J Nelms
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Tour Photos
Follow this public link to an album of tour photos on Facebooks: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2050833&id=1599884243&l=c477a1a0ea
St. Andrews Thank You
This is a thank you note from the Jeff Gilstrap, Pastor of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina.
Jonathan - I hope your continued trip to Charleston and other places went well. We at St. Andrews were extrememly blessed to have you and your youth chori lead us in worship. You have a very special group of young people with unbelievable gifts. My prayer is GOd will use the gifts to glorify and redeem the lost. Our doors are open to you antyime you wish to return. God bless, Jeff
Jonathan - I hope your continued trip to Charleston and other places went well. We at St. Andrews were extrememly blessed to have you and your youth chori lead us in worship. You have a very special group of young people with unbelievable gifts. My prayer is GOd will use the gifts to glorify and redeem the lost. Our doors are open to you antyime you wish to return. God bless, Jeff
Massa Thank You
You all are a blessing and I thank you! Sunday evening's concert was beautiful, memorable, and inspirational. I appreciate the hours and prayers that gave us such an event of praise and worship. I love you all. Betty Massa
Colonial View Thank You
Retha Mayberry called and wanted me to tell you about how thankful she was that the Youth Choir sang at Colonial View Baptist Church. She said that they were still talking about how well behaved this group was and how much fun they had. She wants you to please bring them back to sing again. She wanted to send you a thank you card but stated that she has been sick and unable to get out and get one. She just wanted you to know how thankful she was for our group coming to sing.
Barbara (Bobbie) Gist
Barbara (Bobbie) Gist
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mission Tour Review
A time of review and evaluation regarding the 2010 Chi Rho mission tour will be held Wednesday, June 16, at 5 pm in the choir room. All 2010 chaperones from the trip are encouraged to attend. This meeting is open to other interested persons as well. We will discuss various aspects of the trip and consider ways to make the 2010-2011 season even better. The meeting will conclude around 6 pm. The Sons of Thunder are meeting at 4 pm.
Monday, June 14, 2010
June 14 Update
Thanks for a great evening last night. It was very special. The singing and sharing were wonderful.
Chi Rho will not rehearse this Wednesday, June 16. However, the SONS OF THUNDER will meet at 4 pm in the choir room. This is open to all youth choir members whether you read music or not. I hope to see you then.
Jonathan
Chi Rho will not rehearse this Wednesday, June 16. However, the SONS OF THUNDER will meet at 4 pm in the choir room. This is open to all youth choir members whether you read music or not. I hope to see you then.
Jonathan
Friday, June 11, 2010
Home Concert
Chi Rho will be singing in the morning and evening services this Sunday, June 13.
MORNING: We will sing "Promises One by One" with the Sanctuary Choir before the sermon and "Mohla Jesus ahla boa" for the offertory. Both songs will be sung from the steps. No special attire needed.
EVENING: We will meet at 5 pm to prepare for the evening service. Please wear your tour shirt and khaki pants. Our home concert will begin at 6 pm and the awards fellowship will follow. Nancy Forrester is coordinating the fellowship so please contact her if you can help with refreshments.
MORNING: We will sing "Promises One by One" with the Sanctuary Choir before the sermon and "Mohla Jesus ahla boa" for the offertory. Both songs will be sung from the steps. No special attire needed.
EVENING: We will meet at 5 pm to prepare for the evening service. Please wear your tour shirt and khaki pants. Our home concert will begin at 6 pm and the awards fellowship will follow. Nancy Forrester is coordinating the fellowship so please contact her if you can help with refreshments.
Friday
Great morning. We started with a bunch of guys and one girl, Madison, phat dippin in the pool at 8 am. Phat dippin is the opposite of skinny dippin. All of us jump in the pool fully clothed. We started this tradition last year. Pictures to come later.
Drove to the Western North Carolina Baptist Retirement Home. We sang a full concert for most of the residents in a large room with great acoustics. After the concert, we enjoyed visiting with the folks and serving refreshments. After helping most of them back to their rooms, we divided into two groups and went "caroling" in the assisted living facility. In this way, we were able to visit with everyone at the facility. They were so kind and so very grateful for our visit. We stayed a little longer than we had planned, but enjoyed every minute of it.
Carra's brother David and his wife Mary live in Asheville and hosted us last year. Today the led us to and from the Baptist Home so that we would get there safely. It was so good to see them and to visit with them again.
We took I-26 to Johnson City and ate lunch there. We then took 81 and 40 home. We arrive safely at 6 pm and cleaned out the buses.
Praise the Lord for a safe and productive mission tour. It is so rewarding to be involved in an event the clearly touches so many lives. Our youth represented our Lord so well. No behavior problems at all. No serious injuries or illness. Just lives changed by the love of God. Beautiful!
Drove to the Western North Carolina Baptist Retirement Home. We sang a full concert for most of the residents in a large room with great acoustics. After the concert, we enjoyed visiting with the folks and serving refreshments. After helping most of them back to their rooms, we divided into two groups and went "caroling" in the assisted living facility. In this way, we were able to visit with everyone at the facility. They were so kind and so very grateful for our visit. We stayed a little longer than we had planned, but enjoyed every minute of it.
Carra's brother David and his wife Mary live in Asheville and hosted us last year. Today the led us to and from the Baptist Home so that we would get there safely. It was so good to see them and to visit with them again.
We took I-26 to Johnson City and ate lunch there. We then took 81 and 40 home. We arrive safely at 6 pm and cleaned out the buses.
Praise the Lord for a safe and productive mission tour. It is so rewarding to be involved in an event the clearly touches so many lives. Our youth represented our Lord so well. No behavior problems at all. No serious injuries or illness. Just lives changed by the love of God. Beautiful!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Souls for Soldiers
The Veterans Restoration Quarters needs shoes for men, particularly sizes 10-13. Glenda and I will be passing through Asheville in about two weeks. We would like to return to the shelter with a load of shoes for these men. Please collect what you can and bring them to First Baptist, Cookeville. We will personally deliver them later this month.
I was personally present when a homeless vet approached Kelly Freeman and asked for a new pair of shoes. I looked at his feet and saw them crammed into shoes that were obviously too small. He had been to the thrift store and they didn't have his size.
This is something we can do that will benefit these veterans immediately. Our devotional tonight focused on Matthew 25:31-46. Verse 40 says, "And the King will answer, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Lets give Jesus some shoes that fit!
I was personally present when a homeless vet approached Kelly Freeman and asked for a new pair of shoes. I looked at his feet and saw them crammed into shoes that were obviously too small. He had been to the thrift store and they didn't have his size.
This is something we can do that will benefit these veterans immediately. Our devotional tonight focused on Matthew 25:31-46. Verse 40 says, "And the King will answer, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Lets give Jesus some shoes that fit!
Charleston VA Hospital
The good folks at the VA Hospital in Charleston has invited us to entertain at their annual Stand Down for Veterans event in late October. This is a two-day event for the homeless veterans in the Charleston area. I expect that we be in school and unable to participate, but it is so affirming to receive the request. Thank you, Lord, for Cindy Ingalls and the fine staff there.
Note from Pastor Randy Disharoon
Here is a kind note from the pastor of Carolina Christian Church. This is the church with whom we partnered for the outreach event last Sunday evening in Waterfront Park.
Praise God, Jonathan!
He never ceases to amaze me at the ways and means He uses to bring people into a right relationship with Him! I am so grateful for your group and the love that was shared with Charleston! Please pass on their information should they want to be contacted and we will help them get plugged into a church family here in Charleston.
Susan cried when she saw the children playing the instruments! What an amazing night of "letting our light so shine."
I am glad your dad's procedure went well. Many reasons to be thankful today.
Randy
Praise God, Jonathan!
He never ceases to amaze me at the ways and means He uses to bring people into a right relationship with Him! I am so grateful for your group and the love that was shared with Charleston! Please pass on their information should they want to be contacted and we will help them get plugged into a church family here in Charleston.
Susan cried when she saw the children playing the instruments! What an amazing night of "letting our light so shine."
I am glad your dad's procedure went well. Many reasons to be thankful today.
Randy
Thursday
What a wonderful day. We had a safe trip to Asheville and a great evening. Our time with the residents at the Veterans Restoration Quarters was such a blessing. These homeless vets were so kind and gracious. We formed our drum circle in the courtyard and served popsicles to everyone. Some of our boys and one of our girls played a game of basketball and others just spent time visiting with the men who were there.
Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Freeman was such a great host. She shared her personal testimony and gave us an overview of the Restoration Quarters. Mission founder Mike Reich spoke with us and we prayed for him and the staff. They are fine folks with a great attitudes. Here is a link to learn more about this ministry: http://www.abccm.org/vets-place.html
At six o'clock we began a 40 minute program that included many of our upbeat songs and the armed forces medley. The men ate while we sang and many of them moved closer to hear the program after they finished their meal. The facility has 148 beds and it appeared that almost all of the men were present. The volunteers who prepared the evening meal even served us a delicious dinner.
About 7:15 we drove to the Fun Depot for a great time of recreation. The staff with helpful and courteous. The kids had a great time and I especially enjoyed the go-carts.
We returned to the hotel about 10 pm and had our evening vesper service in the hotel breakfast area. It was a sweet time of sharing testimonies from the day and whispering our prayers to God. We usually pray out loud simultaneously, but tonight we whispered. We conclude our group prayer by praying the Lord's Prayer. Tonight we whispered it too. I got chills hearing everyone whispering in unison. I can only wonder what the other guests and staffs were thinking.
I want to remember the stories that I heard tonight. So many testimonies of God's grace and mercy to these homeless veterans. What a blessing to be a part of this great, great ministry, if only for an evening.
Volunteer Coordinator Kelly Freeman was such a great host. She shared her personal testimony and gave us an overview of the Restoration Quarters. Mission founder Mike Reich spoke with us and we prayed for him and the staff. They are fine folks with a great attitudes. Here is a link to learn more about this ministry: http://www.abccm.org/vets-place.html
At six o'clock we began a 40 minute program that included many of our upbeat songs and the armed forces medley. The men ate while we sang and many of them moved closer to hear the program after they finished their meal. The facility has 148 beds and it appeared that almost all of the men were present. The volunteers who prepared the evening meal even served us a delicious dinner.
About 7:15 we drove to the Fun Depot for a great time of recreation. The staff with helpful and courteous. The kids had a great time and I especially enjoyed the go-carts.
We returned to the hotel about 10 pm and had our evening vesper service in the hotel breakfast area. It was a sweet time of sharing testimonies from the day and whispering our prayers to God. We usually pray out loud simultaneously, but tonight we whispered. We conclude our group prayer by praying the Lord's Prayer. Tonight we whispered it too. I got chills hearing everyone whispering in unison. I can only wonder what the other guests and staffs were thinking.
I want to remember the stories that I heard tonight. So many testimonies of God's grace and mercy to these homeless veterans. What a blessing to be a part of this great, great ministry, if only for an evening.
Wednesday, June 09, 2010
Wednesday
Nice walk to Liberty Square this morning. Met Scotts and Coggins for cruise to Ft. Sumter. Great history. Saw many dolphins. Nice folks along the way. Returned to Charleston. Walked to St. Philips Church where George Washington once worshipped. Docent shared a short history of the church. Enjoyed a noonday prayer service and sang a few songs in the church. The docent gave everyone a copy of the Gospel of John. Walked to Waterfront Park. Great picnic lunch at park. Broke into small groups for some shopping and touring. Met back at hotel and traveled to home of Ann Marie and Philip Fairchild for dinner. Sang a concert for folks at the their home. Sweet time of fellowship. Drum circle played, too. Back to hotel for vespers and packing. Check out tomorrow morning. Got to sleep fast.
Tuesday, June 08, 2010
Tuesday
Sang several songs for hotel staff and guests this morning at breakfast. Everyone was very appreciative. One of the hotel staff members, Henry, was particular excited and sang some himself.
Tricky drive to the VA Hospital where we met Cindy Ingalls who arranged for us to sing throughout the hospital for staff members and patients. We sang in the main lobby for a while before dividing into two groups and visiting individual wards. Everyone came together one the Community Living Center (formerly known as the nursing home) to sing for a group of veterans gathered in the activity room. They were so appreciative and so kind. It was a delight to honor these vets and to share songs of faith and hope with them. We then visited with men in their individual rooms and sang in the hallways. After assembling in the activity room once more, we prayed for Ms. Ingalls and she expressed her gratitude for our visit. We then ate lunch in the canteen and sang some more for diners there.
We spent about three hours visiting the VA hospital and we so blessed by being there. We met men so many men who had sacrificed so much for our country. There stories we captivating, emotional, and inspiring.
After returning to the hotel for a quick change of clothes, we drove out to the beach on Isle of Palms. The county park there was a great place to visit the beach. The weather was wonderful and we have a great time swimming, sunning, and visiting on the beach.
After returning to the hotel we had our daily vesper servive by the pool at 10 p.m. A family from Colorado joined us there and we sang several songs to them. They are a very kind Jewish family and we pray that our songs and our lives were a good witness to them.
This has been a delightful day. I hope that we can always remember the veterans and the tears they shed as we sang. How good it is be a blessing to others in Jesus' name.
Tricky drive to the VA Hospital where we met Cindy Ingalls who arranged for us to sing throughout the hospital for staff members and patients. We sang in the main lobby for a while before dividing into two groups and visiting individual wards. Everyone came together one the Community Living Center (formerly known as the nursing home) to sing for a group of veterans gathered in the activity room. They were so appreciative and so kind. It was a delight to honor these vets and to share songs of faith and hope with them. We then visited with men in their individual rooms and sang in the hallways. After assembling in the activity room once more, we prayed for Ms. Ingalls and she expressed her gratitude for our visit. We then ate lunch in the canteen and sang some more for diners there.
We spent about three hours visiting the VA hospital and we so blessed by being there. We met men so many men who had sacrificed so much for our country. There stories we captivating, emotional, and inspiring.
After returning to the hotel for a quick change of clothes, we drove out to the beach on Isle of Palms. The county park there was a great place to visit the beach. The weather was wonderful and we have a great time swimming, sunning, and visiting on the beach.
After returning to the hotel we had our daily vesper servive by the pool at 10 p.m. A family from Colorado joined us there and we sang several songs to them. They are a very kind Jewish family and we pray that our songs and our lives were a good witness to them.
This has been a delightful day. I hope that we can always remember the veterans and the tears they shed as we sang. How good it is be a blessing to others in Jesus' name.
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Monday, June 07, 2010
Patriots Point
We had a great time singing on the USS Yorktown, touring the ship, and eating in the CPO galley. It was an blessing to sing songs about our country and to honor the veterans who have served in the armed forces. God bless America!
Monday
Another big day! Great morning at Patriots Point. Kids sang a thirty minute patriotic program. A few tourists passed by as well as some Marines and some staff members. All of us enjoyed touring the ship. There was a nice breeze and a few of our girls even saw dolphins. We all needed a break this afternoon and it was good to rest for an hour or so before dinner.
Todd and I took the high school grads to dinner at a local restaurant. It was delicious and we had a great time. It was a great way to honor their leadership in the choir. Keith was even with us when we came to Charleston five years ago. Rebecca, Megan, and Jordan are so precious, too.
This evening Ann Marie Fairchild took us on a 4 1/2 mile walking tour of historic Charleston. We saw the College of Charleston, many parks, historic homes, Rainbow Row, the Battery, and a host of historic churches. It was a beautiful evening with a nice cool breeze blowing through town. Truly unseasonably mild weather. We stopped in front of First Baptist Church, Charleston which is the oldest Baptist church in the south. Farrell led us in prayer for the church and Christians in the city.
We returned to the hotel and took a quick swim before beginning our nightly devotional service at 10 pm. Each night we read scripture, sing a song, share a devotional, review the day, and share testimonies about the people we have met. We then pray for people, sing again, preview the following day, and finally present the Glory and Goober Sticks.
During the testimony time, Bobbie shared that she led her cousin and his wife to the Lord tonight. They were touched by the witness of our youth in the park last night and the joy that Bobbie has despite her husbands death a few years ago. They saw the difference that Jesus makes her life and in our lives and they wanted the same joy. She explained the gospel to her cousin Randy using the Roman Road and led him to the Lord. Then his wife Gail said that she wanted that too. Bobbie shared the same passages with her and she accepted the Lord. It was a sweet time for them and we rejoice in their professions of faith. I am so thankful for Bobbie's witness to them and the opportunity the youth choir had to be a part of this. Praise the Lord!
Updates:
Tracy and his family made it safely to Charleston.
Bob and Molly are still traveling home even now.
Lonnie is slowly recovering and my dad got his pacemaker today.
Keep praying. God is doing great things and we're so blessed to be a part of it.
Jonathan
Todd and I took the high school grads to dinner at a local restaurant. It was delicious and we had a great time. It was a great way to honor their leadership in the choir. Keith was even with us when we came to Charleston five years ago. Rebecca, Megan, and Jordan are so precious, too.
This evening Ann Marie Fairchild took us on a 4 1/2 mile walking tour of historic Charleston. We saw the College of Charleston, many parks, historic homes, Rainbow Row, the Battery, and a host of historic churches. It was a beautiful evening with a nice cool breeze blowing through town. Truly unseasonably mild weather. We stopped in front of First Baptist Church, Charleston which is the oldest Baptist church in the south. Farrell led us in prayer for the church and Christians in the city.
We returned to the hotel and took a quick swim before beginning our nightly devotional service at 10 pm. Each night we read scripture, sing a song, share a devotional, review the day, and share testimonies about the people we have met. We then pray for people, sing again, preview the following day, and finally present the Glory and Goober Sticks.
During the testimony time, Bobbie shared that she led her cousin and his wife to the Lord tonight. They were touched by the witness of our youth in the park last night and the joy that Bobbie has despite her husbands death a few years ago. They saw the difference that Jesus makes her life and in our lives and they wanted the same joy. She explained the gospel to her cousin Randy using the Roman Road and led him to the Lord. Then his wife Gail said that she wanted that too. Bobbie shared the same passages with her and she accepted the Lord. It was a sweet time for them and we rejoice in their professions of faith. I am so thankful for Bobbie's witness to them and the opportunity the youth choir had to be a part of this. Praise the Lord!
Updates:
Tracy and his family made it safely to Charleston.
Bob and Molly are still traveling home even now.
Lonnie is slowly recovering and my dad got his pacemaker today.
Keep praying. God is doing great things and we're so blessed to be a part of it.
Jonathan
J Nelms
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Sunday, June 06, 2010
Sunday
What a great day. We had a great morning at St. Andrews Presbyterian in Greenville. Pastor Jeff Gilstrap and his congregation were such gracious host. What a joy to worship with them. We met so many beautiful people. The fellowship was so sweet. It is a blessing to the Lord is other and their generous hospitality. We shared meaningful worship and a delicious meal.
After 4 1/2 drive, we arrived at Waterfront Park in Charleston. The good folks of Carolina Christian Church (C3) met us there and were such a blessing. As we sang they visited with people all over the park and the pier. By working together we were able to reach so many more people. Pastor Randy Disharoon said the evening was a "hug success." Families were drawn to the drums and the choir. People sang and clapped along. Some children even played the percussion instruments with the drum circle. It was a sweet evening worship fellowship and outreach. C3 gave away ice cream and water while we sang and each of us were blessed to meet so many beautiful, kind people in the park. The interaction of the churches and the bystanders was so good. Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful day.
After 4 1/2 drive, we arrived at Waterfront Park in Charleston. The good folks of Carolina Christian Church (C3) met us there and were such a blessing. As we sang they visited with people all over the park and the pier. By working together we were able to reach so many more people. Pastor Randy Disharoon said the evening was a "hug success." Families were drawn to the drums and the choir. People sang and clapped along. Some children even played the percussion instruments with the drum circle. It was a sweet evening worship fellowship and outreach. C3 gave away ice cream and water while we sang and each of us were blessed to meet so many beautiful, kind people in the park. The interaction of the churches and the bystanders was so good. Thank you, Lord, for a beautiful day.
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