July 7 - Departing for China
Even though today is July 21, I want to pause and reflect in real time on what happened just two weeks ago—a day that marked the beginning of a journey we will never forget. On Monday, July 7, Pure-N-Heart Foundation embarked on a life-changing cultural exchange, heading to China to represent not only our community but also the spirit of world peace. This opportunity placed our voices and our God-given gifts on an international stage, and it’s a moment we do not take lightly.
We weren’t just representing ourselves. We represented America—and, of course, the beautiful, thriving state of South Carolina. Every song, every handshake, every exchange carried the heart of home with it.
Hosted by The CPPAA (China People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries), this two-week adventure spans Fuzhou, the historic region of Kuliang, and concludes in the iconic capital city of Beijing. But before all of the cultural immersion and performances could begin, we had to take our first steps:
At GSP Airport, 37 of us gathered—22 talented students and 15 dedicated adults—ready to represent not only our foundation but the hopes of our families and communities. Parents, loved ones, cousins, boyfriends, and spouses came to send us off, some holding back tears, all filled with high hopes for a safe journey and a transformative experience ahead.
But here’s the truth:
While smiles and excitement filled the room, in my own head there was a different conversation happening.
I couldn’t help but ask myself, “Am I really cut out to lead this?”
Sure, Alexias and I led trips before—plenty of them. From state to state along the East Coast, managing buses, hotel rooms, sound checks, and meals. But this was China. Thousands of miles away. Different time zones, different languages, different expectations. I was responsible for 36 people, their safety, their well-being, and their once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The “what ifs” were real and loud:
- What if something goes wrong?
- What if someone gets sick? Lost? Frustrated? Homesick?
- What if I can’t navigate the cultural expectations perfectly?
- What if the parents back home are trusting me with more than I can carry?
It wasn’t fear, exactly—it was the weight of responsibility. Leadership is more than logistics; it’s shepherding hearts, stewarding futures, and covering people in prayer and protection. It’s about knowing that this opportunity isn’t just about performances—it’s about representing God, our families, our faith, and the places we proudly call home—with excellence and humility.
But even as those questions circled in my mind, there was something deeper that anchored me:
God wouldn’t bring us here just to leave us overwhelmed.
That truth was confirmed not just in my spirit, but through the actions of others. The weekend before we left, something special happened—something I will never forget. A group of pastors and leaders from the Upstate of South Carolina gathered with us to pour into our group through the Word of God and through prayer. It wasn’t just a service—it was a sending. They laid hands, they encouraged, they spoke life and strength over us. Mona Cunningham, Hasker and Deana Hudgins, Tiko Thurman, T Renea Glenn, Vardry Freeman, James and Teresa White, Josh Banks and Zackary Brewster—each of them standing in agreement, reminding us of who we are, who we represent, and more importantly, Whose we are.
Then, just hours before takeoff—in the 9th hour, no less—a huge financial relief came through the generosity of a local ministry. It was the exact assurance I needed. It was as if God Himself was saying, “You’re covered. Go in peace.”
And even as we prepared to board the plane, I couldn’t help but reflect on just how close this trip came to being canceled—not by anyone else, but by me. The burden was heavy. The obstacles felt endless. But God sent help through someone very close to me. My wife, Alexias, showed a relentless faith and determination that kept this trip alive.
On her own dime, she flew solo to Washington, D.C., took off work, navigated paperwork, and even faced rejection when she was turned away at the visa office. But she didn’t quit. She went back again, did the hard work, stayed the course—all so that these 37 people could experience this moment. Her perseverance was the answer to a question I was struggling with: “Is this really worth it?” Watching her press through every obstacle reminded me that yes, it is. Because obedience often looks like sacrifice.
So, with confidence in God’s faithfulness, the encouragement of our community, and the example of a determined wife who refused to let me give up, we did what we always do—we got down to business. We checked our bags, cleared TSA, and just like that, we were off to DFW Airport to catch our connecting flight. Ahead of us loomed a 15-hour journey to Hong Kong before reaching our first destination: Fuzhou.
A special shoutout is due to The ZONE, who generously sponsored our travel shirts. These shirts not only helped keep us coordinated as a group but served as a visible reminder of the community cheering us on back home. Their donation—both financial and heartfelt—means the world to us.
If you'd like to join them in supporting our efforts to uplift youth through music, leadership, and faith, we welcome your partnership. Visit our website https://www.purenheartfoundation.org/give to make a contribution of any amount. Together, we are making a difference.
Stay tuned as I continue to share more reflections from this incredible journey in the days ahead. It's about to get adventurous!
Professor Alphaeus Anderson