More than 2,000 people were blessed in Grants Pass through four concerts held over two days by the Fountainview Academy Orchestra and Singers from Lillooet, British Columbia, Canada. The Grants Pass Church sanctuary was filled with community members who came with a promise of a free Christmas concert and were treated to an unforgettable experience.
There was laughter and tears as the 70-plus members of the orchestra and choir performed songs such as “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “Go Tell It on the Mountain” and “O Holy Night,” which was the theme of their Christmas tour. Between songs, these young people shared the gospel. Their message: Jesus loves each one of us. God made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may have life with Him.
Not only did these talented young people perform concerts in the Adventist church, there was community outreach beyond. They delighted parents and children at the Grants Pass Seventh-day Adventist School with a mini-concert. They visited the Gospel Rescue Mission downtown to sing, share lunch and visit with the residents. They also met those enjoying a meal at the Adventist church soup kitchen. Blessings were abundant, and the community was uplifted and received a message of hope. A challenge was issued at each and every opportunity to accept Jesus.
2014 was a year of much outreach and evangelism at the Grants Pass Church. Events at the church were open to the community. There were inspirational concerts by Matt and Josie Minikus and the Columbia Adventist Academy Ensemble from Battle Ground, Wash., as well as the Fountainview Orchestra and Singers. Prayer-focused talks were led by speakers such as Carol Barron and James Rafferty. Small home-groups formed in the spring, where there was intensive studying and praying together for seven weeks.
2015 promises to be another year of outreach and evangelism at the Grants Pass Church. Another three-week, in-home series will resume in March. Church members will again be inviting those in the community to study and pray in these small groups. Expect to see more inspirational concerts, Christ-centered talks from dedicated speakers and evangelism opportunities throughout the year.
The Fountainview Orchestra and Singers inspire at the Grants Pass Church in December 2014.
