EUROPE: Day 9 (Zurich, Switzerland)

Last night was not nearly as short of a night as we've been dealing with as of late, and that made us all very happy. We didn't leave the Hotel Villa Tuscane until 10:00 this morning. Phillipe took us to the church where he and his family worship (I never really found out the name of it. I mean I saw it once, but I didn't write it down or anything and I don't remember the real name of it, so I'm not gonna try to share the name because it's French and I forgot...that was a really long run-on sentence) and we sang a few worship songs during their communion time. It was very special singing in a church building that was built about 250 years ago. We were privileged to share the Lord's Supper with the people of Vevey (just outside of Montreux) and then we shared lunch with the Meyer family at their home. I can't describe the beauty that surrounded us while we were at their home. They live in the mountains and to step onto the front porch means that you will witness the power, majesty, beauty, creativity of the God who gave us life and, in spite of ourselves, gives us mercy and grace. It was truly one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

After lunch, we drove to Zurich which took just over 2 hours. Though Bern is the capitol of Switzerland (and we drove through Bern), Zurich is the financial hub. As a matter of fact, we drove down one of the wealthiest streets in all of Europe while in Zurich. Our concert was held in one of Zurich's most famous landmarks, the Grossemunster Cathedral. I really had no idea about the Grossemunster but it's in most of the pictures and postcards of Zurich (it's the church with the two steeples). Many a tourist visited the church building as we were setting up and checking sound and I think that drew more of a crowd for us in the long run.

After sound check, we walked to our hotel, The Hotel Alder, which was a five minute walk...through the red-light district! It was a little scary, and a lot exciting to know that the gospel would be shared in (or at least very near) the red-light district of a financial powerhouse of a European city. So we took a few minutes to clean up and change, then we walked back and prepared for our concert. The place was packed! All of the seats on the main floor were occupied and there were several people in the balcony. All in all, there were around 750 in attendance and it was just a special night. During intermission, Phillipe asked us to add some of the worship songs we had sung this morning for the second half of the concert, so we went to the middle of the room in the midst of the people and sang two of our favorite worship songs, "Covenant of Love" and "Worthy is the Lamb." That was my favorite part of the concert. Although most of the people didn't sing along, I felt like we were fortunate enough to lead God's people in true worship. The feeling was amazing.

As before, we were invited to sing two different encores and I think the crowd was just as encouraged as we were when all was said and done. This was a great way to end this tour. It was also the end of Ryan Smith's time on the road with us as sound man. He's been on the road with us for several months now, but is going to work full-time in the Acappella studio and continue to be a part of this ministry. Though we will miss him on the road, we look forward to adding Byron Sommerdahl and Corey Callis to our "road family."

We fly home in the morning. I'm excited to be back, but I will miss all the friends I've made here (or the ones I've caught up with) and the beautiful places that define Europe. What an amazing experience this trip has been! Pray for our safe travel back to the states and that God will do a mighty work in Europe and bring more souls to him.

Peace, Love, and Chocolate