We had our first concert last night at Monarch Landing and it went really well! It was fun to perform for our home community as well as perform for the parents that were there. We started the tradition of kicking off our ministry tours at Monarch Landing 4 years ago. Marlin Reishus was the MC for the event and was proud to introduce his grandson, Dan Reishus, who is a senior in Eagle’s Wings choir this year!

More soon!

The last time I read something like what you are reading right now, I was in your shoes.  That is, I was in the High School youth program at Our Saviour’s, I was on tour with a bunch of strange and awesome people, and I was reading what my youth director wrote to us in our Tour Booklet.

Weird.

I can’t tell you how much joy it brings me to have the tables turned in this way.  The time I spent in this community when I was growing up changed my life drastically.  It exposed me to a lifestyle and a way of treating people that lifted me up and encouraged me in such a powerful, and timely, way that I have never been able to get enough of it since.  My life has been running on a momentum that started in the very community you find yourself in right now.

My prayer and challenge for all of you on this tour is to open yourself up to this Power; open your minds, your friendships, and your hearts to this changing way of life.  Let yourselves be challenged to reach out, to serve God and those around you, and to worship because it feels good, because you want to.  I promise you, you will come back for more.

I so look forward to this week, and many others with all of you.  God bless you and move you.  This is a wonderful life, and there’s no better time to start than today.

Seriously,

Dan

Dear friends,

Our tour begins… the exciting week together that we have all been working toward and waiting for. I look forward to this week every year, but especially this year because of the wonderful group of individuals that you are and the incredible year we have had so far.

We are embarking on an adventure. One full week to share the good news that Jesus is the Light and be that light to those we come in contact with. There have been so many people that have said “yes” to our coming and have worked hard to prepare concert times, host homes, meals and are eagerly looking forward to our time with them.

It is a time to really make our ministries happen…. For the singers to really come together with the right notes, fully understanding and expressing the powerful texts of these beautiful songs. For the puppets to share the good news in their own creative way with energy and timing. It is a time to let the Spirit work through us into the hearts and minds of all those that will hear us sing and experience the message of our skits and songs. We need to work together to make THAT happen.

It is a time of being apart from our everyday lives…a time where we can be open to God’s leading in our lives.  What does God have in store for us this week? Will you be open to the still small voice that calls to you? Be sure you are listening! Be sure you are open!

It is a time for friendships….deepening current friendships, opening ourselves up to make new friends…I encourage you to make the effort to get to at least know everyone’s name!  How much better to get to know everyone at least a little more. You never know, you might be getting to know a new BEST friend! And don’t wait until the end….start right away!

It will be a time for patience…for putting aside one’s SELF for the good of the group. We go out as missionaries…representing Jesus Christ who gave the command to GO! Our hosts will be responding to that same command and opening their homes for us. It is a time for integrity and openness. It is a time for working together, not only in our music and skits, but in our relationships. Let us lift each other up!

We will meet new friends…people who have worked hard to prepare meals and concert venues for us, provide homes for us. Let us show our appreciation with kindness and courtesy, respect and thankfulness. Let us leave every space cleaner that we found it.

We are the Eagle’s Wings Choir and Hearts in Puppetry team from Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church. We pray that God will hold us in the palm of His hand as we travel through some of the most beautiful parts of the country and Canada. May we share our faith with conviction; may we experience the beauty of God’s creation and be thankful for the opportunities we have been given.  May we “pour out our lives” as we sing our praises to the God who saves us! May we be the Light of Christ in the world.

May God bless each of you richly this week!

With love,

Mrs. P