Echo Winter 2025 - 13

again-and each time they answered the
call. Since that first " yes, " the Fords have been
overseas for 15 years, serving God through
teaching music.
" God's leading was very clear in each step, "
Ford said. " Each time we have made a
decision, God has paved the way. "
Ford's love for music has driven his
educational career, holding various
positions over the years to his current role
as Concordia's High School Choir Director.
Besides conducting multiple choirs and
vocal directing musical dramas, he has also
been a guest conductor at multiple choral
festivals and has been invited to be guest
conductor at the Association for Music in
International Schools (AMIS) Asian MS Honor
Mixed Choir in April 2025, a high honor.
" I feel very blessed with the
choir experiences here
[in China], " he
shared. " These
kids have been
so passionate and
dedicated to what they
are doing. " Besides
guiding them
in their love
for the art
of music,
Ford has had
the unique opportunity to witness to
students of various ages and many cultures,
as they bond over the shared experience
of music.
" I just wish I could fly the music department
of LBC over to see what's going on in the
international school setting, " he said, with a
longing to share with those who mentored
him the experiences he's had interacting
with multicultural students from " quite
literally the four corners of the earth. " Ford
was especially grateful that one of his
LBC mentors, Foster, was able to visit
him overseas and witness first-hand
the impact of his work.
Ford's time in this diverse environment
has given him an enlightened sense
of the power and impact of music and
finds himself intrigued by what each
new student brings. The beauty of music
transcends cultural barriers, allowing two
people to hear the same tune and feel a
connection.
Ford shares that he and his wife are
preparing for the " what's next? " as they finish
their time overseas and prepare to return to
the U.S.-trusting in the Lord for each step.
" I know He has something planned; we
are just waiting to see what that is. "
This academic year, the Music,
Worship & Performing Arts
Department is educating the
largest number of total Music
Education majors in program
history. Recent graduates are
impacting local students in
Manheim, York and
Lancaster City.
ECHO 13
Echo Winter 2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Echo Winter 2025
