On Nov. 11, the College's Gospel Choir Ministries (GCM) hosted Fresh Fire 2008, their annual revival. This service occurs every year during the second week in November, and included performances from members of the ministry, as well as guest speaker Tyrone Holland.
"Fresh Fire's aim is to uplift us, and encourage us to keep on going," William Morris, president of GCM, said.
Morris said GCM is comprises multiple groups such as Drama, Choir, Dance and Holy Hands, all of which performed in Fresh Fire.
Clearly, Fresh Fire involved a lot of planning and preparation. Before any guests entered Room 202E in Brower Student Center, there was a table filled with information and pamphlets explaining GCM's objectives.
Members of GCM working the table were incredibly friendly, welcoming and excited to see new faces joining in the celebration.
"We had many meetings during the semester for this annual event," Alexis James, vice president of GCM, said.
"When we started Fresh Fire five years ago, we had a vision for what we wanted it to be. Our speaker, Tyrone Holland, has spoken at each Fresh Fire since then. We know the campus has a certain need in terms of encouragement for finals," James said.
The service started off with a group prayer session. All those in the audience joined in, raising their hands to the Lord and praying for revival and refreshment. After the prayer was finished, the crowd joined in to sing uplifting songs. Following the joyous singing, Holy Hands went onstage to perform a song using sign language.
Melissa Nowicki, senior special education/English major, was one person affected by the performances of the night. Since joining the organization last year, Nowicki described her experiences with GCM as extremely positive and fulfilling. Last spring break, the group traveled and toured in San Antonio, Texas and New Orleans, La.
In New Orleans, they were able to offer their services to TV show "Extreme Home Makeover." Nowicki said she looks forward to going to California this year with the rest of the ministry.
"We look forward to Fresh Fire each year to get our focus back on God," Nowicki said.
Overall, Fresh Fire was a successful medley of performing arts that acted to restore faith and hope to students during this time of midsemester stress.
