Worcester Recovery Center

Saturday, August 31, 2013, Light of the World Ballet Company, along with a couple LWB Trainees, had the wonderful privilege of performing for teenagers and staff at the Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital. The center serves to instill hope and forward the promise of recovery from mental illness and a life of independence and self-determination. We had a wonderful opportunity to share a testimony, and it was such a pleasure to perform “Alive” as well as our ballet “You Are Special” for the patients. I felt that walls broke down in some of their lives, you could see it in their faces. After we finished performing, some wanted to come up and dance with us. It was a blast dancing around the room with everyone just being themselves- such a joy to experience. Several approached us with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces letting us know how much it meant to them that we came to spend time with them. One girl shared that she really needed to hear that message that she was special; it made her feel so loved. We were able to talk with them and get to know them a little bit. It was fun learning about their favorite activities and sports and to hear quick summaries of their life stories. Several patients and staff made “thank you” notes and drew pictures for us. They were all so sweet. Keep these wonderful people in your prayers. God has great plans for each of them! –Rachel

The Vineyard Church – Hopkinton, MA

Light of the World Ballet Company had the privilege of performing at company member Cayla Noreau’s home church! We performed ‘Praise You in this Storm’ as an accent to the sermon. Although the space was rather small, we adapted the steps in order to fit the space. The leadership and church body was very welcoming and I believe our dance was used to encourage and build up the body there. It was a perfect way to finish out our time in Massachusetts! ~Alyssa

United Church of Fayetteville

On Sunday, August 25th, Light of the World Ballet company performed at United Church of Fayetteville. We performed "Worn", a piece excerpted from Follow the North Star, and "Carry Your Name", a piece about carrying the name of Jesus and His ability to save. We have performed at this church for several years, and each time, they are very welcoming and responsive. We hope that the message we brought to the people encouraged them and urged them to press on in their Christian walk. We look forward to returning! ~Cayla

PEACE Conference

On August 31, LWB Company and some trainees performed for a P.E.A.C.E. Conference hosted by The Vineyard Church in Massachusetts. The P.E.A.C.E. ministry seeks to support caregivers of special needs children with Prayer, Encouragement, Advocacy, Concern, and Education in a confidential, safe environment. At the beginning of the conference the company performed Praise You in the Storm and Hallelujah. After they finished dancing we went into another room with the children and played games and taught them dance steps. While we were with the children, the parents and adults listened to various speakers including Mr. Rollinson who preached about finding peace in the midst of a storm. After that, we performed You Are Special for everyone. The children were very attentive and seemed to truly understand that they were all special because God made them and loved them very much. We finished the performance with Healing is in His Hands. The conference was a great time of ministry and fellowship and we pray everyone left feeling blessed and refreshed! Blessings, Kristie