Gladys Knight and Saints Unified Voices, Firesides x 3-Great missionary outreach-Oct. 5-7
Steve and Rosie arrived almost an hour early and stood in line half way around the church. There were posh porta-potties that had 8 private stalls with nice sinks and breath mints outside in a trailer next to the line up. The most beautiful outside potty I have ever encountered!! We visited in line with a member of several years who invited some people he was keeping an eye out for. So he kept coming and going and coming back and never found his guests. There were others in line we enjoyed visiting with while we waited 45 minutes to get to our seats.
The entire church to the back of the stage was filled. Even the missionaries gave up their seats and stood along the sides.
The program was most excellent, tight harmonies and such great following sister Knight with minimal directing. There was wonderful narration and special numbers. One of the evenings highlights was a Tongan young man who played the guitar and sang in one of the sweetest voices I have ever heard!!! Several Tongans were part of a sextet that was such a pleasure to listen to. Just the blending of the native voices and true singing from the soul was so moving!!
Gladys Knight has definite STAR POWER!! After the choir came in, she danced up the isle and was just shaking with enthusiasm. She was vibrant with energy and smiles, in spite of her 74 years of age!! Even when I tried out for the SUV in Las Vegas several years ago, I never met her. She had key people managing both the Vegas choir and the Georgia choir. They do all the prep work and Sister Knight tweaks musical things at the last moment, because she doesn't read or write music!!
Sister Knight had the audience eating out of her hand when she spoke about her life, children, joining the church, brotherly love and tolerance, good manners and living in peace through our Savior's love. She sang at the Prophet's (Gorden B Hinckley)birthday party and He teased her about "not liking the church music." She back pedaled and said, "I didn't say that!! I just think the music needs some pep and a little soul!" President Hinckley said, "Do something about it!" So Sister Knight held tryouts and the Spirit told her to take EVERYBODY!! Saints Unified Voices was formed and there are now three choirs in Georgia, Nevada and Utah that come together for tours. The missionary department of the church finances the travel expenses of the choir members and all the publicity. The choir member volunteer their time, talents and rehearsal travel. Gladys Knight and SUV won a Grammy award for their last album.
Our daughter, Natalie sang in SUV for one tour of three six firesides when she lived in Georgia. It was one of the spiritual highlights of her life to be a part of such a great group. She said the firesides carried such a spiritual strength it was one of the most fulfilling times to sing testimony to a packed church.
We experienced a palpable presence of Spirit as the Gospel and Soul music wafted through the ceiling. Many people were swaying and pointing their fingers to heaven, saying "Thank you Jesus" and "Amen." We both are more accustomed to contemporary music, but were thankful for experiencing true Southern Hymns and Gospel tunes. It was an exceptional experience to be a part of. After we left, SUV did a second performance that lasted until 11:30. President and Sister Sainsbury stayed to help organize the referral cards until past 1:00 am.
President told us later that one referral card equals 1000 door knocks because the people have felt the Spirit and want to experience it again!! There is a concentrated effort in the Alabama Mission to follow up with ward members accompanying the missionaries to teach the Restoration of Jesus ancient church and deliver the gift bags.
The program was most excellent, tight harmonies and such great following sister Knight with minimal directing. There was wonderful narration and special numbers. One of the evenings highlights was a Tongan young man who played the guitar and sang in one of the sweetest voices I have ever heard!!! Several Tongans were part of a sextet that was such a pleasure to listen to. Just the blending of the native voices and true singing from the soul was so moving!!
Gladys Knight has definite STAR POWER!! After the choir came in, she danced up the isle and was just shaking with enthusiasm. She was vibrant with energy and smiles, in spite of her 74 years of age!! Even when I tried out for the SUV in Las Vegas several years ago, I never met her. She had key people managing both the Vegas choir and the Georgia choir. They do all the prep work and Sister Knight tweaks musical things at the last moment, because she doesn't read or write music!!
Sister Knight had the audience eating out of her hand when she spoke about her life, children, joining the church, brotherly love and tolerance, good manners and living in peace through our Savior's love. She sang at the Prophet's (Gorden B Hinckley)birthday party and He teased her about "not liking the church music." She back pedaled and said, "I didn't say that!! I just think the music needs some pep and a little soul!" President Hinckley said, "Do something about it!" So Sister Knight held tryouts and the Spirit told her to take EVERYBODY!! Saints Unified Voices was formed and there are now three choirs in Georgia, Nevada and Utah that come together for tours. The missionary department of the church finances the travel expenses of the choir members and all the publicity. The choir member volunteer their time, talents and rehearsal travel. Gladys Knight and SUV won a Grammy award for their last album.
Our daughter, Natalie sang in SUV for one tour of three six firesides when she lived in Georgia. It was one of the spiritual highlights of her life to be a part of such a great group. She said the firesides carried such a spiritual strength it was one of the most fulfilling times to sing testimony to a packed church.
We experienced a palpable presence of Spirit as the Gospel and Soul music wafted through the ceiling. Many people were swaying and pointing their fingers to heaven, saying "Thank you Jesus" and "Amen." We both are more accustomed to contemporary music, but were thankful for experiencing true Southern Hymns and Gospel tunes. It was an exceptional experience to be a part of. After we left, SUV did a second performance that lasted until 11:30. President and Sister Sainsbury stayed to help organize the referral cards until past 1:00 am.
President told us later that one referral card equals 1000 door knocks because the people have felt the Spirit and want to experience it again!! There is a concentrated effort in the Alabama Mission to follow up with ward members accompanying the missionaries to teach the Restoration of Jesus ancient church and deliver the gift bags.
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