After some intense practicing, the OB choir gives an impressive run-through for the night.
Operation Barnabas (OB), the annual summer discipleship program for teens sponsored by CE National, kicks off this week in Waldorf, Md. This week, the teens are in orientation at the Grace Brethren Church in Waldorf, Md. (Bill Walker, pastor), then they will split into two teams—one traveling to the northeast U.S. and one to Florida—for ministry. Click here for a complete itinerary for both teams.
The Florida Team is led by Brandon Riel, who is serving his fourth year as a team leader and his first as the administrative leader. Joining him in leadership is Taylor Evans, from Dublin, Ohio; Lindsey Johnson, Granger, Wash.; Josh Leonhardt, Kendallville, Ind.; and Ashton Rank, Marion, Ind.
Amy Kendrick, a Californian who is in her 10th year leading Operation Barnabas teams, is the administrative leader for the NorthEast Team. Joining her are Bekah Kurtaneck, Columbus, Ohio; Corrina Shiflet, Frederick, Md.; Jacob Smith, Winona Lake, Ind.; and Erik Janotka, Simi Valley, Calif.
Below is a portion of a post from the Operation Barnabas blog, which also has links to blogs for each team. Click here to read the complete post.
Welcome!
Orientation has begun! Today all of our students safely made it to Waldorf, Maryland, and we’re so excited for this new adventure. After a quick tour of the church, they headed down to the Fellowship Hall to help work on “Build Up” posters—which are encouraging posters we will leave at churches and ministries throughout tour this summer. Once most of the students had arrived, they all headed to the gym for some get-to-know-you games to help learn each other’s name. After that was choir rehearsal with Dave Rank. The students were given music and introduced to most of the choir songs that will be used in church services throughout the summer. For dinner, the church provided a taco bar for the students. After the delicious dinner, the students headed back to the sanctuary for another choir practice.
Once choir ended, the students received a quick snack and had a “Challenge Hour” with TK. He talked about Barnabas, who was an encourager, and how we are supposed to have that mindset throughout the summer. He challenged them to really take the things that they will learn this summer and apply them to their life back home. Kirsten M. played a song on the piano and was able to share the gifting that God has given her with the rest of the students. Students were then able to stand up and share with the group ways they have seen God provide for them regarding Operation Barnabas. It was so encouraging to hear about ways that the Lord has been working even before tour has started. After evening session, the students headed to bed. It was a long day of traveling, working and meeting new people.
Click here to read the complete post.
