EPIC “weekend” in Lee’s Summit…

Well, I was scheduled to lead worship at a youth retreat weekend in Lee’s Summit this weekend with my friends from No Longer Quiet, however they decided they needed to cancel based upon the forecast of 6-12 inches of snow that was supposed to fall today.  SO, instead of a whole weekend, we just had a Friday night service/rally.  It was SO good.  I love leading worship, I love being used by God to bring His people to His throne, and I love leading worship with these people.  They are my friends, co-ministers, and family.  It has been interesting and fun to see how the “faces of NLQ” have changed over the last few years, but it never ceases to amaze me how God takes those who are willing to serve Him and use them for His glory.  Thanks to all of you guys/gals for what you mean to me, and for allowing me the privilege of serving along side of you!

And, thanks to all the staff and students at Lee’s Summit Community Church for letting us be a part of your EPIC weekend!

What “EPIC” moments have there been in your life lately?

-E

Africa Journal: Day 5 – December 31, 2008

From my journal:

“Well, we made it to Sebekoro today! After about 2 hours on the road and another 2 1/2 hours on the “road” (term used loosely this time…) we finally pulled into the village and were welcomed by a swarm of children.  As soon as they saw us in the van, they began cheering and chasing after us, and by the time we pulled to a stop near the missionary home, there was a crowd of children waiting for us to exit the van, and I thought … ‘here we go, this is what we’ve come for.’  There was no more training to be done, no more preparation to be made, we were in the thick of ministry as soon as we stepped out onto the ground, and I loved it!

I’ve had my moments the last few days, where I’ve been scared and felt completely inadequate.  Give me Your peace and wisdom.  Lord, help me to see that I am a child of God and that Your power is made perfect in my weakness …

We just finished our first group devotion time together out on the mission field, and I cannot begin to describe it in accurate detail.  The sky here is SO clear and I’ve never seen so many stars!  As we were worshipping tonight, I was a bit overwhelmed to be leading our team in this time under the African sky … I think it will be one of my most treasured memories from this trip.

What a great way to spend New Year’s Eve, and when I wake up in the morning, what a great way to start a new year … goodbye 2008, hello 2009!”

I remember being SO anxious all day to get to Sebekoro and to meet the people, and to immerse myself in their culture for the next week, but when we finally arrived after the drive through some of the roughest “roads” I’ve ever seen (we’re talking over boulders, through dry creek beds, etc) I was a bit overwhelmed by the amount of kids that surrounded us upon our arrival … some of them just curious to see white people I’m sure, but others excited to have the guests and looking with anticipation I’m sure of having the activities that were sure to come in the following days.

After arriving in Sebekoro, we quickly took off on foot through the village to make our way to the courtyard of the Chief.  The 5-6 minute walk was full of us doing the best we could to introduce ourselves to the kids, holding hands, and prayer walking. Once we arrived at the Chief’s we greeted him and asked for permission to be in the village for the week.  We were greeted warmly, and looked forward to the ministry that was to come.

After worship that night I remember lying there before drifting off to sleep just in awe of who God is, and feeling so humble that He had chosen to use me on this trip…

-E

Chief Jahweh Fofana in Sebekoro:

hymns

I’ve been listening to a lot of hymns lately. As a worship leader, I’m always keeping an ear out for good, worshipful music/lyrics.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge fan of a lot of the current worship songs, but they seldom match the eloquence of the hymns from my childhood and beyond.

I grew up singing these songs, but took the beauty of the words for granted as I sang with the lack of a truly conscious reverence.  If you stop to listen to and truly meditate on some of these songs, you’ll see how truly rich they are.

Having said that, I guess I’m a sucker for someone who  can take these hymns and give them a little personal touch as they present their versions.  Now, I’ve also heard some of these GREAT hymns completely butchered, and un-recognizable . . . that’s not what I’m talking about here.  I grew up in a traditional Southern-Baptist Church, so I know what these hymns “sound like”, so I think it’s refreshing to hear someones interpretation on the original.  Here are a few that I’ve been enjoying recently:

Jadon Lavik: Roots Run Deep

Chris Rice: Peace Like a River

What are your favorite hymns/lyrics?