Amazing Praise

........................Sing and Make Music
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Article in ASO Connections - (Prom Praise Orchestra Newsletter) - December 2008

..And After Prom Praise?

From Stewart McCredie

Well, here is an encouraging story from Teesside.

In November 2006 I was asked to play Tuba in Prom Praise at the Sage, Gateshead. It was a superb experience and an inspiration for me and a couple of friends, one of whom was Anita Aslin (Harp).

We considered how many of us are or have been fortunate enough to play regularly in larger groups? And, as for myself, I really have been blessed by being a part of Prom Praise at Liverpool, Stoke and now Gateshead again this year.

How could we too put on something similar in our own area of Teesside? How could we encourage the many musicians who only play weekly in small groups at their churches? This then became a real focus for putting on something locally, to incorporate local talent.

The following year October 2007 resulted in ‘Amazing Praise’ at Stockton Baptist Tabernacle. It was so successful that we followed it up with another this year. Both occasions really did provide an opportunity for people from approximately 18 churches across Teeside to join together in an orchestra & choir formed especially for these events with 40 and 50 in the orchestra and choir respectively.

  

 

Without the Lord none of this would have happened, it was just wonderful how things came together. As we united in prayer prior to the two concerts we felt the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit enabling us to give of our best. Truly we can say “Jesus shall take the highest honour, Jesus shall take the highest praise.”

What an amazing and fulfilling experience for those Christians, non-Christians, musicians and singers who took part! There was a sell-out congregation of over alone raised more than £2,100 each time. So in ’07 we were able to give funds to “Stop the Traffik,” and in ’08 to the “Street Pastors”.

Please be encouraged ASO members, Noël and all the LAT staff, Prom Praise is not just about the night, but also the legacy you leave behind. ‘Amazing Praise’ might not attain quite the same musical standard as Prom Praise, but it is already at a pretty good level. It’s an ‘offspring’ as Noël called it, aspiring to greater things.

In 2009 if you plan to be in the Stockton area on the 3rd October, please get in touch. ‘Amazing Praise’ is on again – string players are particularly welcome.

God bless you all as you continue to praise Him through music,