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• To be ambassadors for Christ's goodwill wherever we go.
  
  
• To whole-heartedly share the Gospel through our singing, sharing, and our conduct.
  
  
• To think about and focus on others, rather than ourselves.
  
  
• To gain from one another's experiences in this ministry and for other people to gain from us a sense of enthusiasm about God's work in the world.
  
  
• To develop positive and Christian relationships with new friends that we meet in Los Angeles.
  
  
• To build upon the sense of unity in our own choir.
  
  
• To develop commitment to god and His purpose for our ministry.
  
  
• To be doers of "The Great Commission."
  
  
• To experiences worship encounters which will be meaningful and lasting.
  
  
• To provide to all involved unforgettable and positive experiences in music and ministry.
  
  
• To help each choir member experience personally the deep love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
  

YOUTH CHOIR TOUR 2004 CHICAGO,
JULY 1-10!

Click here for the 2004 Tour Daily Updates

We ask for your thoughts, good wishes, and especially your prayers as we take this journey together.

• June 30 - We're Here !
  
  We are happy to report that we had a wonderful flight and everyone made it safe and sound to Chicago. The weather is cool and sunny and we have already managed to tour the sights!
  
  
• Friday, July 2 - DAY 2 :
  

  We have had another full day! After catching up on our sleep with a later wakeup call, the extensive hotel breakfast was a wonderful way to start our day. We were able to choose among a bountiful, healthy assortment.

  Our mission team for the Evanston Salvation Army gave this morning's devotional. The group posed and discussed questions about how we feel God's presence, expeciall in the planning and participating in this trip. It was very meaningful with thoughtful comments.

  After packing up some travel lunch, we drove a quick hour to Six Flags Amusement Park. The weather was sunny and breezy, perfect for trying out the many roller coaster possibilties. Most of the gorup opted for an earlier return with a quick dinner in order to have more pool and workout time for the still energetic and then settling down to bed.

  Everyone has had a great time getting to know each other better and having the chance to becaome adjusted to the time change and environment. We should be in great shape for our work in the coming days.
  

• Saturday, July 3 - Day 3
  
  After a terrific breakfast yesterday, teams were on their own for a few hours. People exercised, swam, shopped at the mall across the street, or just chilled. Some practiced bells or met for dance. After a short meeting and a Happy Birthday to Kirby, we headed to Chicago after lunch for the Blue Man Group performance. What a fantastic show for all ages! Wish we were allowed to take photos!

  Due to heavy rain, we changed plans (no fireworks) and various groups ate at local restaurants or the hotel. The kids were able to relax together and swim some more!

  Today we are all up early and ready to tackle our first performance!

• Sunday, July 4 - Day 4
  
  Sunday morning was fantastic! Our service with the United Presbyterian Church of South Holland, IL, was inspiring. The kids sang, danced and rang bells beautifully...the best I have heard! The congregation ranged in ages from a bright- eyed five month old to a spritely 95 year old. They were very enthusiastic in their appreciation of our efforts. They videotaped the service and said they will be talking about the kids for months. We received many positive comments about how well behaved the kids were, in addition to their terrific singing. We joined them in a picnic lunch where we were able to share stories! Everyone was warm and friendly. We haven't met a stranger yet..

  That afternoon we had a devotional by Team 2, Bethany Brethren. It was very thoughtful and reflected many of our feelings about why we were here at this place. All our groups are already feeling good about their efforts so far.

  Sunday night we went to the Lisle County fair and carnival to celebrate the fourth! What an assortment of things to see. There were many hot air balloons that decorated the landscape. We also ate a variety of foods...Greek, Italian, Ben & Jerry's! Many went to the petting zoo and watched karaoke. Some stayed on for the fireworks and others viewed them from our own parking lot!!!

  We feel Sunday was a great start to our mission week!

  PS Parents...we are not able to really read and respond to your emails. We appreciate your prayers and hope if you have any concerns, just call. Thank you! We are so busy!!!!

• Monday, July 5 - Day 5
  
  We are having fulfilling, packed days! Sorry for the delay in sending e-mails...we are up at dawn and running! Our hotel internet is pretty sad so I am at Kinko's!!!!

  Monday, our first mission day, was fantastic! Our first team, Team 4, left at 7am to feed breakfast at the Salvation Army. More than 500 were fed that day. Other teams left soon after and had equally challenging experiences.

  Monday night was a Night Out and many went to Fuddruckers or Old Country Buffet, followed by movies at the local mall.

  Our devotion at 10pm was particularly moving. Everyone had something to share! Already the kids were connecting with the people they were working with and helping. The common theme seemed to be that everyone enthusiastically jumped into all the jobs with spirit. All the chaperones felt they had the best group! The stories shared gave us all a taste of what each group was experiencing. Team 5, Pacific Gardens, shared stories and Bible verse about their day and led the devotion.

  It was a wonderful and tiring beginning!!!! Keep us in your prayers!

  Robin Muth