Last weekend the ETSU Gospel Choir attended the annual Baptist Student Union Retreat.
The two-day retreat which was held in Atlanta, Ga., was attended by different schools. Various learning institutions came together for the gospel competition to sing songs of praise to God. The competition saw ETSU win a trophy in the gospel dance group category.
The dance team composed of Tamara Lanslen, Stephanie Payton, Johanna Bazel, Karri Reader and Roxie Hunter, danced their way into winning the second runners up position.
“The dance group was awesome. They did a great job as they were able to preach God’s word through it,” said Amylia Parker.
The retreat, which was full of young people, held different counseling and preaching sessions where students were advised on how to lead a good life. ETSU’s main gospel choir composed of approximately 40 choir members performed too at the BSU retreat where they were able to get the third place in their category.
More than 300 students attended this year’s retreat. Every student at the retreat seemed to be gaining a lot from it. Different activities were held that students were able to attend especially for praise and worship, which saw a lot of young people singing songs of praise to the Lord.
According to Parker, who is also the secretary to ETSU Gospel Choir, the retreat was wonderful as it witnessed different students from all walks of life assembled together and singing to the Lord.
“The retreat was a blessing and an eye-opener to me as I was able to meet different people from diverse cultures. This retreat gave me a great opportunity to interact and share God’s teaching and works,” she said.
Parker challenged young people to come out and get into different groups that can help them become beneficial to society.
“I want my fellow students to know God and trust upon him by joining various organizations that are beneficial to once future.” she said. She further urged students to join the gospel choir so that they can sing, worship and dance to the Lord as he is the giver and protector of life.
“We still need students to come and join the gospel choir so that with one voice we can sing together,” Parker said.
She added that the gospel choir was headed for bigger things especially under the leadership and advisement of Laura Terry, the director of Multicultural Affairs, who has never given up on the gospel choir.
“Our adviser, Ms. Terry has always been there for the choir especially if we are going through rough times,” she said. “She has always given us a shoulder to lean on and always supporting the group with a lot of wisdom and always urging us to trust in God.”
Parker asked anyone wanting to join the choir to contact the Multicultural Affairs office.
The ETSU Gospel Choir is led by the President Ba’ylon Collin, Vice President Tamara Lindsen, Chaplin Stephanie Payton and Prince Njoku, Parliamentarian. The choir also has great musicians and directors namely, Robert Hale, Calvin Scott, and Jarrett Bush, respectively. The gospel choir has not relented on its aims, which is singing praise to God.
The ETSU Gospel Choir will perform in concert on April 26 at 6 p.m. at Grace Temple Church Eternal Life Center, 208 Garden Drive, Johnson City.

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