Courtesy Photo | Several members of GLARE (God’s Love Audibly Reaching Everyone), the band from...... read more read more
ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Worship services at Forward Operating Base Lagman have received an added boost thanks to members of the Horizon Community Church from Chesapeake, Va., who donated a bass guitar to the FOB Lagman chapel band in Zabul province, Afghanistan.
Maj. Benjamin Sprouse, the base chaplain and Staunton, Va., native, built the band from scratch shortly after arriving in country in July. He succeeded in acquiring everything but a bass guitar. After speaking with the chaplain about the possibilities of ordering a bass for the band, guitar player Staff Sgt. Andrew Doane went online to do some research.
Doane, who also plays guitar for GLARE (God’s Love Audibly Reaching Everyone), the band from Horizon Community Church, sent the bass player there an email asking for his advice about purchasing a bass online. In response, Ruth Nethery, the HCC music minister, sent Doane a photo of the band with a simple message.
"Look in the middle! Coming to you! We love you Andy!” In the center of the photo sits a bright red bass guitar, complete with travel case and stand.
Doane received the message just after discovering that unit funds would not be able to cover a bass guitar for the chapel band.
“I found myself shocked and excited,” said Doane. “I couldn't believe we were getting a bass after the chaplain and I kept discussing the possibility of not being able to get one. The church has always had a big heart, always there for someone in need, from sheltering the homeless to helping a fellow family of the church.”
Kerby W. Latham Jr., the GLARE bass player, modestly explained the decision to send the bass overseas, as if he was casually loaning the neighbor his lawnmower.
“I come from a family with strong roots in the military,” said Latham. “So when I received an email from Andy saying they were looking for a bass to use at church services, I just happened to have an extra one, so I took it to GLARE one night, and they loved it. We packaged it up, and Andy's dad shipped it out.” Nethery provided the real story.
“Kerby saw the need, had the resources and initiated the gift plus the stand – which he had to re-build!” said Nethery. “Kerby showed up to practice early, set up the guitar in the stand and had his camera ready to go on its tripod. That is when and how we knew what he was up to! That is Kerby, always helping and always giving.”
The same generous spirit didn’t seem to be lacking in any of the band members as they enthusiastically participated in packaging the gift and sending it off.
“I just supplied the bass guitar,” said Latham, “but without the Lord above, GLARE and Horizon Community Church, we wouldn't have had the opportunity to touch so many with His Love.”
And what made it so easy to donate such an expensive item? Each one of the band members point to Doane’s exceptional character.
“I've known Andy for about two years,” said Latham, “and in that time I have seen a man juggle work, going to school, rehearsing on Wednesday, playing on Sunday, doing his reserve time and raising a daughter as a single parent without a complaint. I have great respect for a person like Andy.”
The other musicians were all quick to agree.
“Andy is a laid-back guy who has really grown so much in his walk with the Lord,” said Suzanne Everitt, a GLARE member, “and we are so glad to see him still doing so while serving our country. We really miss Andy and we are so proud of him.”
“All of us in GLARE are so incredibly proud of Andy and his service to God and our country,” added Anita Fritzinger, one of GLARE’s vocalists. “How could we not support him? Andy rocks, and we miss him every week, but we are happy to know that he is sharing his talent and love for the Lord with others in hopes of touching and changing lives.”
Doane’s affinity for music started long before his involvement with GLARE and the Horizon Community Church.
“Andy has loved music forever, and had a desire to play the guitar when he was just a little boy,” said Pam Doane, Doane’s mom. “He has a quiet spirit, but finds ways to express himself through music.”
Now, every military and civilian employee who worships at the Lagman chapel has the opportunity to feel God’s influence through the music Doane plays and the legacy he and Horizon Community Church are leaving behind.
“I believe music plays a very important role in worshiping God,” said Doane. “It is a way to connect with Him, using talents He gave us in a way to show praise and our appreciation for all God does every day for each and every one.”
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.15.2011 06:17 |
| Story ID: | 81416 |
| Location: | QALAT, AF |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldier’s influence reaches hundreds through charitable donation, by SSG Rebecca Petrie, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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