Sunday was perhaps the most intense, and most fulfilling day I have ever experienced on Mission Choir Tour. We knew that we would be singing in three services and a full concert, so the first thing to confront was our own fatigue and check our hearts. It was a wonderful lesson in worship preparation for all. We discussed what is personally necessary to lead others in worship. The services were virtually without pause and the Chapel Singers sang for the first twenty minutes of each service. They were incredible. After the second service a gentleman came up to me and said that our kids “radiated” the love of Jesus. I couldn’t have been more pleased. Beyond singing well,which they did, we have consistently talked about having ‘fire in your eyes’ so that your love for Jesus is unmistakable.
The church we sang for in the morning was First Baptist Maryville (IL). They are the church who has helped us find a place to do VBS. this is also the church where my cousin, Tom Hufty, is a senior pastor. It was wonderful to hear him preach.
We then traveled north to my home town of Bowling Green, Missouri, and as one Chapel Singer dec
Chapel Singers at Second Baptist Church of Bowling Green, Missouri
lared as he got off the bus “this is a small town”. We were met by my former choir director at Second Baptist Church. She had prepared a much needed snack break. She also introduced the kids to Sun Drop. For this, I truly apologize. It was the soda that I lived on as a kid, and it has about as much sugar as a candy factory.
The ability to go home was profoundly moving for me. Half my high school teachers showed up, and so many faces that helped to raise me. I was able to share with those people, in front of the Chapel Singers, my sincere gratitude for the love they gave to me growing up. I was able to thank I the Sunday School teacher who planted seeds in an ungrateful 10 year old boy that would not take hold for years.
And then they sang. It was without a doubt, the best I have ever heard these kids sing. It was a joy to be there with them. This for me,was a Gateway Moment.
We then boarded the bus and went to my parent’s house: The Hufty Homestead. Mom had prepared an incredible feast for us all, and it was a great way to end a long and wonderful day. The kids enjoyed throwing the frisbee around the back yard, eating the thousand brownies, and searching for awkward photos of me as a kid. A good time was had by all.
