That day at the Bus 93 bus-stop

Some time, some 10 over years ago, I once stood at a bus-stop, missed many buses I was suppose to board for home, and just listened to this worship cassette tape over and over again, praising God and singing for Him.

Perhaps that's nothing unusual. Except I was singing out loud and probably hand-gesturing and bobbing to the music alot. Of course, it's a pretty secluded bus-stop with very low traffic, so obvious movements only when no one else was around. Think I was there for a few hours...or at least it felt like a few hours...I know I missed a few buses..and 93 frequency isn't exactly high.

Anyway, the title of the worship album was "We are One". I really enjoyed the varied African beats and musical arrangements, even with a Boys choir singing/ leading some songs. Many songs in that album I liked, but I think the one on repeat the most was "We lift our eyes", still remember how I enjoyed joining the chorus at "Father we declare..."

Why am I mentioning this? Because I'm currently reviewing a VCD of this album!!! Imagine the thrill of revisiting the excitement of probably the first time I so freely and truely enjoyed worshiping God with songs and music.

It's funny. 'Cuz just yesterday, I was in the doldrums for being involved in the worship ministry. I was lamenting and dreading why I had to wake up early on Sunday mornings for duty (& sometimes non-duty days), why I have to attend a meeting none of my peers would have attended, why I got so many to-do items when all I want to do is revise for exam.

Then, God's Word gave me some relief in 1 Sam 30: 6, "David was greatly distressed because the men were talking of stoning him; each one was bitter in spirit because of his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God." (Read whole chapter for context)

And now, God helps me recall and experience renewed the joy and passion I have whenever I serve Him in this area. Time check: 1.24 am. So, even though I have to put in extra hours in the day, so that I can squeeze in time to prepare and plan for the church camp worship, I am enjoying it.

Sidetrack -- though on a related issue, nowadays, live worship albums are so different from the live worship albums of before. The live worship albums Integrity used to produce are really gems. I find the new ones more "manufactured"-sounding. The "oldies" were very well connected...song to song...with the worship leaders prayers and the congregations live praises.

WIP

To some extent, what I blog about reflects what goes through my mind. Last year, one prominent or regular feature, was my adventures in the Music Ministry. The various events, the journeying. This year, in rather starck contrast, there has hardly been any entries on that.

Yes, on one hand, I'm just trying to lie low and avoid work. Yet, my responsibilities remain, so work really still is there.

The affirming thing is that I think God still wants me to serve in this area.

Something new is that I'm currently involved in plannning for worship at the upcoming church camp. It's not a very big, heavy task. Also, my ML is very involved, so I don't feel like I'm left alone to handle things.

Typically, I think very hard and long before taking on new things to do. But, this time, I didn't think very hard or very long. Partly becuase it's a one-off thing. And partly because....I thought, when I'm the one who is coordinating, I get to shoot the arrows. Wahahaha!! Coordinators should not burden themselves with the day to day running of the things. They oversee. They render guide and help. But, I suppose, in the Christian Kingdom, it also includes servitude as leadership. So...hai...still not so great a thing to be IC.

Anyway, some things are kicked-off. I'm excited to see if my envisioning is acceptable...e.g. choice of songs, people. The operational like teaming and detailed selection of songs etc...kiv till I have abit more time to think.

Meanwhile...to remember to walk with God throughout the process.

Suddenly Stressed

Last night, I happened to check email and received an email that gave me some amount of stress. It's a email comms to start the thinking/ planning process for an upcoming Family Concert. Actually, was hoping to fly under the radar and under the cloak of "I'm busy with school work" and try to escape with as little work as possible. But, ethically could not bring myself to do so.

I suddenly felt the burden of ministry. Which I believe is not uncommon to alot of people involved in ministry. I mean, I think it should exist.

The stress comes because it's quite scary to represent a whole sub-community of people. I don't know at any one time who is available, who is enthusiastic, who wants to do what, or the exact opposite (not avaialbe, not interested, have no ideas).

Then, I was reminded of the Anew process. Which was to go to God at each point. I was also reminded of David's example, to seek the Lord at each juncture. I was at a roadblock, how would God direct me.

I ask myself and God the questions, what does He want out of the young adults through this process? How does He want to bless the BES community, and the newcomers or non-believing family members who come for the Family Concert? What can we do? Who can be the key-catalysts?

Obviously, I don't have the answers for all. But, I'm waiting to see how it unravels and unwrap. As, I am sure, God will bring us through.

So, prayerfully, I humble and seek...once again.