Christian recording artist Shawn McDonald performed this spring at a Serving With All Talents (S.W.A.T.) vespers concert at the Admiral Theatre in downtown Bremerton, Wash.
Based in Seattle, McDonald’s music continues to grow in popularity. He also has a powerful testimony of being delivered from drug abuse.
The Bremerton Adventist Church S.W.A.T. Team, with leaders Ron and Rachele Deininger, believed the concert had the potential to sell out because they felt the Holy Spirit had led them to bring McDonald and his music to Bremerton.
Newspaper articles, billboards and more than 350 posters told people about the concert. Many church members invited unchurched family, friends and co-workers. But in the end it was the Holy Spirit who filled the 800 seats of the Admiral Theatre that night.
While McDonald sang, Seattle painter Scott Erickson created two beautiful and evocative pieces of art live on stage. This unique addition to the concert provided a fun and poignant dimension to the message of the music.
A contact card handed out at the concert asked people three questions: Are you interested in joining a Bible study group? Would you like more information about starting a personal relationship with Jesus? Would you like to take part in a S.W.A.T. team activity?
Seventeen people who turned in their cards answered yes to the first two questions and six people answered yes to participating in a S.W.A.T. activity.
Stories are still coming in to S.W.A.T. headquarters from people who were blessed and how their lives were changed that evening.
"The S.W.A.T. Team was truly humbled by how the Holy Spirit worked on the hearts of the audience at the concert," Ron Deininger said. "They learned the value of meeting God where He is already at work."
For more information about S.W.A.T. or how to start your own S.W.A.T. team, visit www.gofnl.com.
Shawn McDonald performs with his band and painter Scott Erickson.
From left: Shawn McDonald, Christian recording artist, works with Sean Delaire, S.W.A.T. team member, to reach hearts and make a difference in people's lives.
