Thursday

Touring Thursday

On Thursday, the All-Staters hit the road to begin touring the eastern part of the state! The first stop was a little pavilion in a park by the waterfront in Washington, NC. It was quite a hot morning so much of the crowd tried to position themselves in the very limited shade of the one very small tree in the park. It was quite a sight!

Afterward, the All-Staters headed over to FBC Washington where they performed a very emotional and spirit-filled rendition of "I Will Rise" for many members of FBC Washington who are grieving over the recent passing of their long-time pastor. This is the home church of four of the All-Staters and a counselor. Dr.Wolfe-Hill encouraged everyone present to meditate on the lyrics of the song.

There's a peace I've come to know
Though my heart and flesh may fail
There's an anchor for my soul
I can say "It is well"

Jesus has overcome
And the grave is overwhelmed
The victory is won
He is risen from the dead

And I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain
I will rise on eagles' wings
Before my God fall on my knees
And rise
I will rise

It was a very powerful and meaningful moment for all present to say the least.

After eating a great lunch provided by First Baptist, the All-Staters headed to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville. The crowd may have been few in number, but they were large in spirit and everyone was really getting into the spirit of the music. Before splitting up into various team and singing throughout the hospital, former All-Stater Garrett Taylor gave a very inspirational charge to the All-Staters. He told them about how he felt God' call into the healthcare field while standing in that very spot while singing with All-State just a few years before. He strongly encouraged the All-Staters to open themselves up and let God speak to them as they are ministering to others throughout the week.

Throughout the hospital, sounds of beautiful music echoed up and down the halls - filling every nook and cranny. After so much hard practice early in the week, it is incredibly rewarding to go out and share the message and music with others!

But touring can also be tiring, so its a good thing that Oakmont Baptist Church has comfortable cushions on their pews!

A favorite of All-Staters past and present is pew-naps. Who says you can't sleep in church?!

A little organ tune got them up and moving again to get ready for the evening concert.

After a very filling meal by Oakmont Baptist Church (the brownies were so incredible- I can't even begin to explain with words) the All-Staters suited up for another concert!

The concert was truly magnificent as the All-Staters are really starting to get an excellent grasp on the music and applying it to their lives. As they are really internalizing all of the lyrics, it is evident how their ministry is already beginning to grow!  

Tyler and I even managed to snag a picture with some alumni! 

What a great day all around! Friday will take us to Wilmington, the beach, and Winter Park Baptist Church! Check out the tour schedule and come hear the All-Staters singin the next few days!

Your Faithful All-State Blogger,

Carter