ConneXion Conference 09 (Day 2)

It's the second day of ConneXion Conference. There'll be a session in the afternoon, followed by a break out session (sort of like workshops) with the last session at night. I slept until 10.00 a.m at Robert's house while the youths were playing basketball at UCSI with the Summit Team (zzz).

We reached First Baptist Church before 12 noon. The opening was done by ConneXion Damansara. They have more vocal powers and only 1 guitarist, which is my ex-classmate Wilson Chan, Nelson's twin brother. We haven't been meeting each other lately, his guitar playing improved a lot ^_^.

Opening by ConneXion Damansara:

Everyone can choose 2 of the topics to attend for the break out session. I went to "Worship Workshop" led by brother Luke Kiang, where I learned some technical stuffs about worship and also "Honoring God through Worship" led by Dan Carson.

I was amazed when Dan Carson used me to illustrate how true worshiper looks like. I think it's just because he saw me on the piano the day before doing opening with ConneXion Cheras, but it's really encouraging. A very important thing I learned from brother Luke:

"God first, techniques second."

Dan Carson leading worship:

After the break out sessions, it's Q&A session. Lucky enough (or not), my question was picked. I asked "What do you think about serving/giving commitment in more than one church?". Well, without knowing who asked the question, he answered straightforwardly, "Stop it!". Of course, with some further explanations. I know it's kinda wrong hopping around CBC and Nilai... Nevermind, I'll think about it some other time.

Jason Gaston leading Q&A session:

Finally, it's dinner break before the last session starts. However, the exciting part was not about dinner, it's practice time for us Nilai worship team as we're doing the opening later. After practice, we had Domino Pizza extra large+extra cheese ^_^. Our team is going to rock the church!

I was super nervous and worried for this opening. We're doing 4 songs and the first 2 were decided last minute. I did the arrangement for the last song, using one whole night almost not sleeping. The difficulty exceeds my limit of piano skills. Most importantly, it's the first time I'm doing my song (I mean... my arrangement) in public, if it screwed up I promised I won't touch the piano again.

Our first 3 songs:

ALERT!!! CLIMAX OF THE YEAR!!! As usual, I'm so nervous that I heard my heartbeat more than the drum. Suddenly, I recalled what I learned in the workshop earlier. Luke said, it's OK to worry, but don't worry too much, enjoy the worship session. I started to relax, and slowly draw myself into worship by closing my eyes (while playing the piano).

I recalled again in the second workshop, Dan Carson said we as worship musicians are also worship leader, we lead the congregation to worship confidently. When I opened my eyes... Holy! Everyone was clapping, singing and worshiping. I even see some people dancing around, means they really enjoyed, they loved it. I can say it's impossible for me to do this, I know by then it's the presence of the LORD, it's amazing! I haven't been so happy and glad for so long, PRAISE THE LORD!

I hope our song really lighten the people's heart. Thanks for Nilai worship team, I knew they put a lot of efforts for this song. It's really hard to play. Thanks CBC for all the encouragements. Dan Carson even came to me and Bryan telling both of us that we should come with him to Nashville and study music, Hoho. Well, it's too late for me.

"I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as with his garment," says the LORD Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith.
-Malachi 2:16-

LORD, a million thanks for blessings us success in leading the congregation to worship although it's just an opening. Sorry again for putting my faith in a test, I'm almost beaten if this song is not going to work, but Your mercy reigns like a flood. Thanks again to refill me with Your words through the workshops I attended, and I know the timing was perfect. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.