On the middle Saturday of the annual Portland camp meeting convention, attendees enjoyed a special Fourth of July musical presentation. In honor of the United States’ 250th birthday, a vibrant group of young musicians from around the world came together to present an unforgettable concert.

Throughout the preceding week, these dedicated young people gathered for several rehearsals, pouring their effort and enthusiasm into perfecting every piece. Their preparation demonstrated the same commitment at camp meeting that they display year-round in their home churches.

The celebration opened with a brass fanfare written and arranged by Portland musician and congregation member Josh Friesen. The brass players were arranged across the front of the balcony, surrounding the audience with music. After a welcome by Sola Adesope, the patriotic band performed a spirited rendition of “Yankee Doodle on Parade,” followed by the presentation of colors by the McChord Field Honor Guard. The program continued with two beautiful solos: “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Maya Mocan from Sacramento, California, and “America the Beautiful,” sung by Kyra Ibukun from Brooklyn, New York. The band played a lively “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “This Land Is Your Land,” featuring the children’s choir, which brought extra energy to the sanctuary. The youth choir then filled the platform and presented powerful arrangements of patriotic favorites, including “Battle Hymn of the Republic” with “My Country, ’Tis of Thee” and “America the Beautiful.”

Military service members were honored with “Salute to the Armed Forces,” during which they were invited to stand when the songs of their military branches were played. During a short video presentation, service members from the past and present briefly shared their experiences, many expressing that it was a privilege to serve their country.

After several more stirring pieces, including “God Bless America,” the musical program came to a triumphant conclusion with “Thank You, Jesus, for the Blood,” featuring soloist Femi Omolayo, from Richmond, California.

Reginald Segres gave a closing message, reading from Acts 3:1-5 and Psalm 62:5. He encouraged listeners to approach God with the expectation that He will make a change in their lives. He said expectation is rooted in confidence and trust, and that attendees were at the right place, at the right time, with the right people for support. In closing, the audience was invited to come to the altar of prayer with an attitude of expectation for what God could do.