Last night I spoke to the youth group at the Canton First Church of the Nazarene.Part of my unique role as an Admissions Counselor includes speaking at youth events and representing the school at churches and events all over the state. I’m very blessed to be in a role that allows me to share my heart rather than make a sales pitch. I talked about the journey the Lord has brought me through in the past 12 months and the movements of loneliness to solitude (of the heart), and resentment to gratitude (in many ways) and how that has changed me significantly. Henri Nouwen was a guiding light through this entire process for me, as was the many liturgical practices that I denied after growing up in a Catholic church. Encouraging words were given to me from students and leaders following the evening in Canton, and I was very blessed by all of them. We had some initial conversations about the Lent season and I realized this week that I will miss a few rounds of NCAA March Madness, one of the only reasons why I ever skipped full days of classes or work in the last five years. I know the Lord is working on my heart in that, but it will be a good reminder for me while I’m in Uganda to know that there is more than just college basketball to worry about. (although I must say, my Tarheels are looking pretty good these days).
While many of the people going to Uganda with me are gathering donations, I am trying a unique approach to raise prayers, support, and additional benefits outside of simply going. Enter the Extended Melody Project.
Two years ago, MVNU students Ryan Walker and Cody Snouffer were given an assignment from a professor to “raise money for something you care about”. They both dabble in music and find a lot of power and meaning in song, so they decided to create a special event to raise money for orphanages around the world. They’ve raised over $4,000 in two years, and created an awesome night of music, community, coffee, and making a difference. Artists from all over Ohio have come to town to perform for an audience of young people with the same passions for music and a perfect ambiance for a great night. Fast forwarding to the present, the EMP is a much-loved event here in Central Ohio and all of the proceeds from this year’s event will be heading to Kampala with me to present to Rebecca and the kids of My Father’s House and the Royal Hope Academy. I am SO thrilled to be a part of this years event. We have been preparing the promotional videos, social networking, and word of mouth hype. I love who these guys are and the dynamic that they bring to MVNU. See one of the promo videos below.
Read up on this years event on the EMP website or check out the Facebook event. The venue of choice is the Ibiza 33, a former night club in Mount Vernon with a beautiful balcony-styled viewing of the main stage. Two years ago, I was determined to buy this venue to create an all-night community cafe (a dream that still hasn’t left my mind).