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Waiting for breakfast

Hola amigos!

We are on the road

We are on the road again. Pray for our safety. We will be eating on the way. Thanks for sharing your children with us this weekend.
Jonathan

Chi Rho Fall Retreat Begins Today

Hey, the Chi Rho Youth Choir is leaving for our fall retreat today. We will be leaving for Beersheba Springs at 3:30 p.m. Check back at this blog for reports from this weekend. We will send photos and updates, IF cell phone service is available.

Thanks for your support, Jonathan

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Chi Rho Rehearsals Resume

Chi Rho welcomed eight new members last night. Rehearsals will continue each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.

Rehearsals Resume THIS Wednesday

The Chi Rho Youth Choir will resume regular weekly rehearsals this Wednesday, August 9. One hour rehearsals will be held each Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. and continue throughout the school year. (Please check the updated choir schedule for changes.) All youth in grades 7 through 12 are encouraged to participate. Jonathan says, "This is shaping up to be our best year of youth choir ministry yet. I am so excited about getting the choir together again. Chi Rho will begin working on some great new anthems at the first rehearsal."

For more information about Chi Rho, please contact Jonathan by calling the church office or posting a comment to this blog.

Music Ministry Blog Created

I have created another blog dedicated to the worship and music ministry of First Baptist. I will be posting images and other information related to these areas. You can find a link to it on the sidebar, "FBC Music Ministry." Please check it out and leave me a comment, if you visit. I'm open to suggestions. I will be posting some images from Vacation Bible School very soon.

God bless,

Jonathan

Post Trip Blues

I just visited with a few of our friends who went on the tour. They've got the post-trip blues.

If you have the post-trip blues, then I prescribe the following: 1) a healthy dose of thank-you prayers to the Lord; 2) re-read your devotionals from last week and fill out the questionaire on the last page; 3) do something good for someone else.

Bring the trip home and apply your new skills and confidence to those around you in Cookeville. Take it from the doctor, there is nothing better you can do for yourself than to do something for someone else.

Sincerely,
Dr. J

Thank You Notes

We received two thank you notes today. One was a business thank-you from the Hampton Inn, Mobile inviting us back. The other is printed below.

"What a wonderful blessing this choir was to me at Woodridge Baptist Church Sunday night. Reminded me of my Youth Choir days - many years ago. May God continue to bless." - Sherrie Johnson

Great word. Thanks.

Glory Stick Winners

These are the Glory Stick Winners from the tour. Other winners included Maicie, Kyle, Bill, and Michael. Glenda presented the Glory Stick in Bill's absence.

Goober Stick Winners

Mister Wayne presented the Goober Stick each night. All of the goobers are pictured here.

Wayne drove as well.

Mister Wayne drove the mini-bus the whole way. He did a great job driving AND he presented the Goober Award each evning. Here he is with proud recipient, Sallie.

Dwight drove the big bus the whole way. Thanks!

Dwight drove the Bluebird that whole way. He did a great job and never complained. It was hot, noisy, and tiring. We thank the Lord for a safe trip and for Dwight's great work. Thanks, Dwight. We couldn't have done it without you!

This is a picture of Dwight standing in the midst of the temporary housing at God's Katrina Kitchen, Pass Christian.

Share Service Sunday Night

Chi Rho will share songs, stories, and pictures from our recent tour on Sunday night, June 11, during the evening worship service. Choir members should wear their new Chi Rho blue shirt and khaki pants. We will have a fellowship after the service during which we will present our year-end awards.

ALL choir members are encouraged to attend and participate. New blue shirts are available for all active choir members.

Rising seventh graders are invited to the service and fellowship. We look forward to their participation when the choir resumes in August.

Chi Rho has returned.

Chi Rho has returned. We arrived at nine tonight. Just thirteen hours after leaving Mobile. We thank the Lord for a safe trip.

Beach break

This is a photo from our two-hour break at the beach. It was a lovely afternoon. Everyone had a great time. It was the first visit to the beach for one in our group.

Choir with zoo director

We met zoo director Patti Hall who is on Animal Planet. We sang for her. She shared her Christian testimony and we prayed with her. Wonderful! Patti is such a sweet person. She said that our visit was such an encouragement. She has been with the zoo since 1998. It is the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo which is featured on the Animal Planet television series The Little Zoo That Could.

Thursday Morning Check-in

On the way to the zoo. Beautiful day. I can tell that everyone is still tired from yesterday. Linda was not well last night, but better today.

Bill S.'s father-in-law passed away

Bill S.'s father-in-law passed away today. He is flying home tonight. Prayer for his safety and Lisa's family.

Wedneday Night Concert Delightful

Another great program tonight despite our fatigue. Very thankful folks. Great time of fellowship. Headed back to Mobile.

First Baptist Gulfport

Pastor Don shares his testimony

Pastor Don retired from a distinguished and high-ranking career with the Mississippi State Troopers. He moved to Montana to serve as a missionary. When Katrina came through Pastor Don returned to Gulfport to pastor his home church, Gulf Gardens.

Having an awesome day. Great ministry here!

The choir is singing in the background as thousands stream through the kitchen tent. These people are hot, dirty, and discouraged. Som many thanked us for the hope and energy that we brought. The kitchen staff was particularly enthusiastic and appreciative.

In the Kitchen

Everyone jumped right into the work. It was hot and rewarding.

Distribution center

People can home here once a week to get supplies. They were especially thankful for the bed sheets that we took. Matt and Michael helped the hurricane victims get the items that they needed. This is a tremendous ministry to this area.

Boy power

In addition to moving hundreds of chairs, we packed coolers with food for a shelter in New Orleans and moved supplies to storm proof container trucks. Everyone worked hard.

Girl power

We helped the staff prepare for this year's hurricane season. They said that we saved thems days of manpower. I was particularly proud of the girls. They certainly stayed with their tasks. Great job, one and all.

Arrived

This is the slogan for the kitchen. It is a great ministry. God led Director Greg Porter to start it and he plans to keep going until it is no longer needed. From the look of the area this could be a while.

We are leaving soon for

We are leaving soon for a long day on the Miss. Coast. Pray for stamina, safety, wisdom, and flexibility.

Delicious dinner with a beautiful

Delicious dinner with a beautiful view. Great time of fellowship. Ate at Original Oyster House on Mobile Bay.

View from dinner tables

USS Alabama

We sang our concert just to the left (starboard side) of the first turret. It was a beautiful day and gorgeous weather. Sun was hot, but the humidity is miraculously low.

Michael seems to be well.

Michael seems to be well. He is still weak but he went to the church this morning. He is eating some. I am thankful for Cathy and Bill's care.

Battleship

Battleship was impressive. Good lunch. Few people on deck for concert. Lovely weather.

Mobile Cathedral

Choir visited Mobile Cathedral and sang a couple of songs. Beautiful!

Homeless Breakfast

Had a great experience at homeless breakfast. Many receptive men. We shared a great message of hope and encouragement. While we were singing We Will Be a Shelter for Each Other I heard these words in a more profound context: "For those who wander in the streets who shiver in the rain. For all who live in loneliness and every soul in pain. For every child whose lost the way from every friend they knew. We pray that we may find the strength to make this promises true..." I thought about the homeless men eating as we sang. I wondered they had slept while I was at the Hampton last night. I wondered what were their dreams. I wondered where they would go. It was a moving experience and I trust that God spoke through out songs to their hearts. Amen and amen.

Group Photo in Cathedral Square

XP at Cathedral Square

Evening Wrap-up

We've had a fun evening. The skate party was nice for everyone. We had a good time seeing the youth from Woodridge Baptist again. Celeste Bailey told me that WBC does not have any creative arts/music ministries for youth, but dialogue began today on how to start one. Our kids were so enthusiastic about our experiences today.

We went straight to our vesper service upon returning to the hotel. Many youth shared insights from the morning and afternoon programs. I am so pleased with their sensitivity toward these people. I do believe that these experiences today will have a lasting impact on their relationship with the Lord and with others.

Continue praying for Michael W. Dr. Flatt prescribed some medicine for him and he seems to be better. However, he still has a fever and hasn't been able to drink much.

We are leaving at 7:00 a.m. so I am heading to bed.

Be proud of these youth. God is good and He is working in, among, and through us.

Grace and peace,
Jonathan

More from Wings of Life

This is me, Jonathan, with Wings of Life Associate Pastor Gary Clark. Gary went through the program many years ago and stayed for the one year Bible college. God turned his life around and he has now served as assistant director of the program for three years.

Wings of Life Rehabilitation Center

Our experience at Wings of Life was just incredible. My words can only fall short. The kids presented an hour-long program completely from memory. It was an awesome experience. The residents were so very engaged in the singing. They clapped and cheered after the songs and affirmed the message that we shared. Randy did a great job sharing the plan of salvation.

By the end of our program the folks were spontaneously standing, clapping, and singing along with the songs. For example, when we sang "shout it out all you women" the women would shout "amen." And when we sang "shout it out all you men" the men would shout "amen." Just great. All of the kids were so excited and so full of the Spirit. I wish you all could have seen them. A glorious time.

Wings of Life is housed in an old high school in downtown Mobile. Rev. Chris Patrick directs the ministry which houses about 60 folks in a 90-day "sin" rehab. Pictured in the center of our group is Tonya. She has been at Wings of Life for 30 days. She gave her heart to Jesus about two weeks ago. She now has such a joyful and tender heart. She shared her testimony with us after the program. God has certainly changed her life. She "fell in love" with our choir and gave us her name badge as a way to remember to pray for her.

Taking break for lunch and swim

Hotel pool.

Gordon Oaks

The Martells have been married 53 years. A joyful couple. All were very appreciate of our visit. The choir sang a full program from memory.

Prayer Report

Thank the Lord that Mister Wayne and Bro. Frank were able to get the van repaired this morning. We had a faulty fuel sensor. The repairman said that we were fortunate not to have a fire. Thank God we didn't. Frank also reported that they witnessed to two people while they were at the shop.

Michael W. is ill today and staying in bed. He is better and sleeping now. Bro. Bill stayed with him this morning.

Ivan L. got some bad news about his dog. Ivan is sad, but doing great.

More Vehicle Problems

Some wonderful folks in Monroeville helped us to repair the bus air conditioner this morning. We are so thankful. However, now the van (the deisel minibus) has a problem. Mister Wayne and Bro. Bill will be taking it to the shop first thing in the morning.

First Baptist Church, Monroeville

First, Monroeville has a beautiful campus. Chi Rho sang for both of their morning worship services and Bro. Randy preached. The people were so appreciative.

It was a meaningful time for Randy's family. Keith solo and Lyndsay's scripture reading were both very special. Randy recalled seeing "little" Keith walk down the aisle and make a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ as a six year old. 'Randy baptized Keith in Monroeville shortly before moving to Cookeville.

We enjoyed a delicious lunch with their youth before hitting the road.

Three Little Princesses

Haley, Brittany, and Brogan enjoy Birmingham's Galleria last Saturday.

First Awards Presented

Our first Goober Award winner is Ivan. Lets just say that Ivan is "milking his award for all its worth."

And the first individual Glory Stick winner is Julianna. Julianna was sick this morning from something she ate, but went in to worship and sang anyway. She's a real trooper.

The Goober Stick will send everyone in Ivan's room to the back of any line tomorrow. Likewise, the Glory Stick will take Julianna and her roommates to the front of any line.

New Ministry Opportunity

We have been invited to sing at Government Street Presbyterian Church on Tuesday morning. The church serves breakfast to about 100 homeless people EVERY morning. They want Chi Rho to sing during the breakfast on Tuesday morning. That means leaving the hotel by 7:00 a.m. This is a great ministry opportunity and we have accepted the challenge. Keep praying.

Woodridge Baptist Church

Choir sang a great program at Woodridge Sunday night. Songs include I Will Sing Praise; Praise, the Lord Our God Forever; African Sanctus; Keep On; We've Got the Spirit; Gospel Alleluia; Many Gifts, One Spirit; and Shout Amen! I invited Clayton Bailey to come up and sing two songs with us and Celeste accompanied the choir on Many Gifts, One Spirt. There were about 300 people in the service tonight. Everyone was very receptive. We sang the entire program from memory. It was very good! Good sermon from Pastor Mack Morris as well.

Ate pizza with thier youth group after the service. Neither Woodridge nor First, Monroeville have youth music ministries. Both ministers of music appreciate our visit and the vision for youth choir ministry that we brought to their congregations. - Jonathan

Enjoyed great tour of Monroeville Courthouse last night, Saturday. You can see the moon above the courthouse square. We had a private tour which was led by a personal friend of Harper Lee. There is a nice museum with many exhibits. We sang a couple of songs in the courtroom itself. Nice addition to our evening. Thank Salee for working scheduling this.

Arrived Mobile

We have checked into the Hampton Inn. Very Nice. Had a great afternoon. Right on schedule. Bus AC repaired during church this morning. Forgive us Lord!

Headed to church. Had a great morning. Choir sounded great. Very well received and a delicious lunch. Randy preached two very meaningful sermons. We are looking forward to tonight.

Keep praying. More later.

Jonathan

Had a good night. Everything was WAY behind schedule. Checked into hotels. Everyone had such a great attitude about the heat, the rooms, the everything. We ate at a local Mexican restaurant and some at a catfish place.

After supper we took a very interesting tour of the Monroeville Courthouse. Great info on To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee, and Truman Capote.

Made our way to the church and actually had a decent rehearsal at 11 pm. Good energy and positive attitudes. Set up and had a short devotional and prayer time.

Days Inn looks nice. Those of us at the Monroeville Inn will certainly appreciate a little rest tonight.

Beautiful morning. God is so good and we look forward to worship today.

Keep praying. The bus AC is not working, but the humidity is fairly low. Pleasant.

My phone died yesterday and I had to get a replacement in Birmingham. Now I am having some kind of problem with the new one. Oh, well...

Will try to post again soon.

We love and appreciate each of you.

Grace and peace, Jonathan

Over an hour behind schedule.

Over an hour behind schedule. Bus A C still not working. I had to replace my phone in Birmingham. Difficult day, but morale is very good.

Just entered Alabama. Pray for

Just entered Alabama. Pray for air conditioner. It has stopped working again.

Thanking Timothy for helping with A C. Exchanged blessings. He is a believer.

Go ye therefore. . .

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Gulf Coast Bound

I awoke on Palm Sunday morning to find this message written across my yard in shaving cream. Of course, other things (e.g. toilet paper and forks) were also in my yard.

I believe these same vandals will be with us today. They are truly GOOBERS, one and all!

- Jonathan

Reports from Chi Rho Youth Choir Tour 2006

I will be posting updates, prayer requests, funny photos, and praise reports to this site while we are away. They will be coming from my cell phone so be patient with the content and image quality. Keep checking the site. I will post new info as events happen.

Thanks for your prayers.

- Jonathan

Tour logo

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Tour Prayer List

As the youth choir is on tour, we ask for your prayers. We are thankful for opportunity to serve the Lord is this way. Please take a moment to look over the following prayer requests. We would appreciate your continued prayers throughout the tour.
Thanks, Jonathan

Pray for the people that we will meet in the following locations:

Overview of Tour Itinerary:
Saturday, June 3, drive to Monroeville, Alabama
Evening rehearsal and prayer time at First Baptist

Sunday, June 4
8:30 a.m.: sing in early service at First Baptist Church, Monroeville, Alabama
11:55 a.m.: sing in late service at FBC (This is Bro. Randy’s former church.)
Afternoon: drive to Mobile
6:00 p.m.: sing in worship at Woodridge Baptist Church, Mobile

Monday, June 5
10:00 a.m.: sing concert for residents at Gordon Oaks Assisted Living Community
(This is a large assisted living home in Mobile.)
3:30 p.m.: sing concert for patients at Wings of Life Rehabilitation Ministry
(This is a Christian ministry for those recovering from substance abuse.)
7:00 p.m.: fellowship with youth from Woodridge Baptist Church

Tuesday, June 6
10:00 a.m.: perform concert on deck of USS Alabama (battleship in Mobile Bay)
11:15 a.m.: perform again of deck of USS Alabama
Evening: sing at Mission of Hope (tentative engagement, still waiting confirmation)

Wednesday, June 7
9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.: sing and minister at God’s Katrina Kitchen, Pass Christian, Mississippi
(Ministry service nearly 3000 meals a day to hurricane relief workers.)
6:00-8:30 p.m.: sing concert at Gulf Gardens Baptist Church, Gulfport, Mississippi
(Church damaged by Hurricane Katrina but working to restore community and congregation.)

Thursday, June 8
10:30 a.m.: visit Gulf Coast Zoo, Gulf Shores, Alabama
5:30-8:30 p.m.: perform concert and outreach at Gulf Breeze RV Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama
(Working with NAMB Missionary to provide resorts outreach to large campground.)

Friday, June 9
Return to Cookeville

Pray for these people who are going on the tour:
Choir Leadership: Jonathan, director; Todd, pianist
Choir Members: Keith, Lynsey, Jessica, Austin, Zac, Sierra, , Krissi, James, Lyndsey, Sallie, Brittany, Maicie, Megan, Julianna, Brogan, Timothy, Ivan, Caleb, Marissa, Haley, Matt, Jessica, Emily, Danielle, and Michael
Chaperones: Salee, Rachel, Cathy, Kyle, Frank, Nanci, Glenda, Linda
Transportation Specialists: Dwight and Mister Wayne
Ministerial Staff: Randy and Bill
Junior Varsity Support Crew: James, John Philip, Nathan

Schedule for the Next Few Days

Take note of the following schedule:

Thursday, June 1, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
—rehearsal in choir room/Sanctuary
New T-shirts will be distributed as well as final itinerary.
(Parents and all chaperones are encouraged to attend.)

Friday, June 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
—load van and bus
(All tour participants, chaperones, and drivers should attend. Luggage may be loaded at this time.)

Saturday, June 3,
7:30 a.m.—arrive at gravel FBC lot
8:00 a.m.—depart for summer tour

Friday, June 9, 6:00 p.m.—return from tour

Sunday, June 11, 6:00 p.m.—Home Concert
7:00 p.m.—Fellowship and Awards Presentation
(This concert and fellowship is for ALL Chi Rho members regardless of tour participation.)

Tour 2006

The Chi Rho Youth Choir Tour 2006 is about to begin. We depart Saturday for a week of ministry and outreach. Watch for more news and info soon. We will be posting reports and images to this site while we are away.

Pray for God's rich blessings on our trip and the people we meet. May He use us as His instrument throughout the tour.

Grace and peace,

Jonathan