Texas Times

Moving on to Texas, we had the privilege of presenting a chapel at LeTourneau University in Longview.  This was an especially meaningful event since Dustin’s dad and brother both attended LeTourneau in the 60’s and 80’s.  They have a state-of-the-art theater with a beautiful stage which was a treat to perform on.  It was fun to see posters in the wings of others who have shared this stage: Stomp, Lord of the Dance, Charlie Daniel’s Band, Jewel, Beach Boys, Drakeford, Rick Springfield, Rend Collective, The Oak Ridge Boys, Casting Crowns, Brian Regan and Lecrae to name a few.

A group of high school juniors were on campus for a preview day and joined the chapel.  Advisers told us afterward that they are always nervous bringing potential students into chapel wondering what impression it will give the students.  They said this was the best chapel they’ve ever had for a preview day and they wished we could present every time since we knocked it out of the park.

It was encouraging to later receive this feedback from the chapel coordinator: "What a great, energetic, nail-biting experience, that also took time to share about the importance of salvation with Jesus on the cross. Such a powerful and relatable message for students and adults alike!"

We loaded the trailer afterward in the biggest thunderstorm and downpour we’ve ever packed up in.   Our equipment was completely soaked, not to mention us and those helping.  That night we filled our hotel room with unicycles, packing blankets, equipment bags and clothes drying around the room. 

Because of friends we met and served with in Egypt over the years who live in Texas, we were invited to present at First Baptist School in Dallas.  We arrived at the school before daylight to set up for a bright and early assembly.  The students were enthusiastic and on their feet at times jumping up and down in excitement.  We love sharing a message of hope with all these students.

Here's a recap video of this USA tour January - March 2018: 

(YouTube link: https://youtu.be/8l-L6RaGNMU)

California and Colorado start with C

From Oregon, we drove south for a return visit to Valley Christian Elementary School in San Jose, California. Last year the rain forced us to present a very abbreviated UniShow assembly on a small shag carpeted stage in a chapel the 450 students barely fit into. This year was dry and sunny so the UniShow was in full force in an outdoor basketball court. The principal has become a big advocate for the UniShow, stating our assembly is the best he has ever experienced and is promoting it around the region for the future.

Our tour then took us to Colorado Spring, Colorado where Dustin’s lungs were put to the test presenting an assembly at an elevation of 7,000 feet for 320 middle schoolers at Eagleview Middle School. We heard afterward from a student that it was the best day of her life. A teacher said that it was the best assembly they've had in his 20 years teaching at the school and he knew students would never forget it. Another student thanked Dustin for what he shared, saying it's people like him that motivate her to not give up in life.