This rendition of Thou O Lord by the University Singers is from their performance at Garmisch Air Base USAG chapel service. The song communicates the message of relying on God for strength and protection. God has provided the Singers with the strength and energy they’ve needed to take on a rigorous travel schedule to share Christ with many military families. Listen to the University Singers make a joyful noise to the Lord and enjoy some  of the sights of God’s beautiful creation that the Singers were able to see.

Early Monday morning kicked off the opening day of the European tour in Germany for the University Singers. They gave their first performance in the chapel on Landstuhl Army Base. Afterwards, the Singers dined and fellowshiped with residents of the base. They then proceeded to visit the hospital on base and sing with and talk to some of the patients there. Later that afternoon, the University Singers made their way to the Spangdahelm Air Force Base for another performance.

Monday was notable for some special moments and interactions. One special moment was supposed to happen for Kaitlin Mosley, the freshman alto of the group. Her brother Michael is stationed in Germany. The plan had been for Michael, along with his wife Victoria and their two daughters to attend one of the concerts on Monday. Unfortunately, due to some car trouble, Kaitlin’s brother and his family were unable to make either performance. While admitting that she missed seeing them and that it weighed heavily on her mind early in the morning, Kaitlin said there was a moment God gave her peace about the situation.

When we were singing, we were warming up on the bus, to the first base. We sang ‘Be Still My Soul’ and when we were singing that we were driving through these mountains and it was awesome. I had this super big God that was like, it’s ok if I don’t see them.

While Kaitlin was not able to visit with her family today, she along with the rest of the University Singers experienced some special things. The first memorable moment of the day came when the Singers came across a woman named April. April, who happens to be a native of Florence, South Carolina was waiting to head back to the United States. She was recently diagnosed with diabetes and that cut her tour short. The University Singers were able to bring some encouragement to this woman and it was very emotional for all involved.

The second moment that really resonated with the group was when they were leaving Landstuhl Army Base. The Staff Sergeant who guided the Singers around the base had a very unique gift for the group and specifically Chris Peck, the former Marine who travels with the team. The Staff Sergeant told the story of how he used to help prepare fallen soldiers for their return home. He informed the group that throughout the process of returning the bodies of the fallen soldiers, an American flag stays on top of their coffins at all times. When the soldier is moved from one location to another, a new flag is put on top of the coffin and the previous flag is properly disposed. When a few of his close friends had fallen, the Staff Sergeant secured a few of stars from the flags before the flags were disposed of. After sharing this, the Staff Sergeant gave four of those stars to the University Singers. Three were for the group as a reminder of what they are doing and who they are helping with this ministry and one was given specifically to Chris Peck.

Those were just two special interactions in a day filled with them. These moments will stay with each member of the group for their entire lives. Even Kaitlin Mosely who missed out on seeing her brother couldn’t complain at how Monday’s events unfolded. On a positive note though, her brother Michael will be be able to visit home this summer so they will be reunited soon.

I’m Zack Adams, stay tuned for more amazing stories on how God is moving and changing lives here in Europe.

After a long ride to Atlanta Airport, two flights, and another lengthy, albeit comfortable bus ride, the OFC team arrived to their first destination in Bitsburg Germany yesterday afternoon. Months of prayer, fundraising, and diligent planning have all led to this trip and it’s mission. That mission is to bring the Gospel Message to our deployed troops here in Germany, as well as Italy over the next two weeks.

I have the tremendous fortune of being a part of this team. I am one of the media members that will be photographing, filming, and writing about this trip. We all eagerly anticipate seeing how God works on this trip, not only in the lives of the troops being ministered to, but also in the lives of the members of our team. The first performances by the OFC team begin today. Before that first performance though, I want to take some time to reflect.

This trip marks a few firsts for me. The flights over here marked the first time that I have ever traveled outside of the United States. It also marks the first time in my twenty-six years of living that I have flown on an airplane. While those are notable, if somewhat small footnotes in one’s life, they have already led to some fruitful dividends. On the first flight from Atlanta to Paris, I had the chance to get to talk to some of the University Singers I have not had too much interaction with, if any at all. During that flight I sat next to Katy Dyches. I have seen her around Southern Wesleyan University’s (SWU) campus and have seen her perform but had never had a chance to really talk with her. I found out she loves to read and is a Lord of the Rings fan. I also had the chance to chat with Kaitlin Mosley for a bit. I found out that during our time in Germany, we will get to see her brother, who happens to be married to a friend of mine. In my first conversation with her, we found something that connected us. It astounds me how God can so easily bring people together.

I look forward to the many more firsts on this trip I’m sure to encounter and the blessings that will come from those. Be sure to check back every day for news, updates, and personal stories from Operation Freedom’s Cadence.

I’m Zack Adams and I look forward to sharing more with you over the next two weeks.