Singing Men of Texas see God work powerfully in Ukraine

More than 10,000 people crowded into venues across Ukraine during the Singing Men of Texas' recent nine-concert tour.

As waves of music poured over the audiences, choir members said they could see people's faces change. The Texas Baptist musicians saw countenances transformed as listeners let go of their pain, sadness and troubles and handed their lives to Christ.

"The people in Ukraine were so engaged," said Nathan Woodward, who participated in the tour. "They were engaged in everything that happened on the platform. I literally saw nothing but eyes."

God's presence was so strong, Singing Men of Texas members struggled to describe it. In all, the evangelistic concert series recorded 4,305 decisions for Christ.

"I had no idea I'd experience everything I got to experience," said Steven Dotson, worship arts minister at First Baptist Church in Mineola. "To see him move in the hearts of people who don't know him like that, I'm still speechless."

Dan Baker, minister of music at First Baptist Church in Amarillo, added: "People responded in droves. I've never been a part of something like that."

The Singing Men of Texas performed before more than 10,000 people in venues across Ukraine during a recent nine-concert tour. (PHOTOS/Antonina Kreposniak)

During the third song of each concert, the choir sang portions in Russian, which helped the Texans connect with audiences, said Tim Studstill, director of Texas Baptists' Music and Worship Team. Ukrainians saw Texas Baptists attempting to reach out to them, and they responded.

"When you watch their faces, they realize we were singing in Russian a few stanzas in. They would change and spontaneously stand and sing," Studstill said.

The latest trip to the Ukraine is the third Singing Men of Texas choir tour through a partnership with evangelistic group Michael Gott International. Singing Men of Texas, a statewide group of music ministers and leaders started by the Baptist General Convention of Texas, also sent a smaller team to minister through music there as well.

Through the months of planning and ministering together, the Singing Men of Texas and Ukrainian Christians bonded through the common goal of bringing people to Christ, Studstill said. Each trip was better than the last, and the overarching project may have been the strongest overseas effort in the history of the Singing Men of Texas.

More than 4,300 recorded commitments to Christ resulted from a recent nine-concert tour of Ukraine by Singing Men of Texas. (PHOTO/Antonina Kreposniak)

"I knew it was going to be good," he said. "I had no idea it was going to be this great when we first started."

Singing hymns and praise choruses, the choir connected with people through music in a way that helped them be open to receiving the preached gospel, Studstill said. Music has a way of breaking down barriers to help people respond to the good news of Christ.

"Our music is not just for the church," Studstill said. "It's for the world. It's a great medium."

Derrick Arellano, music minister at Central Baptist Church in Hillsboro, said the experience in Ukraine always will remain with him. He was inspired, encouraged and challenged as he witnessed the power of God.

"It's the highlight of my ministry," he said. "It's amazing to see so many people come to Christ through the Singing Men of Texas."