As I try to type my wiggling is keeping me from doing a very good job. I am on the computer in a hotel in the middle of San Jaun, Dominican Republic. The internet is slow, but connected; the people are loud, but friendly; the weather hot, but sunny and glorious. Discovering the small assortment of music in this netbook has totally changed my attitude. The slow connection and failed uploads were grating at my nerves in a serious way last night and this morning today, until I turned on the music. Now I’m smiling, singing (to myself as not to torment others), and tapping to the beat.
Music is a force. It can be nothing but soothing background noise, yet it still serves a mighty purpose. It is all the more so with music for the Lord. I used to have a precious moments statue that read, “Make a Joyful noise unto the Lord.� I love the idea of audibly expressing joy and that the Lord delights in it, no matter how poorly qualified we might be for radio waves. Here in the Dominican Republic music is everywhere. There is hardly a moment that you cannot hear music coming from somewhere, a market, passing cars, someone’s home or even personal headphones (as you pass on the street…music is played LOUD here). I learned that in this culture music and dance are extremely common, but not always tolerated. Christians are forbidden to dance to secular music as this music, the kind heard everywhere, is noise; it lacks a critical element, it is not Spirit filled nor purposed for praise.
Our ministry this month has included music, singing with the kids at church or playing worship music at services. I am not musically inclined; I can set up a music event, plan the songs and such; just don’t ask me to sing or play an instrument. Luckily I am part of a team. On my team, Charis, we have a guitar player and a talented singer. So long as the microphones are close to their voices, the audience can join God in the delight of our joyful noise!
We sang as a group just last night at a youth church service. The place, membership, and service was drastically different than that which we experienced in Mogollon. The church was located in downtown San Juan. Attendees were young and plentiful. The service was lively and modern. Much of the service was devoted to music. The ability of music to transcend language and culture is amazing. People from the crowd stepped up to take the microphone to offer up a praise to the Lord. Young girls performed several choreographed dances to popular Christian songs. People swayed, people clapped, people sang. The power of music was tangible. It was as the Holy Spirit filled the room through the music, touching lives on stage, in pews and outside language barriers.
My video of our performance was less than stellar. However, I captured my team member singing one afternoon for a few other people in the house. Her voice is a total surprise; her short stature and milky white skin doesn’t immediately conjure up the sounds of gospel. But, she’s got it. She’s full of soul and this video is Carrie singing at random one sunny afternoon, no warming up, no practice, no editing. Carrie’s voice is God given and she surely ignites my heart, encourages my spirit and enhances my worship experience. I can only this does the same for you.
