I have a secret. I have often thought that if I were to ever quit teaching, I would want to become a bar club singer. I don’t particularly enjoy smoky clubs nor do I know much about secular music in general, but something about singing for a profession has always been enticing. I love to sing, but I’m sure my neighbors have been more than a bit perturbed by my nightly concerts in the shower (side note: these nightly concerts have been placed on momentary hiatus while I’m on the World Race, which I’m sure my neighbors are ever-so-thankful for…but just you wait until I get back home!!!).
Little did I know that God would make my dream come true, on a bar street by Bangla Road in Phuket, Thailand. And, rather than singing just any old tune, we had the incredible opportunity to sing praise and worship songs for two hours. AND, if that’s not enough, the band we put together was from three different teams, from three different parts of the world. Within the past week, YWAM (Youth With A Mission) teams from Montana, USA, and the Sunshine Coast in Australia had arrived at SHE ministries’ housing. God alone knew that we would all be in Phuket at the same time, and I have my suspicions that He orchestrated the whole thing.
Sandwiched though we were between Diablo’s Playground and XXX Bar, there was definitely something different in the atmosphere over Coyote Bar as we sang praises to God our Creator. Bangla Road may be a stronghold under the enemy’s [albeit temporary] control, but I know the enemy was shaking as angels were rejoicing with us before our mighty God and King.
Several years ago, a friend reminded me that God often sent the worshipers into battle before the army. In some cases, God only wanted His people to worship while He fought the battle for them (Check out II Chronicles 20:15-23). I believe this same thing happened on Bangla Road the night we worshiped. God’s Holy Spirit was powerfully at work while we lifted His Name up.
Patrons who came into the Coyote Bar commented that there was something different about “our” music. One man, slightly inebriated though he was, came up to me with a thumbs-up and a big smile as we sang. And, as I looked at the bar staff’s faces, I didn’t see the tired, smile-masking faces that I often saw on Bangla Road. I saw genuine joy and enthusiasm. I saw individuals who were excited to talk with the rest of our ministry team, and who actually danced around to the music, even though they may not have understood the words. I know the Lord’s Spirit was at work, and for that, I’m so grateful.
I doubt I have a future career as a bar singer. For now, I look forward to returning to the grand acoustics of my bathroom at home. However, for one night, God made my dream a reality…in a bar within the red light district of Phuket, Thailand… and the best part was being able to sing praises to my Glorious King and knowing that He was moving in hearts as we sang. Go God.
