I am a music minister with the Salvation Army. Between me and Daniel Meeks, we are responsible for supporting Music and Arts programs of the 26 churches in Georgia. Last night I was blessed during one of these visits to the Augusta Corps.

You see, I come from a family that somehow caught the "music bug." At the age of eight I began to play the trombone, simply because it was the instrument my dad played as well. Thinking back, my arms probably couldn't reach past third position, but Dr. Holz let me try it anyway. Ten years later, I was already a LIFE-LONG musician; meaning, whether music was my career or not, it was something I would make for the rest of my life. When college came around, my two brothers and I couldn't think of anything else we would rather do, so all three of us either have or are pursuing degrees in music.

I tell you all of this because I am only 23 years old. I don't quite have a story of immense dedication like I saw at the Augusta Corps.

The Senior Band in Augusta consists of close to twenty members. There are five teenagers, which I am so proud of; maybe five members who, for lack of a better word, I'll call middle-aged; and then the rest of the band is made up of SENIOR CITIZENS. All members, including the bandmaster, are volunteers. Not only do these volunteers participate in a weekly practice and worship service, but there are multiple events throughout the year that they gladly give their time to support.

Now, let's come back to one thing. Almost half the band is made up of Senior Citizens. To say they are Senior Citizens doesn't do justice explaining their commitment. I am sure each one of them has a story, but I can only tell you what I observed.

The man sitting next to me had a distinct vibrato that I had never heard before. As I took a closer look, his arms and head were constantly shaking. Every body part that touched the instrument, he had no physical control over. But he still makes a "joyful noise unto God" (Psalms 66:1), not because he sounds beautiful, but because his testimony of giving his all is beautiful.

One long-time member of this band was literally on his death bed. After much prayer from family, friends, and Salvationists across the south, he made an amazing recovery and no longer needed hospice care. What was the first thing he did after God's healing? He honored his commitment to God, and is back playing in the band. He cannot even carry his music folder to his seat, much less his TUBA. He comes in on his walker, with oxygen tank behind him and plays in the band every week. Truly INSPIRING! It brings this verse to mind: