  They were delighted and so were we....precious, precious children...gifts of God!

We spent the afternoon at White Center, a suburb of Seattle.  We visited a women's prison, transitional home...one of eleven in a 2 or 3 mile radius.  The homes are sponsored by The Cross Church and Discipleship Program.  The ages of the women were from eighteen to grandmothers. There are three phases to the program.  The home we were visiting was a Phase I home.

The testimonies that the women shared were absolutely amazing.  Some of the ladies we met were in Phases 2 or 3, but there were also women in the Phase I house who had only been there a few weeks.  Each woman told about a life on the street, drug addiction and hopelessness.  Each one shared about the saving power and transforming mercy of their Lord, Jesus Christ.  The women were passionate about their faith.

Doris and Caroline, a godly woman, who is the House Mother

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ

that a man should have to seek Him first to find her"

~Painted as a mural on the wall of one of the ladies' rooms

The program in the houses is very structured.  The assigned chores of each woman are titled "House Blessings".  The chores are presented to the women as "opportunities to minister" and the women seem to respond beautifully to the philosophy.  They have Bible Study every morning, then church service, then home and watch a Joyce Meyers or other edifying video.  They discussed how other programs they had tried had failed, because they lacked Jesus at the center.  We took the women small gift bags (like we took to Sojourner House) with personal toiletries and nail polish.  They were so excited and grateful for these small representations of our love.  (As the women enter Phase II and III, they are allowed to work outside the home in preparation for their new lives in Christ.)

We prepared lasagna, salad,  hot bread, and pound cake for the ladies and then hurried off to the worship service at Cross Church.  As has happened at each of our venues, we were so warmly welcomed by the members. The sound team was eager to help us and went to considerable trouble to set up ten mics for us. The ladies that we fellowshipped with at the transitional Phase I house came to the concert, as well as the men in the program.  We estimate there were probably about 100 people in the service.  They were vocal and energetic in their worship, but always respectful.

During the concert, we received many standing ovations, and the attendees worshipped by lifting holy hands, joined us in singing, had wide grins on their faces, worshipped with holy abandon, and when we finished...they begged for more. Of course, we gave it to them.  Dana sang an encore performance of "Pray".

After we gathered the sound equipment, one of the sound men, James Garrod, came to us and asked if he could pray with us before we left.  He prayed a powerful prayer for our ministry.  After he finished praying, Rhonda prayed for him.

James praying for Sonshiners

The visit at the women's home  and the concert tonight proved the be the pinnacle of our week in Seattle.

Sunday, July 24th

Today we met with with leaders of Epic Life at 9:00 a.m. for prayer before the morning worship service.  We were allowed to sing two pre-service songs,  After considerable prayer, Doris selected "You Raise Me Up" because although it is a Christian song, it is also recognizable as a pop song.  The congregation listened intently and we received a warm response.  Our second song was "In the Sanctuary," which is a joyous, praise and worship song with a contemporary beat.   We invited the worshipers to join in with clapping, singing and movement...AND THE DID!  Suddenly the room was alive with praise and smiles and individuals lifting holy hands and adoring our wonderful Savior.

After the service people of all ages and walks of life approached Sonshiners saying how much they wished we had continued singing.  The teens said they were "rocking-out" with us, the adults said how much they enjoyed the harmonies.  Nathan, the Drug Recovery Pastor said, "You really brought a lot class to Seattle....not only in how you sang and dressed, but more importantly,  what showed on your faces."

Joey, A.K.A. Babe Ruth...a street man dressed in clown make-up and with braided, rainbow colored hair told us he wanted "more...more."  A number of church members and street people indicated they would like to hear more and wondered where else we were singing.  Teens from Riverside Baptist in Denver talked to Nancy about how our group was formed and how they could form a group like ours.  The church members were hungry for more.

To have only sung 2 songs and not have an opportunity to share any kind of testimony, only God's great and gracious Spirit could have caused us to have such an impact and quick connection with such a diverse audience.

We were joined at lunch by several guests.  Penny and her 3 daughters came.  It was Penny and Keith Roper's home group that fellowshipped with us on Friday night.  We were also joined by a young woman, Taylor, who is a new Christian and has been off of drugs for only six weeks,.  She is  only nineteen with red-hair and clear, green eyes.  She began using drugs when she was 13.  Nathan, the Drug Recovery minister, who was mentioned above, brought his young son and joined us too.  Nathan has a powerful testimony. He is a former Muslim who was being trained to be an Imam, but is now totally sold-out to Jesus Christ.  He came to Christ through dreams and visions and a godly man who was his high school principal.  He and his wife are very involved in Taylor and her mother's recovery and discipleship in their new Christian faith.

In the picture below, Taylor is the first female on the right and Nathan is next to her.

Below:Penny and her daughter Kelly are at the head of the table by Nancy and her 

middle daughter, Katelyn, is seated next to Tracye. 

At 2:00 we were back at the church as support staff for the church carnival and volleyball tournament.  Stephanie, Dana and Tracye were line judges and referees for the tournament.  Tinker, Rhonda and Nancy helped children make friendship bracelets.  Lisa was the sole operator for  the ring toss.  Suzanne was the gal-in-charge of the ball toss. Doris McSparrin visited with the homeless men and women who attended the event.  Carol circulated around the attendees and visited with members and visitors.

Tracye calling the lines and  Pastor Keith

Lisa at the Ring Toss game

We had a typical West Texas day, bright sunshine and no clouds.  The locals loved it and we thought it was very close to Midland weather.  By the time we got home, we were all drained from the heat.

Tomorrow we are supposed to prayer-walk around Epic Life and minister at a Women's Prison transitional home AND COOK!!!...and serve dinner to the ladies.  We will then do a concert for the staff, ladies and Cross Church.

Late night planning for Monday's schedule change...

Tired feet...tired minds...joyful hearts!

Thanks again to all of you who are so faithfully praying for us.  We can't wait to see you and tell you even more about God faithfulness to us in Seattle.

Saturday, July 23rd

Russ Peters who pastors Church on the Hill at Bonney Lake, and his wife, Grace spent the day with us.  They took us to the Pike 's Place Market where we enjoyed beautiful flowers, street musicians, seafood and a great time.  We then went to Cedar Ridge Retirement Community at Bonney Lake, which is a suburb at the foot of Mt Rainier and  about 1 hour from Seattle.

We performed a 1 hour concert for the church members and visitors at the Retirement Center.  The audience was the largest we have had, were welcoming, and receptive to our message.  They really enjoyed singing the hymns with us.  After the concert, many told us that they had never had such great entertainment.  There were several retired Baptist ministers in the audience and many strong Christians.

The Lord allowed us to have a special prayer time with Grace and Russ for their family, ministry, health and the many challenges they are facing.  In addition to pastoring 2 churches, Russ works part-time as a substitute teacher and is studying to receive his certification to be a hospital chaplain to supplement his income.  Grace works in direct marketing, which gives her freedom to support Russ in his ministry and rear their 3 children.  The area in which Grace and Russ are serving was hit hard in the economic down-turn.  The year before things cratered, they baptized 43 people.  Things have been much harder since.  Please pray for this committed couple and the family and for the lost of Bonney Lake.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Greetings Families and Prayer Partners!
First of all...thanks  so much for your prayers and also your entries on our Guestbook.  Your messages encourage, uplift and delight us.  We read them out loud when we are all together and ooh-aww and laugh.  Skeet, Stephanie wants you to know she got her left, right down.  You'd be proud of her! Thanks so much for your love and support .  We are so blessed to have you in our lives.


We are having a wonderful time and God continues to give us opportunities to connect with the people of Seattle.

This morning we returned to Sojourner Place.  Most of the women we met last night were either at work or at school.  We were warmly greeted by the Director, Casey.  The Sojourner Place building was originally a convent.  It is over 100 years old and has 11 bedrooms, but only 3 bathrooms.  Our hostesses had prepared a continental breakfast and fellowshipped with us before we "got to work". Casey had prepared a list, before our arrival, of projects with which we could help. Doris, Don, Rhonda, Suzanne, and Hank worked in the yard: weeding, planting veggies and cleaning up.

Carol was the chief window washer.  She made the the windows sparkle.  Tinker cleaned every doorknob in the place. Stephanie and Charlotte steam-cleaned carpet and deep-cleaned a room for a young woman arriving at Sojourner Place tomorrow with her newborn.  Tracye and Lisa ironed a closet full of tablecloths.  Dana and Nancy prepared gifts and decorations for a baby shower for the new baby's arrival.  Donna Henry cleaned all dining room chairs and folding chairs.

After lunch at a yummy Mexican food restaurant (yep we found one), we headed to the Aegis Memory Care center.  What a wonderful time of worship!  It was a small group, but they were precious.  They welcomed us, clapped along and joined in on the songs they knew.  The Spirit was gracious and ministered to each of us through these precious saints.  You could see them worshipping and praying as we sang and shared.  There was a tall, lanky fellow named Milo who was pretty advanced in his Alzheimer's but he had a beautiful voice and sang along on every song he knew and if he didn't know it, he whistled.  What a joy!  Memories of my Dad.

It just keeps getting better! Tonight we were invited to join the Epic Life Home group hosted by Keith and Penny and their two lovely daughters Caitlyn and Abby.   We met two members of their Praise Team and other church members. They took us on a ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, a quaint little town.  We divided up into small groups and had great fellowship and entrees of crepes, ice cream and pizza.  (Go figure....we bonded over food!) During our fellowship, there were opportunities to share with other diners and wait-staff.   It was a great time.  On the ferry back we sang "Pray" and "Nothin' But Good".  It turned out way cool...strangers were clapping along, Dad's dancing with babies...lots of smiles.  Then Leah, Epic Life's Praise Leader sang for us...just beautiful.  These were a great, joyful group of people and we'd love to transplant them all the to Texas.

Back at Sojourner Place

Tatiana and Toya

The city garden

Epic Life Church

GeoTagged, [N47.71247, E122.32496]

Thursdays Events in Seattle

After checking into our hotel we went to Epic Life Church to meet pastor, Keith Carpenter and his staff. Shelly and Casey who have been here working with Keith for 3 years took us on a walking tour. Within only a few blocks of the church, interspersed among nail salons, pet stores and golf shops are all types of adult entertainment.

Shelly shared that last year Hyde Park Baptist Church came and showed them how to host a block party. It was a success and they got about 300 businesses to participate. This summer they repeated the block party and had about 600 businesses participate.

In the middle of the block, where a crack house burned down, Epic Life Church is building a city garden as a place of sanctuary for the neighborhood.

Our next stop was Sojourner Place and was a wonder blessing. The women there were lovely hostesses and cooked a delicious meal for us with peanut butter cookies for dessert! We enjoyed visiting with the women and after dinner "sang for out supper" with a 45 minute concert and sharing our faith.

We return to Sojourner Place tomorrow morning to minister from 9:00 a.m. to noon. We can't wait! Tomorrow we will take take gift bags of personal toiletries and personal, handwritten notes to the ladies.

Tonight we connected with the ladies. The truth was shared and the Spirit of God visited us. Praise God!!

We are here !

We arrived 16 minutes early. It's 3:00pm TX time and we haven't eaten since breakfast! Enroute to hotel.

36 Hours to Departure

The Sonshiners' Mission Team will be partnering with Pastor Keith Carpenter of Epic Life Church.  The church was started 3 years ago when Keith recruited nine students from Winona State University (Winona, Minnesota) to commit to a period of three years in establishing a ministry in an area of Seattle known for its drugs, alcohol, homelessness and prostitution.  as you lift up the team in prayer, pray for our safety, health and protection.  Also, pray for the ministry team serving at Epic Life.  Pray for our impact on the community and the lives of those they reach in their ministry.