Worship comes in so many different forms and fashions. Everyone has various definitions and expectations. Growing up my mindset was in order to worship there had to be music. But being on the mission field, in different countries, and interactions with people from different spiritual backgrounds has DEEPLY impacted my style of worship.
During month 1 my ears filled with joy and my eyes filled with tears. We had several opportunities to attend a Spanish speaking church. I stood in amazement as one ear heard English worship while the other ear heard Spanish worship. This was my first experience in a bilingual worship atmosphere. My passion for worship in other languages has grown 3 sizes these past few months.
Giover was so MUCH more than just a ministry host. He became our dad in the way he loved us as daughters. We learned worship songs in Spanish to sing as he played the guitar. At churches and local events he was ALWAYS so proud of his daughters (my team) to stand by his side and worship as a family.
One of my favorite spontaneous worship sessions was in Argentina! I got to orship with 2 of the Discipleship Training School students. One of the girls spoke Spanish and the other spoke Portages. Despite the language barrier we were able to sing praises to the same God. To this day when I miss South America I will listen to the songs they introduced me to.
While at our cultural training in India we learned a worship song in Telugu. Learning the lyrics and rhythm took some time and was overwhelming at first. But within a few days it was stuck in your head or sang within teams. Still to this day our squad will break out in worship to this song. It’s just so catchy and speaks so much truth!
Our last Sunday in month 10 we got to participate in a Romanian church service. We worshiped in English and Romanian simultaneously and once again my ears filled with joy while my eyes filled with tears.
Nearing the end of month 7 God completely redefined my definition and expectations of what worship was supposed to be. The worship leaders on our squad introduced me to listening/reflective prayer, art worship, and prophesying over people. I don’t always need music anymore. I find just as much fruit listening to worship songs I know in Spanish, Portages, and Romanian. Worship is not for God. My new found love fore worship comes from the idea that it’s about God and to God, but it is for me. Worshiping Him brings me to a place I can rest, breathe, and let His goodness sink in.
Here is my favorite songs from these past few months-
Month 1- En La Cruz: Hillsong
Month 4- Aquí Estás: Miriam Rodríguez
Month 5- Lo Harás Otra Vez: Elevation Worship & Pra Onde Eu Irei: Morada
Month 6- Rajyam Balamu Nive: Covenant School of Worship
Month 7- Met by Love: Capital City Music
Month 10- Vrednic Mirlule: Hillsong
