Introducing Yours Truly, the New Worship Coordinator

God has a funny, little thing about Him where He leads his people to do the complete unexpected. We see this in scripture, in the lives of modern believers, and in (surprise, surprise…) my own life.

Let’s begin this story.

On every squad, a few worldracers are chosen as peer leaders to take on the roles of hospitality, holiday planning, logistics, women’s ministries, traveling, storytelling, and worship; these leaders are only picked after fervent, extensive prayer by the squad leadership team. Immediately, I was drawn to the idea of a leadership role, especially roles like party planning and women’s ministries—things I am already passionate about. 

When Ethan, one of the squad leaders, pulled me aside, I was thrilled! 

‘I’m getting chosen for a leadership position!’ I thought. My mind raced with the possibilities. 

In a quiet corner, he broke the news, “We would like to know if you’ll take on the position of worship coordinator.”

‘What? …’

“So…. would you pray about it?” 

“…Sure?” I replied, still absolutely astounded. ‘Me? A worship coordinator? They must have messed up. I’m probably the least musically qualified on my squad!’

… But I did pray about it, and it was a pretty strong yes from God. I mean, even if it was unexpected, I still appreciated the leadership position. 

In the end, I accepted the role of worship coordinator alongside two other people, Raya and Abe, from my squad. Over the next couple days, we received our training, in which we studied (and practiced) the seven hebrew words of praise and were assigned to put together our first squad-led worship session. 

One thing that continued to shock me was how natural the position was. 

I realized despite not ever being on a worship team, I was constantly surrounded by that atmosphere. All throughout high school, I would help my friends (who were musically talented) plan worship nights. Together we would pray, fast, and pick songs for the worship nights. The only aspect I wasn’t involved in was the actual music making. 

Despite not being on the stage or being even musically inclined, I did know how to cultivate an atmosphere of worship. 

The first day of worship we organized with the other squad’s worship coordinators was called hallal praise—which means to praise, boast, or shine; to act clamorously foolish before God in worship. In other words, we set up a playlist of energetic worship music, and we danced, sang, and shouted to God in a darkened room. 

It was amazing beyond words. 

In truth, it have been months since I have felt the approval of God so intensely, an approval that I didn’t even feel when arriving to the World Race, a place where God explicitly called me to. It has felt like months since I have felt to my core that I was living within his will so purely. I felt like was meant to be there leading worship. 

… And we’re not even at the best part yet.

As my team of coordinators actively prayed and listened, God kept bringing to mind a quiet, pure type of praise—yadah praise, meaning deep intimacy; to throw or cast glory to God; or to raise hands in confession and acknowledgment.

Despite our deepest objections and lack of qualifications, God wanted us—an out-of-practice pianist, Abe, and two mid-skilled singers, Raya and me—to lead a room of people in worship. 

God spoke over us, “The heart of yadah praise is to not focus on what people think of you, but to focus solely on Me in a posture of pure humility… Lead by example.”

So we obeyed Him…

… And the presence of God was thick in that room. 

The best part is that it didn’t even feel unnatural, for I was simply worshiping my God—who is infinitely worthy of my praise, and I just happened to have a mic in my hand. 

God is silly-silly. He is absolutely crazy. He leads me to things beyond my comprehension, and I actually enjoy it. God is totally and utterly indescribable. Isn’t He amazing? (Agh! I’m sitting here with a fat grin on my face). ]

I love you all and miss you, and I can’t wait to continue giving more testimonies of the wonders He’ll in my life… for this is just the start of many. 

…

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! ——Psalm 150v6