4 BETHELUNIVERSITY.EDU/MAGAZINE TOUR TAKES CHOIR TO In May 2025, Bethel University’s choir tour took students to Hawaii for the first time in 20 years. This time, in addition to the choir, the Bethel Worship Collective and BU Voices came as well, allowing for flexibility to customize performances based on location. Throughout the 10-day trip, students performed for a senior day care, five churches and two public schools on the island of Kauai. They also had a chance to connect with site directors for BU-X (Bethel’s extension studies program) in Hawaii. “It was truly a beautiful time of building relationships and enjoying the beauty of Hawaii,” says Stephen Martin, D.C.M., associate professor and chair of Music and Theatre. “We are blessed with wonderful students here at Bethel who love to share the hope and love of Christ with everyone they meet.” Choir tour has been an annual Bethel tradition for decades, taking students across the country to places like Michigan, Florida, South Dakota and even Hawaii. (In June 2026, the choir will travel to New York City where they’ve been selected to sing in Carnegie Hall.) “As we were exploring possible destinations for the 2025 choir tour, we were reminded of the many Missionary Churches in Hawaii. Between all of the wonderful churches, pastors and schools who offered their support, the performance schedule came together quickly,” Martin says. Despite some major hiccups with flights, all 50 participants made it to Kauai safely. Through the tremendous generosity of Makanalani Camp, as well as Kalaheo Missionary Church, ensembles stayed in free housing throughout the entirety of the tour. They also were treated to a rest day and barbeque at the home of John and “Jungle Jen” Jenkins, a former missionary who has spoken in Bethel’s chapel several times. Director of Worship Arts Becki Graves reflects, “We were all floored and humbled by the beauty of Kauai and the people there. It was an honor to witness in the work God is doing on the island and meet so many people who hosted us so graciously. It left a mark on all of us.” One of the more impactful performances happened at Waimea Public Schools, where the Bethel students performed for about 150 students at the middle school. At noon, they had Bible club where the Bethel students got to witness 50 Hawaiian students gathering together to learn about God. Another memorable moment was singing at Kalahao Missionary Church on Mother’s Day, where their pastor shared a video celebrating BU-X graduate Erwin Cano ’25, who came to Bethel’s campus for commencement. Though Bethel students came to Hawaii to bless those they encountered, they left feeling blessed by the people who welcomed them with the “Aloha spirit.” “I saw Christ in Hawaii. He was there, alive in the people and especially in the children. He was in all the songs they sang and in every story they told,” says student Rafael Ferreira. The trip also provided the opportunity for students to persevere through adversity, lean on each other and do life together – experiences Martin sees as invaluable. “I think there may be more things students can learn about life in a single tour than in a year in the classroom,” he says. “How we work with people … relationships we build ... reach people who need God. We’re able to bring laughter, life and hope to another part of the world, experience travel and life together and make memories we’ll never forget.” BY: Lissa (Grashorn) Diaz ’07 Hawai i TOUR STOPS • Kauai Adult Day Care Center • Kauai Christian Fellowship • Waimea High School • Lihue Missionary Church (youth group) • Waimea Middle School (morning assembly + Bible club) • Kapa’a Missionary Church • Koloa Missionary Church • Kalaheo Missionary Church (Sunday morning on Mother’s Day)
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