A Wonderful Journey with Forever Young — Branson Trip 2025

joshcjonesauthor
2 days ago
3 min read

There’s something special about being on the road with a group of people who not only share your faith but also your joy for life. Recently, I had the privilege of joining the Forever Young group—a lively and inspiring ministry for those 65 and older from The Assembly of God in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma—on a trip to Branson, Missouri.

What began years ago as simply helping out at their monthly potluck has turned into something much more meaningful.

The Journey Begins

There’s a different kind of excitement in the air when you travel with Forever Young. The bus fills with friendly chatter, contagious laughter, and a sense of anticipation that makes you forget how early the morning is.

Before long, we were rolling through the Ozarks, surrounded by beautiful scenery and good company.

The hotel we stayed at was clean, comfortable, and welcoming. The long, quiet hallways stretched out like something from a movie set, making the perfect backdrop for a fun and artistic photo opportunity.

Sight & Sound: David

Our first major stop was the Sight & Sound Theatre to see the production of David. And let me tell you—it was breathtaking.

The stage came alive with stunning sets, powerful music, and heartfelt performances that made the story of David leap off the pages of Scripture. The excellence and creativity in this production were second to none…except maybe Esther. Sitting there, watching the familiar story unfold in such a vivid way, I found myself in awe—not just of the performers, but of the God who writes such incredible stories with ordinary lives.

Dean Z: The Ultimate Elvis

Next up was Dean Z, known as “The Ultimate Elvis.” Now, I’ll be honest—I’ve never considered myself a big Elvis fan. But this performance? It completely won me over.

Dean Z didn’t just sing; he performed. His energy filled the room, his charisma pulled the audience in, and before I knew it, I was tapping my foot, clapping along, and fully engaged. His talent and stage presence were remarkable.

Somewhere between “Jailhouse Rock” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” I caught myself thinking, "Elvis has re-entered the building.”

Exploring Branson

Of course, no trip to Branson would be complete without a little shopping and a lot of eating.

Between shows, we explored the town, visited shops, enjoyed some delicious meals, and shared plenty of laughter.

One particularly meaningful stop for me was the College of the Ozarks. Known as “Hard Work U,” this college is unique—students work on campus to pay for their education. We stepped inside their beautiful chapel, a structure built by the students back in the 1950s, and I was struck by its craftsmanship and reverence.

A First for Me: The Wax Museum

Another highlight was visiting a wax museum—a first for me! Walking through the halls, surrounded by incredibly lifelike figures, was both fascinating and a little surreal. They even had props you could use to pose with the wax figures, which made for some hilarious photo ops and fun memories.

More Than Just a Trip

As the trip came to a close, I realized that this was more than just a getaway. It was a time of fellowship, laughter, and rest. Traveling with Forever Young is like being wrapped in a warm blanket of joy and community. Their stories, their faith, and their humor make every mile memorable.

This trip to Branson was filled with unforgettable moments—from powerful performances to peaceful chapel visits, from hearty meals to belly laughs in a wax museum. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve, to travel, and to share in these experiences with such an amazing group.

Forever Young: Living Life with Joy

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my time with Forever Young, it’s that age doesn’t limit joy—it amplifies it. These men and women are living proof that faith, community, and laughter keep the spirit young.

Branson gave us sights and sounds, but Forever Young gave the trip its heart. And as any good dad-joke-loving traveler would say: We didn’t just travel together… we groan together.