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By Alexa Morris –
The Territorial Youth Chorus (TYC) ministered in the Cascade Division, visiting the Portland (Ore.) Tabernacle, the Salem Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center and the Portland Moore Street Corps in late January.
Following a Friday evening concert for community members at the Portland Tabernacle, on Saturday afternoon members split into two groups to visit two social services programs: the Veterans and Family Center in Beaverton, Ore., and the Salvation Army Female Emergency Shelter (SAFES) in downtown Portland.
“It’s important the young people not only sing at Salvation Army venues, but also see The Salvation Army in action on the front lines,” said Matt Woods, territorial music education specialist and leader of the 36-member chorus.
After members toured SAFES they sang for a crowded room of women seeking shelter from the rain. One woman joined in on her harmonica, another danced and others clapped along to the beat.
“It was amazing to see the shelter and experience how The Salvation Army operates in different cities where the needs are different,” said Claire Norton, TYC member from the Southern California Division.
The group then traveled 60 miles to Salem, Ore., and performed another concert at the Salem Kroc Corps Community Center. Major Paula Wild, youth department secretary and TYC executive officer, used Periscope to stream the concert to over 100 friends and family, including Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs.
On Sunday morning, TYC members led worship at the Moore Street Corps in North Portland. Wild challenged the congregation not to be idle, because God can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, based on Ephesians 3:20.
Sarah Cordero, TYC member from the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division since the group’s origin in 2009, said she never gets tired of singing with the group.
“There are always new people who need to hear our message,” she said. “It is exciting to have the opportunity to sing and share about God’s love. Every location and every concert is different.”
TYC reunites again in June for commissioning weekend.
