2019 Ensemble Report

I’m fairly certain that most people have seen some form of the famous war poster, “Uncle Sam needs you!” During World War Two, the need for people to assist in the war effort was as necessary as the need for soldiers. The reason being that there was a great deal to do, and only the combined efforts of the whole nation could adequately meet the tremendous demands of the war. Today a different battle wages, but not for geographical boundaries, but for the souls of men. In many ways, the summer ensemble as a war recruitment effort. We are certainly seeking for men and women to join in the fight, but we are also seeking to encourage all Christians to join the war effort.

This summer the ensemble had the privilege to be nearly 30 churches, across seven states, and three provinces of Canada. We traveled approximately 10,000 miles in the endeavor to cast a vision before young people of God’s will for their life, and Baptist College of Ministry’s assistance to prepare for that vision. God gave us many divine appointments, both in respect of the college, and also in their area of soul winning. While on the trip, we were able to minister in services, aid in church work projects, help for a week at a Bible camp, and engage in various evangelistic efforts.

The team included Benjamin Riemers, Will Henderson, Stephen Gillmore, Judson Shoultz, and myself (Alex Rohof). Mr. Daniel Van Gelderen and his wife and family traveled with the team during our time in the States. During that time, Mr. Van was the leader of the team. When our team traveled to Canada, I was able to lead the team during the three weeks we were in the country. The opportunity to be in Canada was a great privilege, but also reminder of the great need of the country. As we traveled to the various churches we were scheduled to be in, (nine in all) we passed town after town with no baptist church, or gospel witness. Most of the people in those towns, though living in a first world country, will never hear the gospel. Truly, there is a cause that requires soldiers to answer the call.