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.