Savannah- Ministry, Concerts & Fun

Yesterday was so busy, we were completely exhausted when we got in last night, therefore there was no blog post.

We made it to Savannah around lunch time.  Shortly after we got there, we loaded up for a trolley tour.  It was neat to see the architecture of downtown Savannah.

Once the trolley tour was over, we walked to Saint John the Baptist Cathedral where the choir and ensemble were able to perform a song.  It sounded beautiful!

 The afternoon concert was held on the river walk.  The sun shone as the Gospel was shared.  At least one man accepted Christ at this concert.  It was neat to see a couple of people with their hands up worshipping God as well.

We ate dinner at the infamous restaurant "Lady & Sons" owned by Paula Deen & her sons.  The meal did not disappoint!  I highly recommend visiting here if you are in the area!  (and get dessert... the Ooey Gooey Butter Cake was seriously to die for.)

This morning we headed to the Salvation Army where we split into two groups.  Group 1 had all boys and 4 girls.  They began laying tile.  Unfortunately, I wasn't at that location so I don't have any pictures.  Group 2 headed over to help put together some metal clothing racks and clean a new building that they will turn into a thrift store.

We ended the day with a carnival in one of the neighborhoods.  The kids went door to door inviting people.  We did a shortened concert at this location.  Our students had a great time hanging out with the little kids.


Today is Addisyn's 10 month birthday, so we celebrated with a little cake.

Jacksonville City Rescue Mission

Our students truly showed the love of Christ today!  We started off the morning touring the Jacksonville City Rescue Mission.  The have a really nice facility that is kept up mostly by their students.  These students live there 12-18 months for rehab and such.  Following the tours, we were given work projects.  These work projects were cleaning up the inside and outside of houses, cleaning the chapel, picking up trash, etc.  Our kids worked hard!

I wish each of you could have been in the service tonight.  It was pretty incredible.  The people that came were so involved in the service.  The kids really let go and worshipped.  It was evident on each of their faces.  We watched God work through each of our songs, dramas & stomp routines.  Places where there had been struggles, disappeared.  God is so faithful!

We are looking forward to packing up and heading to Savannah tomorrow.  God has great things in store for us there!




PS- I apologize for the current lack of photos.  I will add some as soon as I get them!

Day 1: Jacksonville

This morning started off early for us. We had our first concert at Old Plank Baptist Church. We didn't do the full set, but did a 30 minute concert. Our second concert of the day was held at Jacksonville Landing. God provided beautiful weather!!! The concert was well attended and we even had a few special visitors from home! The kids did a phenomenal job.



(Old Plank Road Baptist Church- warming up)







In between concerts, we were able to make a quick visit to the beach. Everyone was able to hang out, get their photos and play some games in the sand. We stuck our feet in the water and it was FRIDGID!


(Some of the girls at Jacksonville Beach)


(Addisyn LOVED the beach!!!!)

Dinner tonight was an interesting experience. We ate at Clark's Fish Camp which is known for its exotic menu. The dining options were anything from chicken to yak to ostrich to gator and even python. In fact, I know at least one ate the gator and several tried the python.




(Paper Kevin trying the python)


Tomorrow we have a full day of ministry and one concert. We will be doing work projects and our concert with Jacksonville City Rescue Mission. Please continue to pray for us!


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First Stop: Jacksonville

We arrived safe and sound in Jacksonville, Florida! We'll be up early tomorrow for a concert at Old Plank Road Baptist Church. Our second concert of the day will be at Jacksonville Landing. Please pray for the students and sponsors as they minister.


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Location:Jacksonville,Florida

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We WILL continue to post on this blog.  We've just learned that we have some constraints due to time and internet availability.  We are hoping that we can update more frequently via Twitter.  

Opening Thoughts 2014

I am excited that you are being obedient to the call of Christ to minister the Gospel to a world desperately in need of HOPE. This year we are trying something completely different: ministering in three different cities on our mission trip. This change allows the students to experience a range of ministry settings.

The theme of the trip, “Hope,” was chosen because of the desperate need of our country and world for the one true hope, found in Jesus Christ. The music, drama, and other artistic expressions this year convey the story of Christ’s passion and point the listener toward choosing the only hope of salvation.   

My desire for the team this year is that they would consider every moment of every day a ministry opportunity on tour. Our lives should be a vibrant example of discipleship and passion for our Savior! We will be ministering in a wide variety of concert venues, including several churches, a rescue mission, Salvation Army, homeless shelter, public squares, and in parks.  The message of hope resounds with everyone in every walk of life. 

Our students will be exposed to the realities of a fallen world: people that have been neglected, who are hungry, and who have no one that loves and cares for them on this earth. It will be difficult. It won’t always be pretty. But that’s reality. The experiences that students often have on these kinds of mission trips can impact them for a lifetime. It can break down the walls of selfishness and expose the compassion that Christ-followers are to display. 

The adult sponsors accompanying the students on this mission are all gifted, trusted individuals who have a heart for students and evangelism. They each pay financially for this trip and sacrifice throughout the year as servant leaders. Please be in prayer for them as they teach and exhibit the attributes of Christ during our time on the trip. 

In closing, please know that I will do my best to provide the leadership you expect on this mission trip. It’s hard to believe, but this is my 17th student choir mission trip at WBC. In the past nine years I have learned that there are always unpredictable situations and difficult decisions that have to be made. Please pray that I will have divine wisdom in making those decisions. If you have any questions before the trip, feel free to call me at the office (256-881-0952, ext 236) or email me anytime: matthew.sloma@wbccares.org. 

Love,

Rev. Matthew D. Sloma