s I sat watching and listening to 9-year-old Jabriel Cabaluna perform a special musical concert for worship at the General Conference world headquarters in April of this year, tears filled my eyes. These tears were partly from being touched by the music and the expression that young Jabriel gave to his music; partly tears of joy because someone had taken a young boy seriously and encouraged and supported his musical talent to be used for God-for ministry; and, I must confess, partly tears of sadness for the many times we as a church haven't taken kids seriously in their desire to serve God.

I walked to the front of the auditorium after the concert and thanked Jabriel for his concert. But even after that day, I felt like I wanted to do more. I wanted people to hear his story, and maybe other boys and girls would be encouraged to develop their gifts and abilities for the Lord.

So, on Wednesday, May 15, I invited Jabriel and his family back to the General Conference-this time for an interview. -Pastor Bonita.

Jabriel, when did you begin singing?
I began singing when I was 5 years old. I joined the kindergarten to grade 2 choir when I was in kindergarten at Oakview Preparatory School in Yonkers, New York. Since moving to Richmond, Virginia, I have been part of the grades 3-6 choir. Music is my favorite subject in school. I also joined the Richmond Boys Choir for one and a half years. But since it took so much time, I decided not to stay in the choir. I now have a vocal teacher I meet with for 30 minutes once a week. My dad also coaches me.

Tom and Ida, Jabriel's parents, are a beautiful example of what it means to "train up a child in the way he should go." They recognize their son's musical gift from the Lord and have dedicated every weekend since January to taking him to different churches so he can sing to the glory of God.

How did your solo ministry begin?
It's not like I really try to go places-it's just that people invite me! I've sung in many churches, and some I have sung at more than once. I sing mainly at Adventist churches, but I have also sung at other Christian churches and at special occasions like weddings. Sometimes I sing a duet with my Aunt Jojie. I get nervous sometimes.

How often do you practice?
I practice every night for one to two hours, depending on how many songs I have to do. Sometimes I have to practice three songs for each performance.

When I practice, first I do voice exercises. Sometimes I complain before I have to practice, but later on I get happier that I'm singing. I enjoy it so much. It's like my life depends on it.

What do you mean by "my life depends on it"?
It's something that makes me happy.

Are there certain types of songs you like to sing?
I sing songs by Steve Green and Sandy Patti, and some Filipino songs. For other secular occasions and weddings I sing love songs.

One of the songs Jabriel sang while doing worship here at the General Conference was Sandy Patti's "Via Dolorosa." For those of you familiar with this song, it is a difficult song for adults to sing. He spent two weeks learning this song. His pronunciation of the Spanish portions was flawless. This is also one of his favorite songs.

How do you see singing as your ministry?
I don't understand. Can you explain that to me?

How do you see this as helping people get closer to God?
I try to reach out to more people so I can teach about the gospel. Right now my main goal for singing is to reach as many people as I can. I've always wanted to be a music minister when I grow up. But it sounds like I'm already one! (Yes, Jabriel, you are!)

What advice or encouragement do you have for kids reading this who may want to do more to reach out to people for God?
Practice is something you'll need in order to have the right singing. If you don't warm up, you'll strain your voice. Don't drink lots of cold stuff before performances!

It takes a lot of work to do it. Just keep on trying and keep on practicing. You'll get better at it. The next thing you know, you'll be singing to someone else.

May I print your e-mail address so kids can contact you?
Yes. My e-mail address is izakkane@aol.com.

I asked Jabriel if he has a story of the funniest thing that has happened to him on his trips. He responded, "On my trip here, me and my sister started kicking each other. She tried taking off my socks!"

Jabriel is an encouragement and inspiration to adults and kids alike-and he is also just one really cool kid!