Challenged, Exhausted and Humbled.
The band arrived home to N.Ireland today after a week in California. This has been a very different trip for us and probably the most challenging yet. This was the first time we have gone out as a full band and we had a lot of fun and were soo glad to see around San Francisco and San Jose. It was great to hook up with an old friend out there and use him as a tour guide (great job Stephen!). As most of you will now already know we had a really challenging and exhausting experience. Youth Specialities wasn't quite what we expected and by that we don't mean that having a small number was a problem but it was more of a surprise given the number they would normally expect. We are continually challenged to give ourselves in worship despite the circumstances and this is something we want to grow and develop in. Leading worship is a real treat and privilege and so despite the numbers, venue, tiredness etc we want to have hearts that are ready and willing to engage with God.
Unfortunately JP was unable to lead worship at 'The Journey' in San Jose however the rest of the band drove down and led the 2 morning services. This was a huge blessing to the church, they felt that they had been led in worship in a sprit-filled way and enjoyed the contemplative style that we took on that day (we had a lot of reflecting and contemplating going on!). The people at the church were soo warm and friendly and greeted us with a pot-luck Irish party. This really lifted our mood and was the ideal way to finish a really hard day. We are so glad we were still able to do what we had planned and very sad that JP couldn't experience this with us.
I am continually humbled by what God has allowed us to do - as we drove to the Vista point (just over the Golden Gate Bridge) and looked over at 'lit-up' San Francisco there was a real moment of praise in my heart that God had brought us here, tested us and challenged us and of course that Johnny was able to be with us to finish our journey. God surprises us at every turn, it is an honour to serve him even when it's hard and when he takes us to the the limit of our emotions and strength. We love Him.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Thanks to the folk at The Journey for hosting us in such a kind, gentle and humble manor. You made a difference.
Claire
Unfortunately JP was unable to lead worship at 'The Journey' in San Jose however the rest of the band drove down and led the 2 morning services. This was a huge blessing to the church, they felt that they had been led in worship in a sprit-filled way and enjoyed the contemplative style that we took on that day (we had a lot of reflecting and contemplating going on!). The people at the church were soo warm and friendly and greeted us with a pot-luck Irish party. This really lifted our mood and was the ideal way to finish a really hard day. We are so glad we were still able to do what we had planned and very sad that JP couldn't experience this with us.
I am continually humbled by what God has allowed us to do - as we drove to the Vista point (just over the Golden Gate Bridge) and looked over at 'lit-up' San Francisco there was a real moment of praise in my heart that God had brought us here, tested us and challenged us and of course that Johnny was able to be with us to finish our journey. God surprises us at every turn, it is an honour to serve him even when it's hard and when he takes us to the the limit of our emotions and strength. We love Him.
Thanks for all your prayers and support. Thanks to the folk at The Journey for hosting us in such a kind, gentle and humble manor. You made a difference.
Claire
posted by Claire at 6:40:00 p.m.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home