Page 38 - Fall 2021

Previous page, The Grace Fellowship Student Arts program was formed in 2019 and has grown to more than 50 youth. Above, the Moore family was instrumental in the founding of the program. From left, Chaim, Caden, Jason, Keira, Stacie and Caleb.
A strong foundation
Both California natives, the Moores have spent their lives in the music ministry. Jason’s father was a worship pastor.
Stacie sang in church from early childhood. At 12 years old, she begged to join the adult choir, as her church lacked one for youth. From age 13, Stacie wanted a career that would combine music and ministry.
Jason and Stacie’s paths crossed in 1991 on the campus of Azusa Pacific University, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. The couple has been married for 26 years and have four children: Caleb, 18; twins Chaim and Caden, 16, and Keira, 13. From the beginning of their marriage, the Moores have followed their passion of helping young people find their gifts in creative ways. Throughout the last three decades, they have served congregations in California, Iowa, South Carolina and Georgia. In every instance, they created a student arts program.
A time for singing
In 2018, the Moores moved to Oconee County from Des Moines and spurred children to sing, dance and perform.
Fine Arts Festival, a discipleship tool of the Assemblies of God Youth Ministries, has over 65,000 student entries per year for the state and national competition in more than 80 categories
In 2019, the choir was awarded first place at the festival and went on to take second place at the national Fine Arts Festival in Orlando. Other awards from that year include first place for small worship team, male senior vocal solo and female junior vocal solo.
Abby Ham, who created dance routines on the living room rug at an early age, called the festival transformative.
While watching a girl playing Job in the dramatized quoting division, her adult leaders turned to her and whispered that she would compete in that division in the future, and they were right.
COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the 2020 festival. But by March of this year, 52 youth competed at the state level.
Fine Arts Festival in August found Grace Fellowship Student Arts well represented. They had 56 entries, 17 of which ranked in the top 10, and eight were awarded first place. Categories included solos, songwriting and even Spanish vocal ensemble.
Jason and Stacie said 2021 has been a banner year. Their son,
sDeborah Dietzler is a freelance writer in Athens, Ga. She is a special project coordinator for Goodwill of North Georgia. PAGE 36 | OCONEE THE MAGAZINE | FALL 2021
Courtesy Grace Fellowship