[During June and July, 1998, the General Board of Global Ministries led a group of 21 students from United Methodist-related colleges and universities in singing global choral music in the Baltic States and Russia. The participants wrote statements commenting on their experiences. Following is one such statement.]

I still do not believe that I was one of the 22 students chosen to embark on what I would later call one of the greatest quests of my life. Falling on my knees in tears and thanking God was my reaction for a number of reasons. One was that I had not been feeling the true presence of the Lord in my life. I always knew that He wanted to use me, but what I did not know was why or when. Another reason was that I have always claimed to love the Lord, but when it came down to sharing this love with others, it seemed nearly impossible. So though I did not realize it right away, this trip was the long-awaited answer to my prayers. . . .

After we performed at a United Methodist Church in Leopaja, Lithuania, the old women began to cry as though they had just seen a loved one back from the dead. At the reception, the people walked up to us and hugged and kissed us. This is when I began to see that we were touching people in a miraculous way. . . .

In a church in Haapsalu, Estonia, we had people crying on the opening medley. As we sang "Order My Steps," I began to get chills all over as though the song were speaking directly to me. By this time the whole congregation was clapping and crying. People were standing up and raising their hands to God. There was a revival going on in this church. The Holy Spirit had come through like a rushing wind. As the concert came to an end, there was not a dry eye or nose in the room. People came up with opened arms, kisses, and words of encouragement. Though I could not understand the words flowing from their lips, the look in their eyes and the tears streaming down their faces spoke a language that made it clear that God was truly in this place.

I never had the slightest idea that I would be used by the Lord in this manner. Telling others about my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has become a lifestyle instead of a task. It has been both an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this mission.