occasionally dip in and out of singing on a chorus or opening line or two of a verse . But each musician showed their skill without the use of tracks or click , to simply create on the fly . It was one of the most memorable times of worship I ’ ve ever experienced in Italy , and we ’ ve been there multiple times . After Bologna , we went to Tuscany , just outside of Florence where we stayed with Giorgio ’ s family . They own a vineyard and olive grove , so staying there was never a hardship ! We played in a roaming “ Tent Revival ” meeting on a Friday night . I remember the dusty floor , the stage with full set up , and a young group of gypsy evangelists who are sharing the gospel every single night on the outskirts of Florence . It was a pleasure to lead worship for the tent revival that evening . Hundreds showed up and several gave their lives to Jesus . You never know what God ’ s up to ! We then went on to Salerno and were invited by a local pastor and his affiliation with Fellowship of Christian Athletes . It was an evening with some of Italy ’ s most famous Footballers ( Soccer players ) sharing their testimonies . We had the opportunity to lead worship for this event and the following evening played another vibe set of worship in a Sushi
Bar in the middle of Salerno .
Again , doing worship and mission comes with its high points and challenges . Jesus never told us it would be easy – in fact , He said the world would get darker and more difficult . Even more reason we should not get bogged down living in a worship silo . After a few more events in Rome , getting our van broken into , and finishing off our tour with a church event in Rome , we fulfilled our mission which was to bring hope to the lost , encouragement to the believers , and training to young worship musicians who rarely receive any sort of musical or leadership training .
These few examples are the tip of the iceberg of worship and mission . I hope that this opens your hearts and eyes to the limitless possibilities of doing worship as mission abroad . It ’ s risky . It ’ s uncomfortable . It ’ s wonderful . It ’ s often unpredictable . But it ’ s obedience to the Great Commission .
THE SECRET SAUCE ?
It ’ s mainly about humbling yourself , building trust and being committed for the long haul ! Having a ‘ man of peace ’ on the ground in a nation is critical ! ( Matt . 10:11 )
Build a relationship between you and the gatekeepers of that culture . Break down the chasm between the stage and the people . Be accessible and vulnerable . Study the culture through learning one or two of their iconic songs , in their language , and add them to your set list . Go with a very open mind and an open heart . God often reveals many more opportunities than what you originally planned . Don ’ t be locked into anything pre-planned because it often gets tweaked when you ’ re on the ground ! Be flexible . Be willing . Stay focussed , and do NOT be afraid of any door that the Lord opens – even if it ’ s scary !
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Lhasa TIbet Coffee Bar
24 September 2023 Subscribe for Free ...