Around a month ago, I led worship at a small Vineyard church in Vancouver, about a 30-minute drive from my home in Surrey. Before leaving for church, and while driving, I asked God to help me joyfully serve him and his people for one more Sunday morning.
Pulling up to the humble community center, it was raining and cold. While looking for a parking place I thought, "here we go again…time to put on my boots and start work.” No polished backing band, no sound technicians, and no stage monitors…just a bunch of humble people trying to love God and love one another.
And I’m there to do my part with music and prayer, maintaining an attitude of gratitude while I serve. This is what I signed up for over 40 years ago, and I’ve been doing it ever since. I use my gifts to serve because the humble King chose to serve me first. I don’t intend to quit anytime soon.
As I entered the lobby with my daughter, Jessica, I saw a well-dressed middle-aged man sharing with an older woman, sitting on the bench. They were both Chinese. Later, I was told by Dawn, the pastor of this church, that she led this granny to Jesus that morning before the church service. I’m happy to serve in small churches where people are coming to Christ.
The room was packed with a multi-ethnic group: First Nations, Asian, Indian and white, from newborns to elderly. These folks were mostly low-income folks. Re-united for their weekly gathering, they joyfully greeted one another. I thought to myself, “this is the kind of place Jesus likes to hang out.”
I was the guest worship leader, and as I have done hundreds of times, I helped set up a low-quality PA system. While I set up the PA, others were setting up large tables for a meal. This group of around 50 sat down for a communal breakfast.