God made a way for us to be there…

Carey,

Before any more time goes by, I would like to share this note with you. I know you like brevity but that may not be possible this time. It has been a very hard year for us in regards to AMTC. When people want to sign your child up for a talent competition there is healthy skepticism. I have heard one too many horror stories of people getting duped by this industry. Although Michelle of Epiphani has been incredible, we were skeptical even to the very beginning of the competition. We knew however, that God had made a way for us to be there throughout the year and especially leading into this competition. I knew that He was in it and I had to go based on trust.

God’s hand has been in this at every turn. Let me share with you some awesome ways we have seen God work:

• I heard about the audition on the radio. Because Kyle is starting to do some speech competitions, I thought this would be a good time just to get in front of an audience and practice. My husband took him to the audition to practice.
• Kyle got a callback but I was very skeptical and told them that we were not interested.
• Kyle really wanted to do this but I told him that we were not financially capable…My parents had talked that same week… and had agreed… they would pay for… half.
• We were provided with an incredibly caring, capable and encouraging coach who even now takes the time to care.
• Coming to the event, I still was somewhat skeptical (because of the industry’s reputation) but right before the event, we received unexpected funds to cover our hotel bill while at the convention.
• I was impressed at the Christian values that were discussed. The panel of young adults even had an invitation to receive Christ for those who were interested. The agents that attended were picked carefully based on their character. The whole convention was a class act. Even at the end, we were not just dumped but we were reassured that AMTC would be with us after the event for anything we needed. I have also heard this from past contestants. They consider you as part of the family.
• Kyle did well in some areas and flubbed in others – God showing us that He will make a way if it was His plan and not based on Kyle’s talent. After all, God gave Kyle his talent and he is willing to use it for Him.
• We got quite a few unexpected callbacks. I prayed for a specific agent located here in Atlanta who is a very strong Christian woman (based on someone from our church who has worked with her extensively). She was on our list for callbacks!
• Kyle won a few awards, which for Kyle was nice because his self -esteem is not nearly as strong as some of my other children!
• Kyle gave God the glory throughout. Those competitions that he did not do so well, he shared with me that he could have done more to give it over to God.
• I have never seen my son enjoy himself as much as he did at AMTC. He made friends with a lot of the attendees and was sincerely rooting for them and encouraging them the whole week.
• Even since our return, God has made our path crystal clear. We are on a journey and not sure where He will lead us.

Finally, I thank you for putting on a class act. We were truly impressed with the convention. It has been a wild unexpected ride for us. I am not sure where the journey will take us but if it stops here, it has been a great ride for him. We just pray that whatever talent God has given my kids that they will use it to serve Him.

Sincerely,

Marielle C. Hersey
(248) 867.2191

Col 3:23