CAYLA PRUETT | guest writer

My experience with the Angels Sing program opened my eyes to the big differences the smallest act of kindness can make.

I have been a part of Angels Sing ministries for the past two years. My freshman year here at APU, I took part in Angels Sing as a last minute effort to gain some easy ministry credits.

My first experience with this ministry was really neat because I went in with no idea of what to expect. I arrived late, so I got placed with a random group of people that I didn’t know, but by the time we arrived at the first home, I quickly began to see the deep impact this ministry has on the community.

We were greeted by a middle-aged woman who clearly had no idea we would be visiting that evening. When we asked her if we could carol for her she eagerly encouraged us.

By the time we finished the first song there were tears in her eyes. At first, I didn’t quite get it. Here we were, a group of college students who, as a whole, could hardly carry a tune. Yet this woman was overwhelmed with joy. She quickly called her 90-year-old mother-in-law to the door, because she insisted that she “must hear these angels sing!”

The whole family gathered at the door and we caroled a few more songs for them.

When my group finished all our caroling and visiting with the family the woman who had initially greeted us asked us to pray with her. We did, and then she sent every one of us off with hugs, kisses and many blessings.

I was dumbfounded.

As I walked away, I remember the feeling of struggling to suppress my own tears. I was overwhelmed by how much joy such a small act could generate in someone’s life.

I don’t remember any of the other homes we caroled for that evening as vividly, although I do remember being sad when the evening came to a close.

I came that night with no idea what “Angels Sing” even was and I left so inspired and touched I wanted to go and do it all over again.

The next year I had the pleasure of being a part of the team who organized the whole ministry for the year. Organizing the event was fun, but once again my favorite part was going out and caroling to the families.

By the end of the evening, after all the preparations, most of us were pretty exhausted. However, the moment we got to see the excitement on the faces of those we caroled for, all my energy was renewed. All the hard work it took was worth it in that very moment.

One of my favorites of those we visited that evening was a man who lived at home alone. He was so surprised and thrilled upon our arrival that he immediately called up his daughter and insisted that she listen to us carol, so we sang for her over the phone.

I remember feeling my heart sink when I realized this man lived alone in such a big house. Pictures of his wife hung on the walls, and my heart broke. He was so precious to visit with, I know we just made his entire evening.

We visited several other homes as well where we were continually greeted with smiles and gratitude, not to mention all sorts of home-baked treats.

I never cease to be amazed by the joy that a group of college students with a few off-key Christmas carols can bring to the lives of so many. I can’t wait to be a part of this ministry again this year.