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Make-up time , as the team prepare for a ‘ Tribute ’ performance in Singapore .
Matt , working with the office team .
Photos courtesy of Matt & Celia Rawlins
Celia ’ s networking repertoire connected them with Onesimus Principle , a local band who had produced a Christian album on a secular label , a rousing achievement for that time . They became good friends with Sydney Tan , who was the band ’ s leader , and were invited to conduct a Bible study with the group and their friends . The Rawlins found themselves reaching out to the fringe and cutting-edge of society whose cry for help was disguised as cultural capital . But , like Kanye West , many did eventually proclaim , ‘ Jesus is King ’.
All that burgeoned can be ascribed to the foundation of humility and servanthood at the core , which frequently coalesced with the question , “ What can we do to serve you ?” The Rawlins , together with the YWAMSG community were knit together with a deep instinct for unity , where reconciliation was the antidote to becoming one with each other . But it was their devotion to worship that truly steered them . Before the teams even embarked on the act of evangelism , they would be consecrated by a time of worship that would span at least 4 weeks for hours every morning , and would sometimes stretch into the afternoons .
Matt remarked , “ Most people associate worship with song , as the preparation for a message . But ours was clearly directed towards revelation . Going into those worship times was terrifying . There was a real sense of , ‘ God , if you don ’ t show up , we ’ re done !’” Celia adds , “ We wanted to come to a point of revelation of God ’ s character because our teams had to have their own relationship with Him when they went out to
evangelise . They had to know the character of God ; to trust Him , know that He is faithful , He is great . He is patient , merciful , gracious , loving and kind . Our teams had to own their relationship with God , and own who He is . This revelation takes waiting . You can ’ t just say , ‘ Let ’ s get worship done .’”
This response is rooted in who God has revealed Himself to be . His presence , unmarred by a familiarity that blunts the tilt towards the awe and reverence of one ’ s beholding . As their deep longing for Him arose like incense , they knew Him truly , and responded to that knowledge with a satisfaction that valued Him above all things . Even the artistes they worked with were worshippers first and foremost . That was the foundation that paved the way and opened the door , overflowing into demonstrable acts of praise from their lips and acts of love in serving others for Christ ’ s sake .
After 5 intense but wonderful years , Matt and Celia transitioned out of Singapore , but returned in 2005 and started a consulting firm , Green Bench Consulting , which provides executive coaching , advises on organisational development and works with leaders in the midst of change . Matt now spends his time between consulting , and providing training at YWAMSG , where he remains a prominent speaker . His thought-provoking teaching on the nature and character of God reminds us that the clarion call to worship is a call to drink deeply from a well that will never run dry .
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