July 23, 2012

Well, it was a great week at All-State. I have finished posting complete videos of each of the songs on youtube.  Here is the channel address to access them: (copy and paste this address into your browser)
http://www.youtube.com/user/mbenkben?feature=mhee

Share them with your friends and enjoy watching them.  If you did not receive a copy of the final slideshow and pictures for the week, just email me and I will send you a copy.  If you have questions concerning the recording for CD's, please contact Kenny Lamm:   klamm@ncbaptist.org .  

We are currently working on a promotion video for ASYC.  When that is available, I will post the video on this page.

 Blessings to each of you.

Signing off,

Michael

Sunday, July 22

This was the final day of 2012 ASYC Tour.   This is the 14th year of having ASYC and it was an awesome one.  Thank you to all the chaperones, accompanist and director for all you did to make this year such a success.  I would like to thank Phil Campbell, ASYC Coordinator, and the ASYC team for all your planning efforts.  Finally, many kudos go to Sherry Thompson in her tireless emails and organization efforts to making ASYC happen.  Posted below are some pictures of those alumni that made it to the final concert.

Saturday, July 21

We had some fun today visiting Chimney Rock Park in the Hickory Nut Gorge area.  We sang a couple of songs impromptu style outside the base of the park.  Then some hiked the 491 steps to the top of Chimney Rock, while others waited in line and rode the elevator.  Still some remained at the base enjoying the beautiful scenery God created for us to enjoy.  We were blessed that although it was overcast, it did not rain until we began to leave.  Then we traveled to FBC, Rutherford for an early evening concert @ 6 p.m.   Now the students are involved in their final sharing time together.  It is hard to believe that we have only one day left of ASYC 2012.  I hope you enjoy the picture slideshow below of our travels today.

Friday, July 20

Our agenda for Friday includes ministering at Broughton Hospital, Grace Ridge Retirement Village and FBC, Morganton @ 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 19

On the road towards Billy Graham's Retreat Center at the Cove in Black Mountain, we will be performing a concert in the chapel.  Then we travel to Asheville for a Farmer's Market concert before finally approaching FBC, Brevard for our evening concert.  Such an exciting day planned to see God at work around us and be a part of what God has planned for us.  God has a plan for every day for everyone if we will just seek Him in each moment. Jeremiah 29:11.

Wednesday, July 18

Today was a long day.  We left Gardner Webb around 8 a.m. and returned finally at 12:15 a.m. Thursday morning.  We stopped at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem for lunch, sang at Brookridge Retirement Community and then sang our first concert at Friendly Avenue Baptist in Greensboro.  The church was so gracious to us and we appreciated the wonderful spaghetti dinner.  Here is a video of the ministry we were involved in today.

Tuesday, July 17

Today has been full of more rehearsals and memorization of the 14 songs. This afternoon we dressed in our concert attire for a photo shoot. Parents can purchase group photos at the final concert from Raleigh Todd. 

Check or cash are the forms of payment for the pictures for pickup on Sunday night @ Ardmore Baptist. 

 Here are some pictures of the people who participated in the talent show.

 I hope you enjoy this video of the entire group singing, "Ubi Caritas".