Here we are at the tail end of Cleveland Rocks 2013. These two groups of youth have melded into one and, like a good marriage, together have become more than what either group was individually. This morning got started with a bang! For those of you who don't know who is writing the blog (This is Brian Childers...I just realized I have not been signing them all week, so I've been inadvertently anonymous), I am a runner and I love to run. Yesterday I dared Adam Morgan from Marion to run with me this morning...after coaxing and little bribing, he caved in. He showed up at the appointed time and hung on for over 2 miles. My bribe was a $10 donation to the tour kitty for every mile he did. Terry Childers decided to match that offer, so Adam's run this morning earned $44 for the cause. After breakfast we . finally got moving, and today was fantastic.
We had some groggy faces at our first concert. We were still finding our pace for singing this morning after a long day at Cedar Point on Thursday. The Village at Marymont residents were a fine audience and provided pretzels and water for us following our singing. They also treated us to a bigger surprise: they sang to us! In all of our concerts, through all of our tours, this is the first time we have been sung to by our audience! They sang "Let me be your sweetheart" and Joined us to sing "God Bless America."
Following a quick fast food lunch, we arrived at our final concert location, Pleasant View Care. Our singers were ready for this one. They sang their hearts out and really gave their best effort of the week. When we were finished, we greeted everyone as we typically do. During the greeting, we were requested to sing the National Anthem, since many of the residents wouldn't be able to watch the game tonight. We gladly obliged and got in a little extra practice for this evening! Following the concert, the staff at Pleasant View Care provided cake, ice cream, and root beer for all of our singers. We took an hour back at the hotel to begin the packing process for our return home tomorrow. The weather has been fantastic all week long. For game night, it was 70 degrees with a light breeze. We departed on time for our Sound Check for the Indians game. After receiving logistical instructions, we rehearsed and were ready for our big moment. Terry Childers led the group, giving the pitch and then inspiring us to sing our very best. Following our singing, we were treated to dinner and took our seats on the patio to cheer the Indians on to victory. I led a brief devotion on the bus as we returned back to the hotel. It has been an exhausting but fantastic week. We are ready to come home tomorrow and excited about sharing our experiences with you.
I need to let you know, if you don't already, these youth are pretty amazing. Yesterday, we dared them to reach the goal of $300 for our tour kitty. Well, today, the youth together with chaperons talked about which ministry opportunity they would like to donate this money to. After some great discussions, they decided to donate the full amount to the Church of the Savior United Methodist and the work they are doing with the hungry in Canton. The goal of $300 has been blown out of the water. We have surpassed $500 and are on the cusp of reaching $600 by tomorrow. I need to make it clear, nearly all of the money coming in now is through donations the kids are making on their own accord...left over lunch money, extra change from pockets, and spending money they brought. All of this is another witness to the work that God is doing in them and through them. We are looking forward to being back home with family tomorrow. Pray for our safety as we travel. See you soon!
Brian Childers
We had some groggy faces at our first concert. We were still finding our pace for singing this morning after a long day at Cedar Point on Thursday. The Village at Marymont residents were a fine audience and provided pretzels and water for us following our singing. They also treated us to a bigger surprise: they sang to us! In all of our concerts, through all of our tours, this is the first time we have been sung to by our audience! They sang "Let me be your sweetheart" and Joined us to sing "God Bless America."
Following a quick fast food lunch, we arrived at our final concert location, Pleasant View Care. Our singers were ready for this one. They sang their hearts out and really gave their best effort of the week. When we were finished, we greeted everyone as we typically do. During the greeting, we were requested to sing the National Anthem, since many of the residents wouldn't be able to watch the game tonight. We gladly obliged and got in a little extra practice for this evening! Following the concert, the staff at Pleasant View Care provided cake, ice cream, and root beer for all of our singers. We took an hour back at the hotel to begin the packing process for our return home tomorrow. The weather has been fantastic all week long. For game night, it was 70 degrees with a light breeze. We departed on time for our Sound Check for the Indians game. After receiving logistical instructions, we rehearsed and were ready for our big moment. Terry Childers led the group, giving the pitch and then inspiring us to sing our very best. Following our singing, we were treated to dinner and took our seats on the patio to cheer the Indians on to victory. I led a brief devotion on the bus as we returned back to the hotel. It has been an exhausting but fantastic week. We are ready to come home tomorrow and excited about sharing our experiences with you.
I need to let you know, if you don't already, these youth are pretty amazing. Yesterday, we dared them to reach the goal of $300 for our tour kitty. Well, today, the youth together with chaperons talked about which ministry opportunity they would like to donate this money to. After some great discussions, they decided to donate the full amount to the Church of the Savior United Methodist and the work they are doing with the hungry in Canton. The goal of $300 has been blown out of the water. We have surpassed $500 and are on the cusp of reaching $600 by tomorrow. I need to make it clear, nearly all of the money coming in now is through donations the kids are making on their own accord...left over lunch money, extra change from pockets, and spending money they brought. All of this is another witness to the work that God is doing in them and through them. We are looking forward to being back home with family tomorrow. Pray for our safety as we travel. See you soon!
Brian Childers