Annell Thompson is seated at the drum set, center, and Claremore-First Pastor Ray Crawford is at far left in a Roman Catholic church at Miedzyrzecz, Poland. The large banner proclaims "Let us care for life," Thompson said.

By Aloise McCullough

Annell Thompson’s grandmother gave her a drum set when she was 10 years old, and she began developing her percussion skills. In college, she joined a band ensemble. In Spring 2009, she got a chance to lend her talents to a musical Volunteers In Mission team that ministered in Poland.

She was among 15 Oklahomans who were involved in the mission with an unusual focus. VIM projects typically focus on construction, health, and children’s Bible study. On May 29-June 7, the musicians visited five towns in Europe, performing as many as three concerts in each community.

Thompson said the opportunity came to her because she asked God to "do more" with her life. She said she wasn’t expecting more to mean going to another continent.

"I think truly it was an answered prayer, but a little more than I had actually dreamed of," said the UM young adult from Oklahoma City.

The VIM group originated with the Claremore-First UMC and its praise band. Richard Rath, music director at the church, expanded the number in the team to enhance the witness of "First Praise." Thompson’s drums joined a musical lineup that included clarinet/flute, lead guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, two keyboards, and violin—as well as five vocalists.

Maurice Major, Bartlesville District superintendent, and Ray Crawford, the Claremore-First pastor, also were in the group.

Rath first began searching for more musicians in 2008. Thompson’s name was given to him for a possible percussionist. She is a data processor for the Oklahoma Conference and a southern Oklahoma native.

When the opportunity was first pitched to her, Thompson said, she was apprehensive and kept it as a matter of prayer. Then a friend advised her that God would provide a way if the mission was meant for her. Thompson said that e-mail message helped discern her path.

She was there when the band started rehearsing in February.

She recalled the story of Jesus reaching down to help Peter as he attempted to walk on water. "I just kept hearing God say, ‘I am not going to let you drown,’" Thompson said.

The VIM mission was not the first to Poland for the Claremore church, but the first with music ministry as its central intent.

Thompson said the Oklahomans performed before large crowds. At some places, people were turned away because the sites were over capacity. One concert attracted about 500 participants.

She recalled nuns swaying to the music and a priest clapping at one concert in a Catholic church. "Amazing Grace" was one of the most requested songs.

"We could see how hungry people are," Thompson said. "The main focus for the band was sharing the Gospel through music."

The trip was Thompson’s first beyond U.S. borders. She was unsure about her ability to communicate since she spoke only English. Her concern was eased upon arrival. A Polish United Methodist pastor translated for the group.

Thompson said she grew spiritually through the experience. She agreed with a comment by a younger team member that traveling several thousand miles from home created an opportunity to deeply experience the love of Christ and be able to grow as a Christian.

"I think it was God showing me that His hands are always going to be on our lives," she said. "I just want to continue to share the Gospel. For me (the mission) restored some confidence that I kind of lost over the past several years."

For more information about international VIM missions, contact Shannon Lemmons, 405-530-2031.