November Programs

Heritage Strings has done a large number of programs in recent weeks.

The younger kids were asked to play at 4 different Veteran's Day events in the month of November. The older group has 2 engagements in November, as well as several Christmas events planned for December. Please remember them in your prayers as they minister, that they will not only be a testimony in their music and behavior, but that doors would open to share "the reason for the hope that is within us".

AMERICAN LEGION OF WHITEWATER:

One of the Veterans programs was at the Whitewater American Legion Hall on Thursday, November 12th. We celebrated those who have served our country in military service.

The younger kids did a program of beautiful and inspirational patriotic songs.

Sarah and Charity were among the young people playing violin in this program.

Having the young children involved in the music was a special bonus to those in attendance.
One of the highlights of the evening was the section of the program in which Christopher Thacker read a brief history of each military branch's theme song. As the kids played each of the songs, those from that particular branch of the military were asked to stand.

This is a video clip of the "Caisson's Go Rolling Along" to honor those who served in the army-and some are rather enthusiastic, I might add!
click play to watch the clip.


This video clip was the Navy's turn to stand and be recognized.


There were tears in nearly every eye as David Thacker read a brief history of taps, and called for a moment of silence to honor those who gave their lives for our country, followed by a slow "bagpipe-sounding" arrangement of Amazing Grace (arr. by Rebecca Busenitz), played by Sarah and Kayla.


PARK WEST PLAZA VETERANS PROGRAM:
Some of the younger kids were joined by some of their older siblings to honor 22 American Veterans at the Park West Plaza in Wichita on Wednesday, November 11th. Thanks to Mark Davis of "Hospice Care of Kansas" for providing this opportunity. No patriotic program is complete without "Stars and Stripes forever".
Click play to hear the clip.

Among the 22 American veterans present at this program were 2 ladies who were nurses in World War II...one in the Army, and one in the Navy. One gentleman was stationed at Pearl Harbor. The hearts of these elderly veterans touched each of us as many of them tearfully relayed stories of their hardships and of their fallen comrades.
The finale of the patriotic program was a violin duet arranged by Rebecca, of

"America the Beautiful".

click to listen to the final portion of this song.

HOSPICE CARE OF KANSAS MEMORIAL BANQUET:
One very difficult opportunity that God provided was on Sunday, November 8th. This program was for the "Hospice Care of Kansas" organization. They held their bi-annual memorial banquet for the families of those who had lost loved ones over the past 6 months. 268 people were honored and remembered at this banquet, with family members in attendance. The girls played quiet classical, and hymn arrangements, as well as some folk and mountain hymn arrangements as people arrived, as well as during the meal. During the program, the girls did a "celtic" arrangement of "For the Beauty of the Earth", and Sarah and Kayla played a violin duet arrangement of "The Old Rugged Cross". Since some of those who had passed away during this 6 month period were young children, they especially wanted the younger girls to play, and what better selection than to direct their focus on the one who gives us life, both now and for eternity.

The banquet hall was at Georgetown in south Wichita.

The guests were served a beautiful catered buffet dinner.

The music lent an atmosphere of solace and comfort, as it was designed to point those in attendance to the God of the universe, who understands our needs, and gives eternal life.

We were impressed with the Hospice Care of Kansas organization and people. It was a blessing to work with them.

Sarah has become a proficient pianist, adding a much needed dimension to this group.

KECHI VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION:
Another recent Veteran's program was for the Kechi Veterans celebration on Saturday, November 7th. This program composed of 2 songs performed by the girls, and an acapella version of "The Star Spangled Banner" performed by Yours truly... :-o I also had the "privlege" of singing one other patriotic number, accompanied by Karla.
This gathering gave us the opportunity to visit with several of our neighbors, and get acquainted in a less formal setting. May God use our meager abilities to open doors of ministry and the ability to share our faith with others, but especially bring honor to our God.
I also had the unique opportunity to lead the crowd in a couple of patriotic numbers. I guess you're never too old to do something new! (as well as out of your comfort zone!)
the Kechi veterans posing for a photo.
The "small group" of musicians...including the "timid one!"

BEL AIRE SENIOR CENTER VETERANS CELEBRATION:

The younger kids also did the same patriotic program on Monday, November 2nd, at the Bel Aire Senior Center. This was aired on Veterans day on Bel Aire's local TV station; channel 7.