Small Decisions: Singing In The Church Choir
Way Maker…
Miracle Worker…
Promise Keeper…
Light in the Darkness…
My God That IS Who You Are
You Are Here
Moving In Our Midst
We WORSHIP YOU
We WORSHIP YOU
You Are Here
Walking In This Place
We WORSHIP YOU
We WORSHIP YOU
You Are Here
Changing Destinies
We WORSHIP YOU
We WORSHIP YOU
You Are Here
Touching Every Heart
We WORSHIP YOU
We WORSHIP YOU
Way Maker…
Miracle Worker…
Promise Keeper…
Light in the Darkness…
My God That IS Who You Are
After walking into the chapel, we sit down on several of the wooden pews. With excitement, we eagerly await the beginning of choir practice on this Tuesday afternoon.
Choir practice had been mentioned in many previous conversations throughout the grounds of the Reformed Theological College in Kampala, Uganda. The invitation to attend had been extended. The six of us were so thankful for the opportunity. We were ready to see our brothers and sisters in Christ worship!
As we sit, many of our new friends and others, who we have yet to meet, are scurrying around preparing for the time.
All of sudden, we are motioned up onto the stage. Our friends reach out a welcoming hand to us. They want us to join with them – to participate in the practice.
They want us to sing…to dance…to worship…to praise the LORD…Together…Today and Sunday!
This moment holds a decision. It is a small decision, but never-the-less it is a decision.
Do I make the decision to participate? Do I say yes? Do I say no? Me…Dancing!?! Singing!?! During choir practice!?! During Sunday’s service!?!
This decision is filled with uncertainty. For me, this decision will push me out of my comfort zone.
“Okay, Lord. You have been reminding me during my time here at Training Camp (In UGANDA!!! WOW! Anyways…)You have been reminding me about opportunities. About the value and importance in investing in opportunities that are presented. You have been teaching me the beauty that is found in living fully in the moment with You. You, Oh Lord, have encouraged me to be a follower who is open and ready. To be your daughter who says, “Yes!” There is so much that can be experienced within a willing “Yes!” What will my small decision be?… I have actually wanted to sing in a church choir for a while now. No fear. Okay, Lord. “Yes!” Thank you Lord for this opportunity. I’m actually quite excited now! Let all that I am Praise the Lord! “
We all stand on the stage together. We pray and commit the time to the Lord.
The teaching and practicing process begins.
Lyrics and notes are taught.
Language and pronunciation barriers arise and are worked through.
{For Example… Thinking the lyrics are: Way Maker…Miracoowaka (English and Lugandan! Or not!) 🙂 Instead of: Way Maker… Miracle Worker}
Movements and positioning are attempted.
The desire to glorify God through pursuing excellence in the use gifts and talents He has given is displayed, as our choir friends focus on the specific details.
Arrangements and changes are made, as our choir friends patiently include us in the process.
The intentionality for inclusion is evident.
The nations join.
Seriousness collides with laughter and joy, as we praise God together.
Voices are singing. Bodies are dancing. Souls are worshiping our God of Glory!
It is BEAUTIFUL.
PRAISE GOD!
This is a small glimpse of a small decision that I made during Training Camp. I said “Yes!”. God allowed me the opportunity to sing in this amazing church choir in Uganda with five of my sqaudmates and so many of my Ugandan brothers and sisters in Christ. From practices to Sunday service, this experience reminded me of the beauty that can come from willingly investing in opportunities that are presented. I thank Pastor Patrick, Teddy, Ronnie, Annett, Rosa, Nat, Shavon, Taryn, Christie, and the rest of the RTC church choir for including and joining with me in this experience. Ultimately, I thank God for this opportunity. I will never forget singing in the church choir.
LoVe, CARY
{Training Camp – Reform Theological College – Kampala, Uganda}
“Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary:
Praise Him in his mighty heavens.
Praise Him for his acts of power;
Praise Him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpets,
Praise Him with the harp and lyre,
Praise Him with timbrel and dancing,
Praise Him with the strings and pipe,
Praise Him with the clash of cymbals,
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.”
Psalm 150
