Thursday, May 15, 2008
More Large-Scale Events...
This past weekend, we took part in the chlldren's ministry at Pentecost Convention 2008 in Rouen, France. It took place in the Zenith Exposition Centre -- a fairly large venue. Not as large as the venue I performed in at ProChrist Poland but it seats several thousand. However, this time, we were more in the background since we were performing only for the children. Rather than being on the main stage, we were in a warehouse type setting. And rather than there being thousands present, there were about 150 kids -- each being very special and precious to the Lord. Also present were mime artists and a guest band (featuring children helping to lead other children into worship).
Although we had our fair share of frustrations, confusion, and technical difficulties (regarding the mikes we were using), I can still honestly say that it was a real joy to be a part of this celebration. What I've really enjoyed when it comes to these large scale events, is that it's so evident that we're just a small piece of the puzzle -- a small tool in the Lord's very large hand. The efforts truly are collaborative and it's a practical illustration of how the Body of Christ must function as one.
Part of the highlight of this Pentecost Convention was a concert Sunday evening by "Delirious?". Not only did we have a great time, but we were refreshed and it was a worship experience. They're seasoned performers and their production values are formidable. But morever, I appreciate the depth and the hope of God evident in their writing. They chose to do a very mellow rendition of "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and it was just so beautiful and without any pretense.
This coming weekend, we'll be taking part in a first-ever "March" (pilgrimage) for 13-15 years olds in Vezelay -- a very beautiful town in France, known by Catholics for pilgrimages to the Basilica there. There we will be featured on the main stage for an expected audience of 2500. But again, it's truly a collaborative efforts and my leaders have been attending planning meetings for several months, working closely alongside them. It will be an intense but wonder-filled weekend, I expect.
This past weekend, we took part in the chlldren's ministry at Pentecost Convention 2008 in Rouen, France. It took place in the Zenith Exposition Centre -- a fairly large venue. Not as large as the venue I performed in at ProChrist Poland but it seats several thousand. However, this time, we were more in the background since we were performing only for the children. Rather than being on the main stage, we were in a warehouse type setting. And rather than there being thousands present, there were about 150 kids -- each being very special and precious to the Lord. Also present were mime artists and a guest band (featuring children helping to lead other children into worship).
Although we had our fair share of frustrations, confusion, and technical difficulties (regarding the mikes we were using), I can still honestly say that it was a real joy to be a part of this celebration. What I've really enjoyed when it comes to these large scale events, is that it's so evident that we're just a small piece of the puzzle -- a small tool in the Lord's very large hand. The efforts truly are collaborative and it's a practical illustration of how the Body of Christ must function as one.
Part of the highlight of this Pentecost Convention was a concert Sunday evening by "Delirious?". Not only did we have a great time, but we were refreshed and it was a worship experience. They're seasoned performers and their production values are formidable. But morever, I appreciate the depth and the hope of God evident in their writing. They chose to do a very mellow rendition of "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever" and it was just so beautiful and without any pretense.
This coming weekend, we'll be taking part in a first-ever "March" (pilgrimage) for 13-15 years olds in Vezelay -- a very beautiful town in France, known by Catholics for pilgrimages to the Basilica there. There we will be featured on the main stage for an expected audience of 2500. But again, it's truly a collaborative efforts and my leaders have been attending planning meetings for several months, working closely alongside them. It will be an intense but wonder-filled weekend, I expect.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Passion World Tour headed for Paris!!!
(www.passionworldtour.com)
yippee!! i just might finally attend a Passion concert! i've heard so much about these concerts and i have a lot of worship music from Passion conferences but i've never had the opportunity to go. and finally, there's a really good chance i'll be going to see them in Paris on June 3rd. we'll be relatively close to the area so i'm trying to convince my unit leaders that we really should go! i just know it's going to be an incredible worship experience and i don't want to miss out.
we're not exactly university age anymore but i still wanna go. i'm scheduled to stay with these wonderful hosts around that time -- an older couple who really love the Lord. i think Alain (my host) would love it. he's a faithful, zealous Christian who's served as President of the Full Gospel Businessmen for many years -- a Charismatic group of Christians deeply rooted in prayer who have an enormous heart for reaching those who don't know Jesus.
i'm doing ok these days. beautiful scenery in France and now, beautiful weather (finally!) have been uplifting. warm and loving hosts have made the transition back here easier as well. i still miss Poland a lot and i often look back at pictures from ProChrist and have a little bit of contact w/people there. but there's lots going on here to keep me busy. we've got some big events coming up here and we're putting together like 20-something plays for these next two events (--including a full weekend of Children's ministry this weekend). half of the plays are new for me so my head's about to explode. (gross, huh?) so pray for me. pray that it will be a joy to do this and not just a chore.
here are pictures from my new favorite town: Moret-sur-Loing and also, Paris at night
