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.