An audience of one.


Over the past few days I have been so blessed to be part of the KSCF- Kenyan Students Christian Fellowship youth camp. At this camp some of the most incredibly passionate praise and worship that I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot. They fill the stage and the floor with people dancing and singing their hearts out. There is no shame what so ever. They are performing to an audience of one and that is Jesus. So they let loose the joy that God has given them. It’s awesome and so beautiful to watch! Kenyans are such passionate people! I don’t think there was one person in that room that stood still. While I was at this camp I was asked to sing a worship song as an item. Now, I love performing and many times I have played my saxophone or clarinet in front of an audience and loved it but for some reason singing in front of about 500 Africans who bubble with natural talent was a little daunting. But I did it and I learnt a song from the keys player and sung it- blocking out the audience- all except one. Yes it was scary at first- but when you’re praising the one who loves us so deeply- why should we hold back.
The last night I was there- one of the worship leaders a young girl of about 15 came up to me and said “Becky- you look like you’re flexible and have energy- come dance with us.” Now- I was the only mzungo- white person in this whole camp so I was already drawing a heap of attention to myself simply by being there and the thought of dancing with them in front of everybody was overwhelming. So I protested and said I would look silly. The young girl was confused and said “look silly in front of whom? The only one we’re dancing for it Jesus.” So I did it I got up and danced with the Kenyans- yes in front of everyone- but truly- for an audience of one. Talk about release!
As the camp went on I made friends with the keys player- amazing talent and all by ear who taught me a couple of songs in Swahili. One of which was called Niwewetu Bwana which translates into ‘it’s only you Lord’. They taught me the song and the harmonies. It’s a really beautiful song- made all the more stunning when sung with an African=) Later, there was a message on worship about not holding anything back because of how amazing Jesus is. This is not a message that is new to me- but one that constantly challenges me. So often in group worship I find it so hard to let loose and let the spirit take over and worship God to the uttermost. For fear of the many so often judgemental eyes that I feel on me. However, at this camp I have seen so many simply dancing, praising, shouting and any other response to Gods love that you have seen- dancing for Jesus. Simply for an audience of one…
This camp was freeing and beautiful and it was an experience I will never forget! I am slowly beginning to lay aside self-consciousness and insecurity in the eyes of others and praise our Lord and saviour with everything I have. He deserves nothing less…

Comments

  1. Unknown27 October 2015 at 03:28

    Dear Becky, I'd love to hear more at KSCF. Would you mind emailing me at hughchichester@gmail.com?

    ReplyDelete

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