During National Salvation Army Week, the Pendel Brass and Singers, a music and arts group from The Salvation Army’s Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Division, went on a mission trip to the Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Division (PRVI) to minister with music and service. 

Band mission trips are a perfect chance to inform people about Jesus and The Salvation Army while serving our global neighbors. Sharing God-given artistic gifts on the trips captures peoples’ attention and brings them in to learn more. These performances are testimonies that bridge divides and remind us of connections we share. 

Pendel Brass and Singers, as well as dance and drama groups, had multiple opportunities to perform and minister during their stay in Puerto Rico. The group performed music of varying styles. Some standout pieces included William Himes’ arrangement of “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” and bandmaster and divisional music director Edward Mylechreest’s own “Lámpara,” based on the Spanish song “Pon Aciete en Mi Lámpara, Señor” (“Give me oil in my lamp, Lord”), which was performed in several locations and got a great reaction from the audience. The Singers also created a worship experience with songs such as “For You I Sing,” with everyone joining in and giving a glimpse at the multicultural worship in heaven.

But there was more to the trip than performances. “We don’t just want to do a music trip just to go play some songs. We want to make sure that we’re going somewhere that has an impact,” said Mylechreest. When Pendel Brass and Singers travel, they like to get their hands dirty. 

“They didn’t just put on a performance, they really wanted to roll up their sleeves,” said Serenity Valdés, creative arts director for PRVI. “Painting houses, doing yard work. They also worked on the thrift stores … And we don’t get a lot of volunteers like that. That was very impactful, not only to us as the people that want to see it get it done, but to the corps officers, the corps members and to those communities. Literally like an answered prayer.”

Hands-on ministry is an important part of Mylechreest’s approach to mission trips. “Getting out of the concert hall and doing that actual, practical ministry is really uplifting. We hope that was useful for them, but selfishly for us, there’s a beautiful aspect of worship and community building in doing that,” Mylechreest said. “We’re capable, we’re able, and we’re willing.”

Between the practical and music ministries, the Pendel team were met with enthusiastic energy from the people of Puerto Rico. “It didn’t matter what you were playing, as soon as the people heard music, they were stopping to listen and pay attention,” Major Martin Cordner said. He recalled one moment after an unforgettable Sunday worship service where the band played a Latin American-themed postlude, and the congregation, rather than leaving, gathered close around the band to listen, dance, and demand an encore. “I’ve never heard such loud screaming and applause than when we played the last note of some of these pieces,” Major Cordner said. “I think that’s maybe the first time I’ve ever seen that happen.”

The trip also had a powerful impact on the Pendel Brass and Singers. Major Kevin Zanders, divisional program secretary, noted how it was a significant experience not just for him, but for his adult children who were also in the groups. He recalled one moment sitting next to his daughter in the band when the audience had a powerful reaction to a piece they’d just finished. “I nudged her and I said, ‘Take a look, everybody is listening to what’s happening right now. We have no idea how many lives that we touch.’” He felt blessed to see the trip light some of the younger members of the band on fire when they returned home. 

It was a beautiful, eventful, and fun week for all involved. There was no lack of classic band trip moments, such as the bus breaking down and stranding the group in the middle of nowhere. But above all, the Lord was glorified through the universal language of music and high-quality worship.

By David Reardon

In This Month In History…

New book alert? 

Well, not new… but in October 1890, William Booth wrote and published his social manifesto that would later become an international bestseller and part of the foundation for The Salvation Army’s modern social welfare approach. 

In “In Darkest England and the Way Out,” Booth laid out his ideas for reforming society and elevating the poor of the urban cities. He wanted to shine a light on the extreme poverty levels in the United Kingdom.  

The book came out two weeks after Catherine Booth, his wife and co-founder, passed away. Some would say his preface was a tribute to her: “Amid the ceaseless suffering of a dreadful malady, my dying wife found relief in considering and developing the suggestions which I have set forth.”

#CampChangesLives

Aumya found solace at a Salvation Army summer camp. It became a place to feel the love of God without distractions, especially during a time of grief and unexpected life transitions. While working at camp, she was able to meet so many people, form friendships she hopes are lifelong, and overall, feel safe. 

“Working at a Salvation Army camp has impacted me in ways I could never have imagined,” she said. “So many kind people helped me grow spiritually in Christ.” The community at camp helped her in her grief process and realize she was exactly where she needed to be — a place to pour into others the way she was poured into. “This year was a special year. I had somewhat of a tough time, but instead of being expected to just deal with it, I was comforted and helped through my grief. That just helped me get through the summer with hope and compassion.”