Christian Choir Brings Peace to Israel in the Storm
JERUSALEM, Israel -- Even in times of trouble, Israelis know the importance of making sure life goes on. This week, a Christian choir from the U.S. brought hope and peace to Israel in the midst of the storm.
"Singing Men from Georgia" visited Israel to encourage people here with their music.
"We're here on a tour to bring a message of hope, peace, love of Christ to the Holy Land and to sing and present concerts around in Nazareth, of course here in Jerusalem, but also in Bethlehem and where some of the strife had been taking place," the group's conductor, Jon Duncan, told CBN News.
At a concert in the Tower of David Museum earlier this week, the men sang of God's love, faithfulness and forgiveness.
"It's been an incredible experience all week long and then tonight was just a great topping off," timpanist Thom Barter from Social Circle, Georgia, told CBN News.
These worship leaders leave their churches 10 to 12 times a year to perform in concerts that glorify God and bless their audiences.
On this trip to Israel, some friends and family members, undaunted by the violence, accompanied them.
"I had some anxiety a few months ago when we were in the planning stages and even with the situation over the past few weeks," Terri Butcher told CBN News. "We're as safe as we can possibly be anywhere on the face of this earth tonight because God's called us here."
Doretha Weyant, a visitor accompanying the choir, says it's been a good experience.
"We've been warmly welcomed by everyone. Everyone's been very kind to us," Weyant, who's already anticipating a return trip, said.
"When I go home, I can't wait to come back. We love Israel, we love the Jewish people and Christians support, you know we support Israel, we support the Jews and we love them," she said.
Caroline Shapiro-Weiss, who is in charge of public relations at the Tower of David, was delighted by the concert.
"We've had a magical evening of song and praise and prayer from the Singing Men of Georgia, who despite the situation, I would venture to say, brought Christmas early to Jerusalem," she said.
