Hello! This is my first year in the ASYC as well as my first time "blogging." When I first came to Campbell for the first day of this tour, my first impression was amazement. This amazement came from hearing the blessing, the doxology. But it has so many different harmonies. It is something that is hard to explain. The people here are so friendly and welcoming. The moment I came, I felt a part of the family. So far this week has been full of learning the music, (go alto 2s!), making friends, and trying to keep hydrated. One of the most inspiring parts of the trip so far has been at the feet washing. There was this one man who was getting his feet washed at my station who was just so thankful that we were doing this and that he got a pair of free shoes. Just seeing how thankful people were made it all worth while. Showing them that we all love them in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. While all of this has impacted me so much, I must confess, one of my favorite things to do so far has been getting to know my suite mates. They are two of the sweetest girls I have met and I am glad that we are able to meet. I love everyone at home, but I'm not sure I'm quite ready to go back. Luckily, its just Wednesday. I'm sure the rest of this week will be full of some many more good memories and full of the spirit of Chirst.
That's it for now!
Love, Claudia
Okay Hi Ya!! I am here with 7 members of my church, GO FBC SHELBY! haha anyway ASYC is a blast. This is my first year here and its only Wednesday. I have been having such an amazing time! The fellowship and just the love that everyone here is sharing and showing is just amazing. Today we had the opportunity to work with the homeless and the less fortunate. We were able to wash their feet for them and provide them with new shoes. The love that was shown today was so breathtaking and touching... just so hard for me personally to describe. And then, of course, I can't forget to mention how wonderful our singing is! During every performance the power of the Lord is truly there. I love ASYC, highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try out next time! ASYC will truly change your life. :) PRAISE GOD!!!
-Taylor
p.s JUSTIN, WE MISS YOU!!!
Raleigh Rescue Mission from NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir on Vimeo.
Hello everyone! I'm from First Baptist Church of Shelby, NC. This is my second year at ASYC, and I can say that this year has truly been a blessing. I was thrilled to be able to return to ASYC this year and see everyone again. Tonight we had a concert in Raleigh and it went very well. Stephen Aber played played piano during the offering tonight and it was the most amazing thing that I have ever heard played on piano (and for those of you who heard last year's, you know that is incredible). Prior to the concert we were washing the feet of the homeless and giving them new shoes and socks. We also took a tour of the Raleigh Rescue Mission. We were told by many that those who washed the feet blessed those whose feet were washed. The love that was shared today was tangible, and it was truly fantastic to watch the interaction between us as high school students and those with whom we came in contact.
-Carrah
Hi: ) I am from Fayetteville, Nc, Snyder Memorial Baptist Church. I am what I guess you could call a "newbie"...but I'm ok with that because All-State is truly one of the most awesome things to be a part of. Some may think it would be odd to spend a week of your summer singing when you could be doing anything else. But to me, it is such a blessing. Every single youth in this choir has such a heart for singing and through that we are able to praise the Lord with joyous noise in each concert we sing. Today we got the opportunity to serve the homeless by washing their feet, just as Christ washed the disciples' feet. We also provided them with socks, shoes, and survival kits which they were greatly appreciative of. Being able to serve the homeless and treat them just as Christ would treat any of us was truly humbling. Our director Clif has been so awesome, supportive, and patient through long rehearsals and while preparing for concerts. I am so excited to be able to sing
under his direction this week. Tonight our concert in Raleigh at Forest Hills was in my opinion, aweeesome. You could really tell that everyone listening was really connecting with each song and really experienced Christ's presence. Shout out to our accompanist, Stephen who played THE most beautiful, awesome piano piece tonight...truly awesome. Today was such a great reminder of God's overflowing abundant love. I am so blessed to be a part of something so wonderful and touching. To God be the Glory!
- Lindsay
Stephen Aber, piano solo from NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir on Vimeo.
Hello! I'm from Winter Park Baptist and this is my first year at ASYC, and so far it's been really fun. I enjoy the music.
Brianna
Finishing out the last first concert I will sing with All-State is bittersweet.
While I certainly don't have the attachment that four year members do, the end of all-state means the beginning of a new season in life. As we ministered to the homeless today I was struck with their faces. Names still play in my head as I remember the stories they told, songs they sang for us and the gratitude for even the simplest things. I was awestruck as several people ministered to ME.
They made a point to present the gospel to me and to ask me if i came in the name of Christ. What a privilege to be able to work with such wonderful people!
As Phil said earlier in the week: you get out of all-state what you put into it.
"With all of my heart and soul I sing to the Lord most high, with all of my mind and strength I lift up His name". Please intercede on our behalf for the lives we touch this week. That we would have rest and health to give God all the glory.
-Cayla
This is my first year with All-State and I love it. My favorite experience so far was working with the homeless shelter in Raleigh. We gave out shoes, candy bars, and survival kits to the homeless people. It was a very humbling experience. I also like singing in concerts and seeing the peoples faces out in the audience as we sing.
It is a lot of practice but definitely worth it.
-Kayla
So today at Moore park in Raleigh, we met an adorable little girl named Autumn. She had a vibrant sparkle in her eye. I, Tyler, went up and talked to her, told her how beautiful she was, and gave her the attention that she had probably been lacking for a long time. I, Carter, went over and asked her about the multiple bracelets she had on her arms. They were in the shape of spaceships and planets. Her favorite bracelet was in the shape of a moon. The subject of dancing came up and before we knew it Tyler, Gail and Autumn were twirling through the park and Autumn went flying through the air like a little angel. After the dancing episode, I (Tyler) told Autumn that Carter is super fast and she said she is obviously faster. Then she started chasing me (Carter). So she proved it by running in circles around me in a super intense game of tag. Eventually, I let her win, and it most definitely made her day. Because we were using the eyes of God, we could see her need for love and attention. What seems like just another ten minutes of our lives, hopefully showed her that someone cares and that God loves her.
-Carter and Tyler (Duet Buddies)
Today, after two days of what seemed like endless rehearsal, the All-State Youth Choir boarded the buses and headed to the Raleigh Rescue Mission. It was there we were met with a unique mission and experience. Remember when in the Bible, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet? Well, today, that is what we did. We set up in Moore Square, right around the corner from the Raleigh Rescue Mission, and allowed homeless people to come, have their feet washed, and walk away with new socks and pair of shoes. A man named Mike came to me and my teammates’ station. He told us he had just moved to Raleigh three weeks ago from Virginia. However, on the third day he spent in Raleigh, he was robbed. Mike was so grateful for the shoes and socks we gave him and walked away with a smile. I am sure he and all the others we helped saw the light of Christ today.
Courtney
Today we were given the opportunity to work with the Raleigh Rescue Mission and serve the less fortunate. We served about 50 homeless men and women by washing their feet and giving them shoes, socks, and survival kits. Just as Jesus had done, we were able show God’s love through a simple act of kindness that showed he cared. Talking with and singing for these people was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to what can be done in my own neighborhood and how God has gifted all of us with talents to do so.
Susanna
Working with those less fortunate than me, who still held a faith as solid as any Christian, was such an humbling experience. I learned so much today from a man I talked with beneath a large tree where he sat with most of his belongings. While our conversation started with topics of country music and revolutionary war battles, he soon began sharing his trust in God. Knowing that he had made many past mistakes, didn’t keep him from believing that God was still watching over him. With nothing but a few personal belongings and his faith, he planned on starting a new life, going back to school, and becoming a minister. “No storm can shake my inmost calm, when to that rock I’m clinging.”
Georgia
Wednesday Night Concert at Forest Hills Baptist from NC Baptist All-State Youth Choir on Vimeo.
I believe that so far this week, I learned that there is light in the smallest, the darkest, and the most unknown areas to us. When you tread in the unwanted and thought to be dark areas, you find the brightest beacons for Christ of all. I met a homeless man by the man of Anthony that told me, “Being what the world wants you to be isn’t worth it, because when you become what the world wants you to be, it doesn’t want you anymore.” The fact is that Jesus still wants you no matter what. The song “You Pulled Me Through” says, “I was in the shadows. Lost, nothing left to lose. But You, You pulled me through.”
Josiah
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