More than 50 members of the Patrick Henry College Chorale went on tour in Europe this month to share the love of Christ. From the first planning meeting to their flights home at the conclusion of the tour this week, the purpose has been clear—Christian ministry.
The music is more than just a performance. It points toward something deeper—the hope and truth found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
The Chorale partnered with 3 ministries on this ministry tour:
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Tree of Life Ministries UK: Holding a benefit concert and bringing awareness to this ministry that provides meals, shelter, care, and support to the needy of Carlisle, England
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Seldon College UK: PHC Chorale raised awareness of this new classical Christian liberal arts college throughout Scotland and England. It is unlike any other college in the UK.
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Black Forest Academy, Kandern, Germany: Encouraging teachers and students alike at this boarding school for children of missionaries
The stories of lives touched by the Lord through the PHC Chorale are pouring in—stories from a ministry partner, members of the PHC Chorale who just returned from the trip, and an 8th-grade student in Germany.
Paul Smith, founder and President Emeritus of Tree of Life UK, was able to join the PHC Chorale for the UK portion of the trip. He shared, among other things, the way the students ministered to their bus driver, Zach.
Here’s the very special bit. The tour bus driver responsible for getting the students from A to B had literally been captivated by God because of the witness of the choir. He (Zach) asked me why he was so emotional. It was a pretty simple answer—the Spirit of God was drawing Zach to the Son of God.
The following evening, at a local Burger King, Zach was accompanied by 3 PHC students as he gave his life to Jesus Christ. On the bus ride the following morning, he could not contain his excitement. Mesmerizing!
On May 15, the Choir sang at St James' Church, which is in Burton in Kendal, England. Zach literally wept throughout the entire performance as this was his last night with the choir before he handed them off to another driver. As a result, many in the front row of the choir struggled to retain their emotions. It was incredible to witness. A full church with everyone leaving encouraged, inspired, and full of joy. Edifying!
The choir then departed for Oxford (the University and Selden College) and then London. The time we spent was Christ-centered, God-honoring, and Spirit-filled—and it was an experience that I will never forget. The recurring theme was extending all glory to God, the very same sentiment that so many New Testament writers scribed and the same sentiment that has been exuded at Carlisle Cathedral for 906 years.
"To the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen” (Jude 1:25).
God's hand of blessing was all over the Chorale tour in Europe. Everywhere we went, people were moved by our music and by our passion and love for God. There were new testimonies every day about people we got to pray for and strangers whose lives were touched. It was incredible to be a part of sowing so many seeds of the kingdom of God and to see those impacted by the gospel.
– Joy Johnson (Class of '26)
The cathedrals in particular struck me as stunning, meticulous, sublime in beauty beyond all imagination, and yet so dark and dead without the body of Christ and the Word of truth. From our first words, Spirit of God, descend upon my heart, to our last, unlike anything else I was able to see how the gospel brings penetrating life and light to illuminate the darkest corners of every heart, resurrecting the beauty of each church and city.
– Sophia (Class of '29)
The third is from an amazing 8th grader who is attending a private Christian school in Kandern, Germany, that was visited by the Chorale.
Hello! I am a student who witnessed your college's European Choral Tour. After the show ended (which was truly marvelous), we were welcomed to converse with the members of the choir. Most of the members that I talked to were interested in my life and what I wish to do, which was lovely, but that's not why I'm writing.
One member went out of his way to ask me if I needed prayer for anything. I have been going through some tough stuff, and so this deeply moved me. I was incredibly impressed by this show of Christianity and care for others.
There's more great stuff on the way! A later post will include media and more details of the trip itself. The purpose of this post is to share the testimonials that have already been received. To God alone be the glory!
Patrick Henry College exists to glorify God by challenging the status quo in higher education, lifting high both faith and reason within a rigorous academic environment; thereby preserving for posterity the ideals behind the "noble experiment in ordered liberty" that is the foundation of America.
