Inspire One’s  mission statement is “Educating children in the creative arts while building cross-cultural and socioeconomic bridges.”

The old saying goes “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Well, let me see if I can tell you why the picture on this fundraiser invitation means so much to me in a little less.

This photo was taken at the Peace Officer’s Memorial at Courthouse Park last May. For the past 15 years, the homeschool choirs have been invited to sing to the audience of hundreds of peace officers and their families – including those that have lost loved ones in service to our community. This year was the first time that the Inspire One String Orchestras played at this hallowed event, and the first time any of the students from Biola attended.

This picture shows Ernesto (in the lower left corner), and three beautiful young ladies. Olivia is the one wearing the black top. She plays violin in the homeschool orchestra and her journey started in China where she was born before being adopted into a wonderful family (3 of which play in the orchestra with her). Yasmin is in the purple top on the right side. She plays viola in the Biola orchestra and is so gentle and sweet. She’s a 6th grader this year and has been in the orchestra since she was 7 years old.

In the middle is Anna. Anna’s journey also started in China, and she was adopted by another wonderful family. She has been in the orchestra the shortest amount of time, but continues to inspire me every week. Her fingers are shorter than most. She was born missing the knuckle and above of each finger. She has creatively found ways to play her violin with only slight adjustments made in the arrangements because of just a couple unreachable notes. Not only does she play in tune but was one of the first students to learn vibrato (a slight movement of the finger on the string that adds emotional expression).

All of these students are precious, and are learning to be friends across socioeconomic and cultural lines. It’s not impossible – but having friends like Olivia and Yasmin, and the creative tenacity of Anna with beautiful music in common, helps.

“With God, you know that anything’s possible!”
– Francesca Battistelli “Giants Fall”
“Don’t you be afraid
Of giants in your way
With God you know that anything’s possible
So step into the fight
He’s right there by your side
The stones inside your hand might be small
But watch the giants fall” – Francesca Battistelli

Biola Enrichment Days are an opportunity to fulfill the mission of Inspire One where we build bridges across socioeconomic and cultural barriers. I started the summer program 10 years ago when I realized that there is very little for the kids to do during the summers – especially with many of their parents working in the fields all day. 10 years ago we started each morning by reading books donated by my niece Hannah, then ate fruit and cereal for breakfast, and made violins out of egg cartons and paint sticks. Crafts were mostly paper airplanes but when people heard what was happening – they would come out for a day and share their lives with the kids. The last week of that first year, a donation was made that allowed for me to purchase REAL instruments for the kids. We played the one song I taught them over and over on the evening of the BBQ/Celebration. If you were there – you’ll never forget it!

This year we had around 40 volunteers and about 85 kids in the program.

Every morning we sang about hope, courage, and love – then the volunteers AND the participants got to act it out through hugs and laughter, reading together, playing games, going on fishing trips, getting messy in the kitchen, making their own light switches, and taking pictures of each other.

Biola Enrichment Days are an incubator for friendship and caring. It’s a safe environment where kids put away their phones and play, and create, and make memories.

Some of my favorite moments were watching the High School Volunteers and their pastor (nicknamed “Big Guy”) play “What Time is It?” with the 5-7 year olds.

Big Guy “What time is it?”
Little girl whispering in Big Guy’s ear just loud enough for me to hear, “25!!!”
Big Guy – “No – a real time.”
Little Girl – “27?”
Little boy – “3!”
Big Guy – “It’s 3 o’clock!”
All the other children take 3 steps towards the the Big Guy in the middle of the play area.
Big Guy – “What time is it now?”
Silence……
Big Guy – “It’s time to eat you!!!!” and he chases them all around the grass to squeals of laughter and glee!

Then there’s watching the kids make desserts for our last day BBQ/Celebration. They nicknamed Chef Diana “Cookie” and her helper mom “Ms. Mush”. Hand dipped pretzels covered in sprinkles…everyone covered in sprinkles!

“Make a Difference Outdoors” non-profit came alongside Inspire One and taught the kids how to fish. Most of the teachers are Veterans. One man walked from child to child baiting hooks on an artificial leg. He lost it while serving our country as an airplane mechanic. He told me of his struggles with depression and how much it helped him to come out and help the kids, no matter the pain in his leg.

My favorite story was the day that “Big Guy” (Youth Pastor Clint Letterman from Campus Bible Church) was interviewed. Traditionally, I interview someone different each day in the opening session before we break up into 3 different age groups. The day “Big Guy” answered the kid’s questions was pretty much the same until they asked him what the scariest thing that ever happened to him. He shared about when he watched his father drive away from their family after his parents divorced. You could’ve heard a pin drop…

Both Clint and I shared about asking Jesus to come into our hearts at about age 5 and 6 but that troubles (like his parent’s divorce) came and then so did anger. He shared about pulling the hoop off of the backboard in anger but then shared about the difference that God made in his life when he trusted Him more. Honestly, I know many of the stories of the children that were in that room. Stories too difficult to tell. So…I dismissed the children to go outside and play but offered to pray with any that wanted to stay back for a little bit. Most of the kids jumped up and ran outside but 16 scooted closer to our chairs. One little boy (about 6 years old) scooted so close to my leg that I could pat the back of his head while he cried silently. Clint prayed for them and then we went around to each one and put our hands on their heads and shoulders and prayed a blessing over them. All remained with heads bowed – some breathed in deep as we prayed, others let tears flow down their cheeks until each one had been prayed for. It was a day to remember – a day I’ll never forget.

The new school year began this week. Close to 200 homeschooled children will be running from choir to art, handbells to dance, photography to sign language (Visual Sound) and to orchestra. Biola had 58 students that signed up to play in their elementary orchestra this semester, and 77 showed up the first day! What excites me more than anything is that there are students at each Inspire One site that can’t wait until they see each other again. Last semester they sang in the same concert but they didn’t know each other. At 6 pm at Peoples Church on November 16 they will want to stand with each other – singers with orchestra – High School with Elementary – I’m picturing it now. You won’t want to miss it.

Even before the concert, some of them will be performing together at our 2nd Annual Fundraiser Dinner on October 12. Reserve your seat at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inspire-one-fundraiser-dinner-tickets-37325593856

Many of you are receiving this update because you’ve already prayed, volunteered and financially supported us. Thank you, and please don’t stop. Good things are happening because we’re in it together.

Mrs. McCracken and Children’s Choir

I loved what a student posted on my Facebook page after Concert Choir rehearsal recently, “The moment when you can say you had an ab workout because you laughed so hard at your choir director and accompanist’s funny stories. #ilovechoir#wedontjustsing”  Maybe we should get t-shirts that say #wedontjustsing.

A webpage blog is probably not the best place to share the stories, but they came out of a spontaneous moment in rehearsal talking about the journey of a life with God. Last Spring the choir sang a piece written by a former student who has, this year, received international recognition for his compositions. Here’s a link to his website http://www.enloemusic.com/works.html  – his journey is exciting to watch.

We don’t just sing, or play or dance at Inspire One – but have freedom to live out the compassion that God has given to us – not as a fire-hose, but as a cup that overflows with His goodness. I don’t have the same opportunities in the school setting, but that makes concerts, Enrichment programs and other events where we come together, all the more important.

Tiny Rhino and Friends in Biola

Naomi as Young Fiona at her performance of “Shrek”

Choir

Fruit animal

Roger Rockas

Storage

Tour

Binders

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.”           1 Corinthians 3:7-8 New Living Translation (NLT)

Inspire One classes are in full swing at both the Fresno and Biola campuses, and that is in part because of the team of volunteers behind the scenes, and the faithful supporters of the ministry. Working behind the scenes with Inspire One means that there aren’t many pictures of you or your work – just the fruit of it! There are families that bring cookies to celebrate birthdays, people who organize and pass out binders of music, visitors who come to class with pencils for rewards. The Inspire One Board hashes out details so we can attend to our responsibilities well.  Hundreds pray for our staff and students, and many donate their own money to see that our community continues to benefit from a creative arts education that builds bridges to connect families from various cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Last week, children from both campuses were treated to the Good Company Players production of “The Will Rogers Follies.” The afternoon included a backstage tour led by Dan Pessano (Founder of the Good Company Players), a free soda AND ice cream. A quote from Will Rogers expresses well what we experienced… “It don’t take much to see that something is wrong, but it does take some eyesight to see what will put it right again.” This kind of selfless generosity goes a long way in putting things “right again.”

We have been blessed with the donation of a storage unit by Derrel’s Mini  Storage to house our music library, instruments, and supplies. The weight of the heavy boxes stacked on top of each other has begun to damage the music and we discussed the need for shelves. Mrs. Teter (our Youth Choir director) mentioned this need to a couple of friends at a dinner party and “Voila!” – Ken Warkentin – Executive Director of the Valley Center for the Blind, and Jim Wiebe – friend and UPS driver made it happen (with the help of my husband, Steve.)

Each person that has come alongside to help Inspire One has chosen to lay aside their own plans to benefit others. The reward is the fruit, and the privilege of watching God make it grow.

Little Biola cellist Andrew on his way to see the show last Sunday said to me in the passenger seat of my car, “When I grow up, I want to make enough money to help the homeless.” Only the Lord knows the seeds that are being planted in these young lives, and the eternal fruit that will grow in the future. Thank you for your part in planting seeds wherever you are!

Concert

Biola girl violin

IMG_3638

IMG_3872

Boy

IMG_7831

Legion of Valor

Biola Christmas party

Soli Deo Gloria

Water fun

Girls

Here on the cusp of a new year – I’m standing in awe and thankfulness to God for where we’ve been,
what we’ve done, and who we’ve walked with along the way.

We’ve had 64 rehearsals leading up to 10 performances – including: the Peace Officers Memorial at Courthouse Park, the Made For Them Fundraiser to defeat human trafficking, honoring the Legion of Valor recipients, and the privilege of being guest performers for the Soli Deo Gloria Concert. Our 8 field trips  included 3 visits to the Fresno Philharmonic Dress Rehearsals arranged by the Fresno Cultural Arts Rotary and the Fresno Philharmonic, and 2 fishing trips provided by Veterans with Make a Difference Outdoors.

15 days of Biola Enrichment Program provided arts education and performance opportunities during the month of July. Biola is a small farming community just a few miles west of Fresno off of Shaw Ave., and this is an outreach to the community that is truly being used to build bridges. Volunteers for this event included 4 photographers that taught the kids to take Fresno Fair award winning pictures.

After an inspiring Fall Concert (why wouldn’t I use that word?!) on December 1st with over 800 in attendance and over 1000 views online, we continue to look for ways to build bridges between different cultural and socioeconomic communities. As the home-school choirs and strings combined with the Biola strings, the mission of Inspire One was accomplished. It’s much more than the music… Each time we perform together, attend events together and celebrate together – our bond of friendship and commitment to care for each other increases.

Here’s just one story to back that up:

Nine years ago I started the tradition of having a Christmas Party in Biola for the orchestra. This annual party has been a great motivator for the strings students when practice becomes difficult. This year, with funds low, I was not sure we would be able to provide gifts and I tried to prepare the kiddos for this but…. when God wants something done – He calls in the troops.

Jennifer and Jonas Anderson lost their 9 year old daughter to brain cancer last year and they have been collecting donations for children in oncology departments this Christmas, and delivered hundreds of gifts to 3 hospitals.  When she received a surprise donation from ToysRUs and ended up with extra gifts in their garage, God put Biola on her heart and she called to ask if I could use the extras. Two weeks ago Sandy Mozier (whose daughter, Marika, sings in the Girls Ensemble) asked if she could throw a gift wrapping party for the girls and they would wrap the Biola gifts. Then I got a message from the owner of Chosen Yogurt – asking if there was any opportunity to bring the kids frozen yogurt this month. Yes – she brought enough for everyone. Since Inspire One Strings include more than one campus, a last minute invitation went out to other participants and the Myracle family (yes, that’s really their name) came with all 4 of their string players and Santa hats for everyone. To top it off, not only did the Anderson family donate gifts but they came dressed as Wonder Woman and Spiderman to entertain the whole group! Each participant in this celebration was unaware that the others had contacted me to help. It was as if God tapped them on the shoulder with a suggestion, and they responded, “Good idea!” and moved on it. I stand in wonder at the works of His hands!

With Love and Appreciation – Licia K. Clark

“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of respect, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if something is excellent or praiseworthy, think on these things.” Philippians 4:8 NET

Ah… I love this verse because it calls me to pause and reflect on God’s many blessings – not just at Thanksgiving but throughout my life as a Believer. Here are a few of the many blessings that Inspire One has received during the past 6 months:

Successful Biola Enrichment Days – Over 100 students attended 3 weeks of dancing, singing, cooking, crafts, drama, photography and other activities provided by generous volunteers. Tim and Allyson Schulz opened up their woodshop to teach the teenagers. Photography volunteers (Sheryl Ridley, Doug Holck, Duane Middlebusher, and Steve Reid) were out almost every day looking for inspiration throughout the town. Those moments produced over 60 entries to the Fresno Fair and the entry by Juan Rodriguez took “Best of Show”! (the bee picture on the left.) We took 2 field trips – 1 to CenterStage Theater’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” and the other to Gateway Ice Rink – where the Zamboni scraped the ice before we went out to build a pile of snow in the center (first time seeing snow for most.)
Highlights for me included starting every morning singing the Lauren Daigle song “First” with the kids pointing to heaven and singing their lungs out, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbWQV3OiRqA  and one little girl in the program telling me “Mrs. Clark…God IS real!” and then proceeded to tell me about how her face had been bruised the night before and she had prayed for God’s healing. Her twin sister was the first to see that the bruise was gone that morning, and she pointed to her face and said, “See, it’s gone!”

Our new home at Campus Bible Church – After the closure of the Peoples School of Creative Arts at Peoples Church last year we were blessed to have Bethel Christian Center open their doors for us while we continued to ask God what was next. The leadership team from Campus Bible Church approached me about considering their two campuses as possible teaching sites. They told me about how they’d been praying for new opportunities to reach our community and how the vision of Inspire One resonated with them. I apologized for my gaping mouth and eyes like saucers. (I felt like the servant girl Rhoda in the Bible when her prayer team had been praying for the release of Peter from prison and when Peter shows up at the front door – she doesn’t open it but runs in excitement to tell everybody first).
Needless to say – I felt overjoyed and thankful! We’re just one week away from completing our first semester at Campus Bible, and their care for each family that comes on campus is awe inspiring. They’ve opened up the playground for the little siblings, and set out tables and chairs for the moms to sit and talk while their kids are in class. The teaching rooms are always beautiful and comfortable. They even allowed us to use a large storage room to build a dance room (with mirrors!)

Performance Opportunities – Inspire One students from Biola, Home School and public school marched together in this year’s Biola Raisin Day Parade where the judges gave them a standing ovation. There are not too many marching string orchestras in the world! (I googled it.)

Great Students – Every opportunity for teaching has provided an opportunity to watch the courage of learning, and that spills over into helping others in our classes. Students, like Naomi, in Children’s Choir, who leads her Part 2 section with full voice and encouragement, or Kelton de la Cruz, who uses his vocal strength in the high school Concert Choir to bolster other first time choir members in his section. This pattern is repeated in Dance Class and Visual Sound, Photography and Piano Class, Hand Bells and Art. It is not uncommon to watch the whole choir clap and cheer for a student or section as they achieve a learning breakthrough – even if it’s just singing out in front of class for the first time, or finally figure out how to play the rhythmic “fiddle part” in Strings Class.

Committed, Caring Teachers – Benjamin Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” The teachers with Inspire One are constantly involving their students in the creative process, and our students are known to go on to be teachers themselves.

Premiere Fundraising Dinner – With the beautiful dinner and venue donated by Bruce and Denise Kinabrew, dessert and silent auction items donated by guests and community businesses, entertainment provided by the Inspire One Combined Strings and Mixed Ensembles, and heart moving testimonies from students and parents – it was a beautifully uplifting evening where people from different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds felt like family. (Over $10,000 was raised!)

I’m so thankful for all the parents, volunteers and donors that believe in and have furthered the vision of Inspire One in bringing our community together through music and the arts, and the all encompassing love of our Creator.

Inspire One! Inspire On!
Licia K Clark, Executive Director