Singing for Christ – Bravely Leading and Sharing

Today, I experienced a beautiful gift, given in  love by complete strangers. I had arrived at the local mall to get a child from work. Just as I was going in to get her, two buses pulled up and began to spew more than a hundred hungry teens, all wearing red or blue t-shirts with a logo “The Great Adventure”, headed to the food court. I started a conversation with them, asking where they were from, what they were doing and so on. They said they were the Louisiana Baptist All State Youth Choir and were touring cross country. This was their last stop.

As I sat down at a table to wait. I asked one youth if they were going to flash mob. I figured, if there was the possibility of entertainment, I could stay for a while. It didn’t hurt to ask. The answer was “no, no flash mob, but we will sing for you.” Immediately I was surrounded by 30 youth singing a Capella about their Savior. It brought me to tears. Their message was powerful, knowing, and devoted. I rarely hear youth or even adults emanate that kind of love and heartfelt testimony. These youth know who they are. They know in whom they trust. They know they have a message. I felt the power of their message. I felt the strength of their sense of identity. And I felt the message stir my soul and remind me that, that same witness is within me. I have the responsibility to be as bold as they are. Just as they courageously share their message, I can follow their loving example.

After their song, sung just for me, several asked if there was anything they could pray for in my behalf. What a precious gift!

Two young men explained that they have sung many concerts, including visiting various juvenile detention centers during their tour. Their mission is to help youth, no matter what their circumstance, to know Jesus their Creator, their Savior, and to share the power of spiritual music to change lives.
There was no self conscious, “what will people think”, “we are in a public place”, I’m not sure of my convictions, can I crawl under a chair.” No fear nor doubt. Just faith in the God who made them and who loves them. Faith to take a stand and share with any and all who will receive them.

I am amazed at these wonderful youth. The spiritual strength, courage, faith, and willingness to share touched me.

They brought to mind Jesus’s comment regarding the centurion asking that his servant be healed:

Matt. 8:10
When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Rarely have I seen youth or adults show so much true faith.

May they never forget who they are nor whom they serve. May they always be a light and witness of the love of God and the truth they honor. And may the rest of us grow into that same sense of belonging to Christ. May we, like them, show no fear in boldly standing up for truth, and speaking out.