Lee Symphonic Band at SP
Ministering Through Music
Lee University Symphonic Band (LUSB), headed by Dr. Mark Bailey, visited the Philippines from May 10 to 23.
The band’s mission was to minister to people through instrumental music. Samaritan’s Place (SP), led by its founders Dr. Marc and Marilen Morris, served as the official hosts for the band.
Here are some of the highlights of the band’s visit:
A Sharing Heart of a Filipino Family
The LUSB’S first public concert was held at SERIN Ayala Mall in Tagaytay City.
Mrs. Elizabeth Owens and family were in the mall crowd when they saw the LUSB’s performance. Moved deeply in their hearts to do a significant act of kindness, the family decided to give a drum set at their home to LUSB’s drummer, Robert Acevedo, Jr.. However, Robert explained that he already owned a personal set in the US and suggested they give the percussion equipment to Samaritans Place instead.
Upon hearing this suggestion, without second thoughts, the family decided to donate the beautiful classic Gretsch drum set for SP. Now, the SP children can learn how to play drums. SP will need some percussion Friends of SP teachers in the future!
SP President and Co-founder Marilen Morris poses with Owens’ family.
Ministering Through Music
Moreover, LUSB provided SP’s Kidz Klub and a one-day band camp at SP.
SP’s community children and youth were able to see and experience the instruments up close and personal. The children and youth touched and even tried to play the instruments. Children, then, saw firsthand how to play the drums, violin, guitar, digital piano, saxophone, trumpet, among others.
The LUSB also performed in the adjacent community of Brgy. Biluso where SP is located. The band also provided music ministry in the worship services of two local churches, namely COG-Dasmarinas and COG-Marriott.
The band serenaded the mall goers at Ayala Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia and the Podium malls. The classic worship songs like “Amazing Grace,” “Ten Thousand Reasons,” and “Abrams Pursuit” were some of the songs they rendered.
The Symphonic Band played concerts in five (5) services at COG Dasma. The 3:30 pm service was packed to standing room only.
The talented band and Dr. Mark Bailey also left a memorable blessing for Samaritan’s Place. The digital piano purchased for concerts was also left behind for SP children to start learning how to play a piano. SP will need some piano playing Friends of SP in the future to help teach the kids!
“Mission accomplished!” stated Dr. Bailey as the group left the Philippines.
“The band may have been composed of different instruments and various personalities among its members, but they had one sound and one heart to minister to God and His people,” shared SP Administrative Assistant Hanna San Jose, RSW when asked about her experience in working closely with the band.
And the music still goes on!! Here’s a little trip video made by SP Summer of Service volunteer Audrey McLamb:
Article by SP Account Ihrilyn Pendatun
