Shortly before the start of our fall semester, I was informed by our long-serving children’s choir director, Huiling Liu, that she would not be able to continue in her role this year. And I’ll be completely honest with you—panic set in. I found myself wondering how we could possibly find someone with the right background and heart to step into this important role on such short notice. I began to make contingency plans in my mind, considering whether we would need to forgo the choir altogether this year and offer a different activity instead.
In my relatively short two-year tenure as Children’s Ministry Director, I’ve already experienced countless instances of God’s provision. Yet, in this moment of uncertainty, I struggled to see how the pieces would fall into place. I feared we would be left without a choir director for this ministry year. But then God took the opportunity to remind me once again of the importance of trusting in His perfect timing. In His faithfulness, God provided us with someone far more qualified and prepared than I could have imagined. Enter sister Jasmin Tsao, a relative newcomer to our ECC family. Her background as a music director for 12 years in Chicago, combined with her experience as a piano teacher and vocal coach, makes her more than equipped to lead our children’s choir.
I’m reminded of the familiar words from Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. In this moment, I see so clearly that God not only knew this need would arise, but He had already been preparing the way—months, if not years, in advance. What’s more, He has graciously answered the prayers of many faithful brothers and sisters who have sought His will for this ministry.
As we welcome sister Jasmin to her new role, let us also be a community that surrounds her with our support and prayers. May this year be a time of growth, joy, and worship through our children’s choir, as we commit this ministry to God’s hands. Let’s all rejoice in God’s abundant blessing and welcome sister Jasmin as our next Children’s Choir Director for the Redmond campus!