"Eske ou renmen m?" - Do You Love Me?

Last week was easily one I will never forget!  Jenn and I were blessed to travel to Haiti to visit the orphanage.  The trip getting there was plagued with one travel issue after another.  We were supposed to fly out of DFW into MIA at 8:30am Monday morning, but did not leave DFW until 8:30pm.  I am thankful for God's protection and for the Doctor's blood pressure medicine. :)

 Tuesday arrived and we were finally able to touch down in Haiti.  I was immediately overwhelmed by the sights of destruction, trash, and heart-wrenching poverty.  As soon as we arrived at the compound, we quickly loaded back up and headed to the orphanage.  From the moment we stepped out of the van to the moment we closed the van door to leave, we had beautiful orphan arms wrapped around us.  For every child we were holding, there were ten others waiting their turn.  Honestly, I went on the trip with Worship Pastor thoughts of learning some of their songs or teaching them some of ours.  However, once we were there, all of those thoughts and plans faded away while a starvation for love surfaced.  Of course they need food, water and shelter, but the needed some one to love on them the most. 

All of the events and emotional moments can be summed up for me in one priceless question asked by Camello, one of the orphans my family and I have been praying for daily.  You see, Camello and I quickly developed a bond when we arrived.  I did my best to love on every child there, but Camello would never leave my side.  On the final evening, I was holding Camello knowing we were about to have to say goodbye.  Camello looked up at me and asked a Hatian question I had not heard, "Eske ou renmen m?"  He was asking, "Do you love me?"  I tried to hold it together, but there was not use.  I immediately began crying and mustered up a "mwen remen ou....I love you!"  I could see tears in Camello's eyes as he gave me a huge hug.  All the way home, I could not get that question out of my mind.  That is what all of the orphans are asking.  That is what the entire lost world is asking.  Yes, we need to assist with food, water and shelter, but at the root of it all they are asking one question..."Do you love me?"  What is our answer? 

You can see more photos on my facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/joshuajteague

2011 FBL Choir Retreat

Choir Retreat 2011 @ Arkansas 4H Center

The FBL Choir along with some of the band and media team just returned from our first Annual Choir Retreat.  The focus of this retreat was to build a stronger bond as a choir "family" and take a breather from the busy lives that we all share.  It was a great success.  We chose to have our retreat at the Arkansas 4H Center in Little Rock.  It is a beautiful complex.  We had karaoke, games, Whacky Awards, and really grew even closer as a family.  This is an amazing group of worship leaders who take leading in a lifestyle of worship seriously.  I am very excited about the team God has assembled at FBL to lead in worship each Sunday and throughout the week. 

There is room for you!  If you enjoy singing and have a heart for leading others in a lifestyle that glorifies God, you are a long-lost family member!  Join us!  We meet each Wednesday night at 7pm in the FBL Choir Room.  Ask any choir member and they will be excited to bring you with them!  Great days are here, but greater days are still ahead!

Rehearsing for Eternity!

You can see more pics on our facebook page FBL Choir

FirstLavaca Music Ministry hits the road!

This is my favorite music season of the year!  During the new series by Bro Tony entitled "The Road to Calvary", the music ministry at FirstLavaca will be taking on some big stuff!  We will sing and learn about our Savior and what he went through for us!  My prayer is that we, as a church body, come ready to encounter God and leave each Sunday primed to share our Savior's story with the world! 

This Monday night @6pm, the FirstLavaca Music Ministry will be leading in Worship at the FBC Van Buren Bible Conference.  I am really excited to see what God has in store.

Wow! Time Really Does Fly!

I can't believe it has been almost 3 months since we have come home to Lavaca!  God has not ceased to amaze each and every week!  I am seriously having the time of my life.  I am working harder than ever before, but loving every moment of it!  We are currently preparing for some big events that will be here before we know it! 

Gospel Fest 2011 The first big event will be on March 5th at 7pm, Gospel Fest 2011!  This is the first group mission project for the FirstLavaca Choir in 2011.  Gospel Fest 2011 is a concert presented by area soloists and choirs to benefit the UA Fort Smith Academy of the Arts.

2011 FirstLavaca Choir Tour Who? Choir members  What? Choir Retreat When? April 29-30th – two groups will leave at different times depending on work schedules Friday Where? Arkansas 4H Center: http://www.arkansas4hcenter.org/ Why? A time for food, fun, fellowship, and vision casting. How Much? $35 per person. $10 Deposit due by February 1st. This is all inclusive (lodging, Saturday breakfast & Lunch) Now What? Email me or sign up during next weeks choir rehearsal

Too Excited to Sleep!

That little boy is so me right now!  I have had a busy but awesome first week in the office.  Choir Practice was so much fun and even though we will be missing some choir members due to holiday vacations, Sunday is going to be a blast.  Whenever God's people come together in His house to worship His name, great things happen!