NYFC Gospel Choir sees lives changed

NYFCChoirAs the Norwich Youth for Christ Gospel Choir prepares to put on their first major concert since 2010 the young choir members describe how the experience is having a life changing effect.

Since Norwich Youth for Christ’s (NYFC) Gospel Choir began in November 2007, around 230 young people from Norwich and the surrounding areas have enjoyed singing with the choir.

Last year the choir were awarded 1st runner up status in the BBC Radio Norfolk Choir of the Year Competition. This year the young people are working towards staging a major concert on Saturday 14th July, 7.30pm at The Kings Centre, Norwich. It is within this environment that lives are being changed.

NYFC Gospel Choir was set up specifically to create a space where young people could have the chance to interact with, hear and experience the Gospel through song, and the environment of the choir, which seeks to be a place all about Kingdom values.

According to Heather Land, Project Leader and Lead Schools Worker for NYFC: “Many choir members say it is a place where they feel they ‘belong’ and are ‘accepted', and many have also found faith in God.

GospelChoirEvent“Scripture tells us that the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword and that it penetrates the heart. Well, the young people in the choir are hearing the word of God through Gospel Choir songs - singing it and learning it by heart!

“I can see how the truth and freedom of the Gospel, speaks to their hearts. Singing seems to be a great way to receive Truth. It is wonderful to witness how God is working in many young lives through this project.”

Alice (17), a NYFC Gospel Choir member, said: “It was some of my experiences in choir that led me to become a Christian, I think that counts as life-changing!”

Sally (15), said: “Through the choir I have learned what true worship is and God is using that in such a huge way and when I don't know what to pray, I sing one of the many gospel songs”

Sophie (15), said: “Gospel choir changed my life because through the powerful words we sing I got closer to God and have made a strong commitment to Christianity.”

Speaking about the upcoming concert, Heather Land said: “We haven’t put on our own big concert since May 2010 when we did a sell-out performance at Norwich Cathedral so we are looking forward to putting on a great show on July 14th at Kings for everyone to get excited about.

We are inundated with requests to sing at all kinds of events which we just don’t have the capacity for, so we thought we’d put on one big concert, so that people can come to see us in one place. Please come and support the young people.’

The support act for the concert will be 'Dance Off!' leaders and advanced class students, led by Kate Doran-Smith of the Norwich youth charity, ENYP. As well as showcasing some recent pieces, the dancers and the NYFC Gospel Choir are working on some collaborative pieces.

GospelChoirLogoHeather concludes: 'The choir members are inspirational…I love how they all come with their individual personalities and how this shines through when they perform. They are full of energy and enthusiasm. They extend such a warm welcome to any newcomers who walk in the door, they sing their hearts out and they encourage audiences wherever they perform. For an un-auditioned choir, they are a pretty talented bunch too!’

Tickets for the NYFC Gospel Choir concert on Saturday 14th July are on sale at £5 a ticket (£6 on the door) from Norwich Youth for Christ.  Please contact 01603 620678 or office@norwichyfc.co.uk or through the website www.norwichyfc.co.uk.

Book early to avoid disappointment!

 

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