Our Intern Writes - #3
As a Media and Events Intern, it goes without saying that I would primarily be focused on tasks and assignments pertaining to media and events. Of course, as with most internships, I would have to take on the occasional ad hoc task, all part and parcel of the workplace experience. But I did not expect that I would be playing the keyboard for the Thursday Connect Group’s worship.
“I even got to learn various ways of approaching the songs which I had never thought of before. It did not take long for us to smoothen out the set, and practice quickly felt like a jam session.”
My first experience at Thursday Connect Group (TCG) led me to attend their sessions more regularly (if you are wondering why, you may read my first article!). As I got to familiarise myself with the attendees, both beneficiaries and volunteers alike, I was presented with the opportunity to serve through worship, joining the team as a keyboardist. I was slightly hesitant as while I am accustomed to the keyboard having served in the worship ministry in my church, I was unsure if my abysmal standard in Mandarin would pose an issue, since they sing both English and Mandarin (occasionally even Hokkien) songs. Nevertheless, I decided to give it and myself a chance, and did not regret it at all.
Worship through music has always been one of the largest aspects in my spiritual journey, so being able to use my musical gifts and talents to glorify God in the workplace is a blessing. The set was simple, with two songs in English and Mandarin. The other volunteers in the team were patient as I slowly got used to playing with them and guided me when I needed it. I even got to learn various ways of approaching the songs which I had never thought of before. It did not take long for us to smoothen out the set, and practice quickly felt like a jam session.
Some of the brothers leading worship at Thursday Connect Group.
While we were practising, one of the beneficiaries came up to try out the drums. He enthusiastically told us how he used to play drums many years ago but has since stopped. Seeing how eager he was, we decided to pass the time until worship by playing other familiar worship tunes, and subsequently he joined us in playing for that night’s worship. Perhaps he joined us after seeing that we were open to having more instruments for worship, or maybe the fact that someone as new as me could also contribute to the worship team. Whatever it is, I would like to think that my presence that day encouraged him to take up drums again and serve the Lord. Maybe joining the worship team was not so much just to add another instrument as it was to spur others into doing the same. Hopefully, as more beneficiaries see the team grow, those who have a heart to serve through music in whatever capacity will find the courage to step forward.
“Maybe joining the worship team was not so much just to add another instrument as it was to spur others into doing the same. Hopefully, as more beneficiaries see the team grow, those who have a heart to serve through music in whatever capacity will find the courage to step forward.”
I do not think I ever took my gift of music for granted, seeing as how much it permeates through every aspect of my life as I seek to hone my craft. However, playing for worship in TCG did fill me with gratitude and gratefulness. I doubt that God would use me to change their lives as drastically as how God has used many of the staff and volunteers at PFS, at least not anytime soon. But even then, through serving Him in the small way that could, I felt God clearly showing me the potential I had to make a difference in the beneficiaries’ lives, to bring the kingdom of God closer to those we seek to bless.