CEE Story From The Mission Field
It’s a Wonderful World
October 11, 2007
Louis Armstong may not have intended his music to be used to share Christ, but when trumpeter Ramone Kenan belts out “It’s a Wonderful World” to crowds in Moscow, Russia, they sway in unison, sing along with feeling and want to know more about what brought Ramone to their doorstep. This is when the real sharing begins.
Ramone was one performer of a 19-member jazz band brought to Russia through the Moscow Arts Team (MAT), a group led by International Mission Board missionaries that specifically targets the city’s arts community with the Gospel message. The jazz band--led by Camp Kirkland and commissioned by Global Missions Projects, a non-profit organization out of Atlanta-- performed in the Siberian city of Tomsk as well as at various venues in Moscow.
“Time after time people said there is something different about the band—they describe it as a light inside that shines out from their faces and through their music,” said MAT member Tim. “They want to know what this difference is.”
MAT’s goal with each team they host is to open doors that will lead to spiritual discussions and ultimately many coming to Christ. Camp’s jazz band furthered that vision.
“The response has been overwhelming,” said MAT leader Jeff. “We could not have asked for anything better.”
Russians pride themselves on their rich artistic history. Tchaikovsky, Tolstoy, the Bolshoi Theater and Mikhail Baryshnikov are just a few of its well-known names. This strong identity is what inspired Jeff and Carla to focus their team on reaching the arts community of Moscow.
“This people group will shape the country’s culture,” Tim said. “If we can reach them, they can reach Russia.”
Through photo exhibits, music groups, drama classes, media production and even dance troupes the MAT is finding an audience among people who do not go to church or know God.
People like Addie O’Conner, an independent missionary who partners with MAT, inspire the team’s ethos. Addie was a pub singer when artists from First Baptist Church of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida went to hear her sing, befriended her and invited her to see their Christmas pageant. Not long after she accepted Christ and answered a call to missions.
“This is my story because Christian artists who appreciated music got to know and care about me, I came to know the Lord,” Addie said. “ Isaw that they were different and it changed my life. Now my mission is to find people who share my passion for music and share with them my passion for Christ.”
Camp caught the same vision when he went on his first music mission trip five years ago. It opened up a whole new concept for sharing Christ. He realized he could use music as a tool--a magnet to the Gospel.
“Music is not the end, it is a bridge to people,” Camp said. “I found out quickly you can put a music group anywhere and make a connection.”
That connection was seen in its purest form at the pedagogical university of Moscow. After an exemplary performance, keyboardist Brad Kaenel wasted no time in bridging the gap of cultures with students--He wrapped his arms around them and began praying for their personal needs.
“I was blessed with these opportunities to meet and talk with young musicians who allowed me to pray for them – a first-time experience for most,” Brad said. “Many asked for my e-mail address, and I am praying we can continue the relationships we began. That’s what it’s all about!”