From Recitals to Africa—God Is On the Move!

‘Tis the season for recitals at Cavod and we are so blessed!

We kicked things off last Thursday with our Hand to Hand Combat class wrapping up with an incredible showcase.

Then on Saturday, we had a full day of music recitals… three in one day! It was such a joy to see our music program growing and thriving.

Our music teachers are so dedicated and truly passionate about teaching each student and developing their skills and love for music.

From left to right – Morgan Petersen – Voice & Piano, George Yellak – Drums & Guitar, Amy Rau – Voice & Piano, Rebecca Cone – Piano, and Josiah Smucker – Guitar (not shown)

Our students blew us away with their performances — from vocal numbers and piano solos to drums and guitar, each one was a beautiful expression of their hard work and creativity.

It was especially fun (and such a proud moment!) to watch my granddaughter, Makayla, play her piano piece so beautifully and gracefully. She is so gifted — I was one proud grandma! 💕

One of the highlights for me was hearing our Cavod Vocal Ensemble sing a touching hymn medley and the powerful song “You Say.” Their harmonies were stunning, but even more beautiful was their clear passion for the Lord and for music. I was so blessed!

Below are photos of our students and teachers in each recital. A big congratulations to our 70+ music students! You were all amazing!

Recital 1

Recital 2

Recital 3

This week, our theatre classes will also be taking the stage for their end-of-year showcases, putting on display all of their hard work and growth! It’s truly inspiring to watch how far they’ve come! We are so proud of each and every one of them!

Now, we head into the final week of classes and the energy is building as our students prepare for three nights of rehearsals and three nights of our Spring Dance Concert, June 11–13 at the Lancaster Mennonite Fine Arts Center. It’s going to be a worshipful and inspiring celebration through jazz, ballet, tap, modern, contemporary, worship dance, hip hop, and acro. Our students have poured their hearts into creating with purpose and I cannot wait for you to see all they’ve learned this year.

Grab your tickets now — we’re expecting crowds of over 1,000 people!

This year is extra special as we’re celebrating 20 years of Cavod  — and we’ll be making a big announcement during the concert! I seriously can’t wait to share it with you!

But wait… there’s more! 😊

Right after the concert, a team of 18 of us from Cavod will be heading to Africa! This amazing group of young adults, students, teachers, and chaperones will be bringing the arts to children in Kenya and South Africa. We leave June 18 and will spend two weeks doing arts camps — first with 300 kids in Kenya and then with 200 in Cape Town… arriving back in the US on July 7.

Many of these children come from difficult backgrounds… some from the streets, from gangs, or from under-resourced communities. We’ll be teaching classes in worship dance, hip hop, acro, musical theatre jazz, vocals, art, drums, scrapbooking, and even basketball for those less drawn to the arts. Each day ends with worship, games, and a time of ministry… such powerful moments. It’s a joy to pour into these precious lives, and honestly, we come back changed ourselves.

Please pray for us as we go… for safety, strength, and most of all, that hearts would encounter the love and freedom of Jesus.

And in the midst of all this… REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for our classes beginning in August! We’ve added more teachers and classes to keep up with the exciting growth. Be sure to check it out and register early — classes fill fast! Register now at cavod.org

In the middle of all the busyness, I did sneak away for a few days for a quick camping trip with friends… some peaceful time in nature with my hubby to rest, reflect, and prepare spiritually for Africa. It is just what I needed.

The Lord placed a powerful passage from Romans 8 on my heart for our Africa trip, which we will be sharing and teaching about at the arts camp:

Vs 1. So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death!

Vs. 11 The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you!

Vs. 12 Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, YOU WILL LIVE!

Vs. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit are children of God!

This is a reminder that salvation and freedom are available NOW, in this life, for all who believe! Please believe with us, that children, teens, young adults and families receive salvation and are set free from sin, shame, lust, old mind-sets, and hopelessness! WHAT A GIFT WE HAVE TO OFFER!! I CANNOT WAIT!!!

How amazing is our God?! He is so good.

My prayer is that you would RISE from anything that is holding you back and that YOU CAN LIVE A LIFE OF HOPE AND FREEDOM IN JESUS!

Thank you for journeying with us. Your love, support, and prayers mean the world!

With a grateful heart and coffee 😊,