Impromptu Lunch Gig

After getting situated at the hotel we'll stay at tonight, we joined the Sefovan Seminary students and friends. We were treated to a remarkable lunch and were even able to use our Spanish 1&2 conversational words and phrases...sort of.

This was followed up with an acoustic set around the lunch table for five praise and worship songs. After each song, our host, Manny Fernandez translated and explained the significance of each song.

Time for sound check of the equipment we'll use on this trip then on to downtown Madrid.

Richie Escovedo | @vedo

Welcome to Spain

After a two-hour delayed flight and an eight and a half hour trans-Atlantic flight, we made it to Madrid, Spain.

We were scheduled to play this morning at a local seminary at their chapel service, but that is yet to be determined.
Richie Escovedo | @vedo

Packed and ready to go

Another test for the blog. Trying out the picture to post option.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

This is a test

Nothing of substance in this post. I just needed to make sure the capability to post remotely works before tomorrow's trip.

This is only a test.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Meet the Team

This post is long overdue especially since we leave on Thursday, March 11. Here is the McKinney Memorial Bible Church's Spain Music Mission Team:

(Left-Right)
Richie Escovedo – saxophone 
Robert Campbell – bass
Cheryl Sanders* – keyboard/piano
Rod Nelson – vocals
Vaughna Kromann – vocals
Thomas Beach – drums
Scott Miller – guitar
Stephanie Cessna – vocals
Shaun Cessna – sound
Steve Newman – guitar, vocals

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Earlier this evening we had our final rehearsal before Thursday's departure. We are tightening up the music and have a better idea of what our daily activities and evangelistic concerts will be once we get to Spain.

*The unexpected
Additionally, we were met with some unexpected news. A member of the original mission team will not be going with us. Cheryl will need to stay here to attend to a personal family matter. Updated 3/10/10 - Unfortunately, an alternate team member will not be able to join us as previously stated.
Please keep praying
Thank you for your faithful prayers. They are much needed and appreciated. Don't stop. We need your prayers. As we prepare to leave, our families, work, and individual situations need covering.

More to come
Let us know what you think about our efforts. Thank you for visiting. We'll have more soon as this blog develops. The comments are yours.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord

While wrapping up the Book of Psalm, I came across Psalm 150 that I think speaks to the motivation for this short-term mission trip for many of us: 

Psalm 150

 ¹ Praise the LORD.
       Praise God in his sanctuary;
       praise him in his mighty heavens.

 ² Praise him for his acts of power;
       praise him for his surpassing greatness.

 ³ Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
       praise him with the harp and lyre,

 ⁴ praise him with tambourine and dancing,
       praise him with the strings and flute,

 ⁵ praise him with the clash of cymbals,
       praise him with resounding cymbals.

 ⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
       Praise the LORD.

Although we won't be taking a harp, flute, or trumpet. And I don't even know what a lyre is, I believe our music is going to do great things. The music and singing is coming along. Thank you so much for the prayers covering the team and the support.

First music mission band rehearsal

It has been a while since our first post but be patient with us as we get into the routine of writing. It seems fitting to share thoughts from yesterday's first band rehearsal.

Each band member received the CD of songs to learn and was given another binder, only this one had sheet music, lyrics and charts for the songs. Out of 14 songs currently on the official Spain 2010 Music Mission song list, we went through a grand total of four on Monday. Of those four songs, I think we have one pretty close to being ready to add vocalists.

For the record, I think the process will go quicker once we add the singers to help fill out the sound. Also, we may not chronicle each rehearsal. I just wanted to give you a behind-the-scenes view.

We'll rehearse every Monday night leading up to the March trip. More to come including introductions of the team, music, and more.

It is also exciting to see the support coming in through prayers and financial considerations. Muchas gracias to our support team.

(Photo credit: labanex)