We’ve been here for only a few days, and we’ve already seen God’s hand at work guiding the development of this mission.
We’ve had a wonderful two days meeting and rehearsing with our African brothers on Sunday and Monday.
Our first rehearsal with all the groups – men of Africa, Botswana, Romania, Lesotho and America – on Sunday was such a wonderful experience. The men sang with conviction and power. Lou said it was the best first-day rehearsal he’d ever heard: “It was inspired music.” How encouraging! Men of both choruses are well prepared.
After our first run-through of “The Midnight Cry,” one of the South African women cooks couldn’t contain herself and burst out with an exclamation and applause of joy!
Surely the Spirit of the Lord was with us as we sang, shared and prayed together.
We shared two meals, had opportunity to become acquainted with one another, to learn new names. Between 150 and 200 men must have been present.
We shared how the Lord had led to this mission, how doors had been opened, how blessings and God’s hand was already being seen in people’s lives because of this mission.
As we began our Tuesday morning rehearsal, Ngaka Tsagae of the Orlando West Male Chorale and the man who invited OAMC to South Africa, gave us a follow-up report to our visit on Sabbath at Moruleng church near Rustenburg.
During the church service, about 12 people came forward to give their hearts to the Lord. He shared further that later the same day, two older women came to the pastor saying they had decided to give their lives to Christ because of the testimonies they had heard that morning from academy students Sterling Cornwell and Dallas Amen. Praise the Lord!
Renowned South African composer and conductor Mokale Koapeng led our Tuesday rehearsal of our South African repertoire and Beethoven’s “Hallelujah.” It was quite a treat to see his versatility in conducting these contrasting pieces.
On Wednesday we depart for Cape Town on the first leg of our tour.
Appeal for Support
We’re often asked whether the South Africans will be traveling with us. Yes and no. A number of Africans will be traveling with us, but there’s also a number who have the time and availability, but do not have the funds.
Already OAMC members here have donated enough from their spending money to sponsor four Africans at $700 each. However, a number of others do not have the means to join us on the tour.
Your continued partnership is urgently needed at this time. We know there are four number of Botswana singers who would join us if the funds were available. Many of them can pay part of their expenses. In addition to their personal funds, we need a minimum $2,800 to help fund their further participation.
We need them. They add so much to the Arise O Man chorus.
If the Holy Spirit is impressing you to make a gift, now is the time to act.
You may make your gift online at www.wallawalla.edu, click “Make a payment,” check Other and add “South Africa” in the text box.
Thank you for your thoughtful and prayerful participation in this ministry.
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