Sunday 12th April

Happy Easter Everyone!

Easter Sunday started on a good note. After a late night packing, we got up for breakfast at 7:30. Due to the schedule being changed. Instead of returning to camp Happy land after the programme at the ARC it was decided that we would drive straight to New York and stay at the Markle (Ian and Faith’s). After loading the coach we set off for Arlington corps. Upon our arrival we were greeted by the Corps officers who made us feel very welcome, where refreshments and cakes were offered. The songsters started the Easter Sunday celebrations with pre-meeting music, and by the smiles on the faces, Amen’s, and Hallelujah’s it was obvious that our music and message was blessing the congregation. The rest of the meeting followed on in a similar fashion, everyone was blessed and felt the Holy Spirit moving among us. This was evident in the number of seekers praying at the mercy seat.

The fellowship then continued when we all shared lunch together in the dining hall, it was nice for songsters who had been on previous tours to catch up with friends and nice for new songsters to get to know members of the Arlington corps. As we left Arlington corps you could still feel the Holy Spirit moving as the Hispanic corps praised the risen Lord. After boarding the bus feeling slightly heavier than when we got off the bus, we then traveled to do a spot of sightseeing in Washington DC. Once Peri had fought his way through the traffic we had an hour to look round the Mall. Once everyone had arrived at the designated pick up points, we boarded the bus in the Washing DC sunshine. Whilst patiently waiting for us to board the bus, Peri found himself in a spot of bother with the Law!!!! Two mounted police officers approach the coach and threatened a ticket (due to his tussle with a motor bike)....... but never fear when Grahame Northwood is here! He very calmly talked his way out of a ticket, using his police lingo and we were on our way again. Peri 1 Motor Bike 0.
After a short trip in the coach we arrived at the ARC, where we were greeted by residents of the ARC. By this point we were all on automatic pilot when it comes to the sound check and setup. We had a quick run through of “God of my Praise” with the National Capital Band, and we were then being seated for yet another meal. It was nice to share a meal together and get to know members of the National Capital Band. We had time for a quick change ready for the concert, and then we gathered in the chapel for a presentation and prayers before the concert started. Gifts and words of thanks were expressed for our kind hosts, Jim and Christina Anderson. Our brilliant tour guide Bernie, Our fantastic organiser Ian Anderson and Ruth Hunter, Our wonderful pianist Graham, and Our very patient and brilliant songster leader Ian Hammond. With all the songsters in high spirits, the concert followed. The residents of the ARC were very supportive, encouragable and enthusiastic. The message that we brought to them was kindly received, they were extremely blessed to hear us sing.
After the concert we all shared with James Hunter his special birthday cake and spent some more time chatting with the residents and our hosts.
Leaving 6 of the songsters back at the ARC to endure a night filled with train noises (ha ha!!!) before they embarked on a fun filled tour of their own of the USA, the rest of the group boarded the coach for a 4 hour journey back to New York. Most of the songsters took the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep during the journey. OtherS were entertained by the more lively passengers at the rear of the coach (thanks Darren for making my journey back to New York so enjoyable!!!!)
We eventually arrived back at the Markle Evangenline Residence for the night.

Reported by Lynsey Bawden