Day 8 1/2 - Bonsack UMC

On Wednesday night, after we had completed our half workday, we traveled to Bonsack UMC for our first full concert. The trip only lasted about 45 minutes but we were all grateful for the opportunity to rest on the way there. We arrived, unpacked and then headed to the sanctuary for practice and a chance to see how the whole program would work in the sanctuary setting.

We worked out a few logistical issues and were ready to roll. As we were ending rehearsal, we received word that dinner was ready for us. Places had been set and we invited those from the church that prepared the meal to join us for the blessing. We enjoyed a meal of chicken, mashed potatoes, many great toppings, salad, watermelon, and dessert. After dinner, members of the choir set-up our display and prepared for the concert. Then we met in the gym for devotions led by Sara's family group to help us focus before the concert.

During the service, Mollie D. shared the first testimony. Although the group had been together less than a week and had only completed 2 1/2 days work at SPY, she had a lot to share.


Later in the service, Jay H. spoke to the congregation about how this experience had impacted his life so far. It is definitely the best experience he has had so far this summer.

Our alumni message was from Rachel Hundley and she mentioned a story that was accidentally left out of the blog. On the evening that the group traveled to see the fireworks and enjoy the festivities at Big Joe's house, we just happened to have one of many God moments. As it turns out, Big Joe's brother-in-law is Jim Perry, the founder of Voices of Youth. Jim was at the Fourth of July party for the first time in 15 years and this will probably be the only time that some members of the Voices of Youth will be there. Rachel had the opportunity to talk to him about the program and how amazing it is that it is still running 25 years later.

We had several alumni join us for the concert, which was very well attended. They came up front to sing with the choir for "In Remembrance" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You".

We incorporated a dance into one of our songs thanks to Mollie, Alli and Margaret. They did a wonderful job helping to express the song "Let Us Sing the Songs of Those Who Cannot Speak" in a different and unique way using ribbons.

At the end of the concert, it was time to go back to SPY so we could finish our final day of work at SPY and prepare to begin the rest of the Virginia tour.