By Diana Snowden
We have all been affected by the terrible virus called COVID-19, many of our loved ones were isolated and some lost their lives. We have been unable to visit loved ones in either hospital, home or even hospice…this has affected us emotionally and spiritually and physically.
It was for this reason a group of us got together to help raise the spirits of those in our little town of Huntsville. We did it by inviting several churches to join us to sing and praise God together – united, regardless of denomination or doctrine.
As I visited the churches, I found many ministers were aware that their members were discouraged, anxious and depressed, and trying to keep their spirits lifted.
Although this was an idea that had been percolating for many years, it was brought to fruition Sunday, September 25th at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church. This presentation was intended for all ages and for all religions – it was a call to join together as one, and let love build a bridge to bring us back to our churches, back to our faith and lift us.
We had choirs, duets, groups, and some single singers. I would have to say the highlight of the evening was a little 6-year-old girl called Adessa McDonald, who sang two of her favorite songs she had learned in summer camp. They were called “We Trust In You Jesus” and “There Is Power In The Blood”. She really belted out those tunes. It was followed by a short testimony from her father that was very touching, and one that we could all relate to.
All you needed to attend was to bring a non-perishable food item. This, plus a goodwill offering in the middle of the program. This offering went to a nondenominational food bank supply here in our town of Huntsville called The Table Food Bank.
Amazingly, and despite the rainy weather, 556 pounds of food were contributed that night, and we raised $1153.15 from the goodwill offering.
Later I began to receive phone calls stating that people came in just as we said—sad, depressed and concerned—but that they left having their spirits and hope lifted high. I could tell that this happened because of the final trilogy of songs. It was the old-fashioned country classic gospel “I’ll Fly Away”, “I Saw The Light” and “Will The Circle Be Broken?”. All the members who sang and played joined us on the front of the altar, and then the audience leapt to their feet clapping and singing aloud with us. It was quite the sight!!
God bless you all and thank you for your participation, as well as YOU the audience for attending. We look forward to seeing you in churches on Sunday.
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