The Plan, Point, and Power of the Cross

The choir had planned to sing one of our favorite songs, "The Power of the Cross" at the 2nd term concert.  Because of time we didn't get to include the song and although we were bummed my hope was to try to sing it for the AIC church one of the Sundays of this 3rd term.  I had no idea what God had in store.

The first Sunday of July was our scheduled AIC service and the choir was scheduled to sing, but we all realized that the seniors would be gone on their end of school "Safo."  What I didn't realize was that all the juniors had outreach as well and would be gone serving all over Kijabe that Sunday morning.  Then, we found out that AIC was having a special inauguration for the new area bishop and RVA would have their own service on campus to make room for the Kenyan visitors coming to participate in the inauguration at the AIC church.  So, the freshman and sophomores left in the choir would sing as a prelude for the RVA service instead.  Again our hopes were deferred, but God had more in store.

With all this in mind I received one more surprise when I was informed that the AIC had requested that the choir come and sing as part of the inauguration service.  What an honor.  Since we had originally planned to sing for AIC, I knew it was God's planning that we would be ready to accept and join the AIC congregation.  I was excited for the kids to use their gifts to point towards Christ and to join the community we live in as they inaugurated a new leader who we hope and pray will do just that.

The RVA brass and choir joined the other music groups for the service as the brass instrumentalists were also asked to join in the inauguration by playing the Kenyan National Anthem.  

The service started with pomp and circumstance.  The new bishop is after the band in the white rope and blue sash between the men in the fushia.  Pray for his heart to desire to live for God and to help others to do the same.  

As the pastor shared his opening words it was wonderful to hear him point the congregation towards the reason we had all gathered - our Savior and God.  I loved listening as those around me sang the opening hymn, "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus."  Soon the church choir sang followed by the children's Sunday School group.  As we waited in the wings my heart was happy as I listened to the kids sing, "we are the children God created."  (The children can be seen in the light blue outfits below)

It was our turn next and it was my joy to lead the choir in singing the words, "The Power of the Cross."  Even as it was exciting be part of such a big ceremony, it was even more wonderful to have the opportunity to use our gifts to point to God.  I'm so glad God had it all planned out. 

It has been pretty special to see the reproductions of the choir's participation in the service.  Today when I went down to the veggie ladies one of them followed me out and said her husband loved the song so much they wondered if they could have copy of the music.  Then on my way home I ran into another lady who shared how blessed she was to hear the song.  It was my hope that that words would penetrate and it has been a blessing to actually get to hear how God has used it to encourage.  I am reminded again of how special it is to get to be part of the community around us and to be part of God's love through His children.

A special thanks to Kathryn Cardwell for recording the piano music in the States and emailing it here so we could have accompaniment music for this song.