The AYC Story The Ambassador Youth Choir is a ministry of the Riverdale Assembly of God Church in Riverdale, California. Pastors Charles and Wilma Spencer came to the sleepy little community of Riverdale (Pop. 2200) 37 years ago to pioneer a new church. Today with attendance at 450 and a new sanctuary in the planning stages this vibrant country church has produced a solid group of 60 teens who are excited about their faith and eager to share it through their music and personal testimonies. Eighteen years ago the Youth Choir was organized by music directors Jimmy and Darla Davis and has ministered in approximately 40 states from California to New York. Pianist for the choir, Jimmy Davis, writes and arranges much of the material for the choir and his wife, Darla, is the director. Jimmy is proud of the youth and their commitment to the choir. He quotes “These kids are dedicated to what they do. The choir is strictly volunteer but they are rarely absent from practice and work hard to be their best. My wife and I have taught most of these high school students since they were in elementary school (Riverdale Christian Academy). We are like one big family. When you travel together as much as we have, you get to know one another very well and even though they are typical imperfect teenagers, I know they believe in what they sing.” Although the main focus of the choir is sharing their faith, their efforts for excellence have earned them several awards. Seven first place ribbons at the National Student Convention of A.C.E. (Accelerated Christian Education) have made them a top contender for this annual event. The choir is often called to perform patriotic selections in local community events. In 1992 the choir traveled for two weeks in Russia. They spent most their time ministering in churches that were former underground churches in the Ukraine. Caruthers District Fair Fresno State Fair Epcot, Disneyworld, Orlando FL Pres. campaign rally for Bob Dole Pres. campaign rally for George W. Bush Central CA Republican Lincoln Day Dinner Congressional Rally for George Radonovich Fresno County Farm Bureau Annual Banquet (’95 and 2002) Annual Growers Barbecue, Dole Foods Right To Life Fundraisers and Events Tulare County Lincoln Day Dinner Republican Women’s conf., Fresno Republican Women’s conf., Visalia Sonshine Fellowship for Seniors, Hanford Fresno Rotary Club Farmers Market, Hanford Valley children’s Hospital Fall Festival Atwater Riverdale Spring Festival Visalia Fox Theatre 75th Anniversary City of Kerman Independence Day Celebration City of Avenal Independence Day Celebration 911 Memorial for Walmart (Fresno) Numerous Churches in 40 states Ukraine (formerly the USSR) Back-up Choir for Anthony Burger (Concert Pianist), Downeast, Daryl Williams Trio, Randy Miller, The Wilburns and Poet Voices