In the spring of 2012, Dr. Pattye Casarow and the Handbell Choir of Clearwater Christian College traveled to Turkey in what they called 'Bells for Bursa,' a ministry trip. This trip was unique in that they introduced handbell music to the citizens of that nation and obtained access for ministry to hundreds through public concerts and workshops. In addition, the trip enabled CCC students to build bridges of friendship that many have maintained to this day with fellow college students in Turkey. To state the trip was life changing would not be inappropriate at the least.
Early this school year, Dr. Casarow decided to share this experience with fellow handbell choir leaders and submitted an article to Overtones magazine, the official journal of the Handbell Musicians of America professional guild. Handbell Musicians of America was initially established in 1954 as the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and has as their primary objective the education, promotion, and sponsorship of educational activities related to handbell and handchime ringing. The membership includes approximately 7,000 members, mostly directors of choirs from 12 regions throughout the United States. Their motto is "Uniting People through a Musical Art." To the great delight of the College, the article was not only picked up by the organization, but became their cover story feature for the January/February 2014 issue.
Regarding the article, Dr. Casarow stated "I wrote this article because the trip was so amazing I wanted to share what God did for us. There were many examples of God going with us and before us to pave our way. Initially, the idea of traveling to Turkey really was frightening, but we believed God was leading us to go and we held tightly to Joshua 1:9. I want to encourage others to 'Go with bells.' The bells open avenues that ordinarily might be closed to a Christian college or church. It may seem formidable with all the equipment required, but it can be done! I included logistical tips in the article. Lastly, the friends we made in Turkey are now precious relationships that we pray will continue to grow. In fact, one of the students is coming to visit us here next month! We would love it if the Lord would allow us to return to Turkey in the near future."
Click here for a closer look at the article.
Early this school year, Dr. Casarow decided to share this experience with fellow handbell choir leaders and submitted an article to Overtones magazine, the official journal of the Handbell Musicians of America professional guild. Handbell Musicians of America was initially established in 1954 as the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and has as their primary objective the education, promotion, and sponsorship of educational activities related to handbell and handchime ringing. The membership includes approximately 7,000 members, mostly directors of choirs from 12 regions throughout the United States. Their motto is "Uniting People through a Musical Art." To the great delight of the College, the article was not only picked up by the organization, but became their cover story feature for the January/February 2014 issue.
Regarding the article, Dr. Casarow stated "I wrote this article because the trip was so amazing I wanted to share what God did for us. There were many examples of God going with us and before us to pave our way. Initially, the idea of traveling to Turkey really was frightening, but we believed God was leading us to go and we held tightly to Joshua 1:9. I want to encourage others to 'Go with bells.' The bells open avenues that ordinarily might be closed to a Christian college or church. It may seem formidable with all the equipment required, but it can be done! I included logistical tips in the article. Lastly, the friends we made in Turkey are now precious relationships that we pray will continue to grow. In fact, one of the students is coming to visit us here next month! We would love it if the Lord would allow us to return to Turkey in the near future."
Click here for a closer look at the article.
