WALKING through HIS WATERS

The men of His Voice knew it was going to be a busy day yesterday, September 27, but had no idea what treasures God had in store for them. First on the schedule was a trip to Temecula for a festival sound-check, then a trip back to Sun City to sing in worship at the Valley Adventist Church.

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The men wanted to show their gratitude to the church who has been giving them a place to practice each week, so for something special, the men separated in their four vocal parts of bass, baritone, first and second tenor around the sanctuary surrounding the congregation as they sang, "Holy, Holy, Holy." The surround sound was healing to all who listened and a good beginning for a wonderful worship service at this inland empire church. It was good to be together and good to see old friends and share in the spirit of thanksgiving.

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After the worship service, His Voice headed down the highway to Old Town Temecula's Gospel Music and Arts Festival and its next stop, "The Choir Sound-Off."

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Making their way into the center of Old Town Temecula, His Voice gathered with other Christian choirs sharing the Good News in the community theater. A variety of local worship choirs shared in the benefit for at-risk children, from choral songs to fast moving dramas. Director Mike Naluai, with pianist Joyce Leal, soloist Anesio Dias, and the men of His Voice opened the choir contest with their signature song, "Written in Red." The atmosphere grew in excitement as young voices praised God in troubled times.

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As His Voice gathered to say goodbye and return to their homes, they were invited to join a young military couple for the baptism at Camp Pendleton beach. A big crowd of friends greeted the men at the beach campsite and they made their way to the water's edge.

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Steadily, Pastor Vadim with dear friends Kim and Jake, walked together out through the waters toward the crashing waves for their baptism. Jake, a Marine, and his wife Kim, were first drawn to Christ through a cooking school at a South Carolina Adventist church. When they were reassigned to California they were befriended by Helen, the Valley Church secretary and wife of His Voice tenor, Ron Tkalec. After several months of Bible study with Pastor Vadim, Jake and Kim desired to get baptised and Jake asked that this blessed ceremony to be near his Marine base before his return to Iraq for another tour.

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Hearing the young couple's story, His Voice was eager to share in the couple's joy and shortly after they arrived at the beach they surrounded the the two and started singing. Others also joined in the singing, especially their friends from Illinois' Rock Island Arsenal who made a surprise visit, "Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, with cords that can not be broken."

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As everyone stood on the sandy beach, the prophet Isaiah's words spoke loudly of the promise of God's presence in Jake's life as he would soon be returning to Middle East war zone. The waters of baptism, the fires of future adversity, and the promises of God all mingled together in the sound of waves crashing around the trio in the surf who were at that moment, walking through His waters ...

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“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43

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