Friday, 16 December 2011

Exist 2011 Conference Testimony from Rachel Thong

I’m sure we all know how talented our SIBBM brothers & sisters are. Having heard the worship team singers sing accapella before I have always awed at their vocal abilities. And this year, I’ve actually been given the opportunity to serve alongside them at the Exist 2011 conference. Of course I was excited, but at the same time scared, of not being able to “live up to their standards”.

Upon meeting the SIBBM team I realised exactly how talented they were, but they were very down to earth and humble about it. Many of them are self-taught musicians capable of playing at least two instruments. Even the singers, who are not vocally trained might I add, can play at least one instrument. I’m so encouraged by their commitment and devotion in serving the Lord, and by their willingness to continually increase and sharpen their skills to strive for excellence in serving. Their excellent stewardship over their giftings reminded me of the parable of the talents (Matt 25:14-30).

Also, they’re such a warm and friendly people that my worries of not being able to communicate properly or ‘gel’ with them were completely unfounded. (Probably also because they speak English better than I speak Malay =p) But I definitely think I need to learn from them the art of accepting people and making people feel welcome. Too often in our society we size people up before really getting to know them, but I completely didn’t feel that from them.

Serving alongside them was such a great experience for me and what impacted me the most was the heart of worship that they possessed, displayed in their hunger to meet with God, and desire to serve and give to the Lord. I remember sitting through one of their practices, right before the commencement of the conference, and they quickly ran through only one song due to the lack of time. But even that short time of practice, they were already immersed in deep worship and I felt such a stirring within my spirit that moved me to tears. I could sense God’s presence.

After the whole experience I was thinking, how awesome it would be if we could all catch their spirit of devotion, love and commitment even as we continue serving in the worship ministry. And together, strive for excellence as we journey on to becoming the True Worshippers that God seeks (John 4:23-24).

By Rachel


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