As part of my recent mission trip, I had the opportunity to introduce a few students to the bass guitar. While most of our time was spent learning how to play the instrument, I told them that I also felt it was important to discuss a few spiritual principles that make up the foundation for playing the bass guitar in worship. These principles would really apply to any member of a worship band or praise team. I gave my students these principles in a handout, but I thought it would be helpful to share them here.
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As I type this, we are making our way back across the island to catch our flight out of Montego Bay. On Sunday, we led worship at Havenhill Baptist again and then had to say a quick farewell to three of our team members who were flying out early. A restful afternoon was followed with a praise and worship concert at Cedar Grove Baptist in nearby Portmore. It was a wonderful way to close out the trip by singing nine or ten worship songs. As I reflect on the trip, I have so much to be thankful for:
We have been in Jamaica over a week now and all of the things that seemed so strange at the beginning of this trip are feeling more and more familiar. I know from last year that I will experience culture shock when I land back in the U.S. just like I did when I got here to Jamaica last Friday, but I imagine it will be worse this time since my trip was longer. Either it is a little cooler now or we have gotten more used to the heat as well. It is still hot, but our minds are not constantly thinking about it like they were when we first arrived.
Back at the camp this morning for one last time. Today was the presentation of the worship services the two teams of campers put together. As I think I mentioned before in a post, we had also divided our team up to help the two teams of campers. What this meant was that it ended up becoming a competition for us as well. The team that I was a part of was the winner, but both services were very well done. The other team had a young person who seems to have a gift for preaching evident to everyone who was there, so that was exciting. Ultimately, I think it came down to the fact that our transitions were a little smoother and our readers did a really great job. The funny part was the friendly arguing and teasing between the members of my mission team about some perceived rule bending that went on with the use of some leaders and camp counselors in some key roles during our service.
Posted this blog a little late because yesterday was such a busy day, although as you can see, breakfast in Jamaica is a good way to get started. Today started with a trip up to the camp for a worship set, devotion, and then about a hour to spend with our teams on the worship service they are creating. As I write this on Friday morning, we are preparing to travel back to see the finished products. One of the main parts of both services will be “The Box Skit” which I hope to stream live today. It is a powerful drama that illustrates the gospel story. Here’s a picture of the campers practicing the skit.
Speaking of the Box Skit, we also used it during our closing ceremonies at the VBS we are putting on. We had several decisions for Christ at the end of last night’s session which is wonderful. I was in charge of games (or “sports” as the Jamaicans are used to calling them) and last night I helped Christina with the younger kids. There was one child who was having trouble keeping his hands to himself, so I spent about 20 minutes giving him a piggyback ride while singing “Every Praise” to keep him occupied. You never know how you are going to serve on one of these trips!