The O2 arena glistened on the other side of the Thames like a maid of the mist beckoning us to worship. We wakened up in the wee hours on Friday morning to another early start. The good news about this particular early start being that it was our last . . . praise God!
We met in the lobby of the beautiful Crowne Plaza Docklands Hotel at 06:15 – the “O” standing for “Oh my goodness that’s early!” The plan was to go together on the Tube to the O2 for our 07:00 rehearsal/sound check in the arena for Session 4 of boundless.
Fortunately we were alone, yet not alone in our early morning adventure. We were joined with Ayoung Lee (soprano soloist from Italy); Amsterdam Staff Songsters; the Mizo Singers (India East); Mannssambandet (Norway); TransMission (USA South); Hart Triplets (UK); Shaw Coleman (UK); USA East Arts Team and many others.
The title given to Session 4 was, “A Caring Army.” Carol Jaudes (USA East) was responsible for this session. The plans from over a year ago were coming into fruition before our eyes. How wonderful that God’s grace had brought us to this point in time to experience this journey! But was the global Army ready for some Americana?
Carol and the Holy Spirit took us on a journey from darkness into light – from without God, to being full of His presence and motivated by His Spirit to do something to help the world around us in which we live. You could say this is the will of God so that we can shine as the light in a dark and lonely world.
We were challenged to make a commitment to do something. We were encouraged to tweet our testimony/commitment. This was fondly referred to as a “twittermony,” and had a specific format:
“Instead of . . . . . I will . . . . “
There were many spiritual and musical highlights in the meeting for me personally. Spiritually the entire journey was incredible. The testimonies and the message by Commissioner E. Jane Paone really spoke to my heart . . . precious jewels every one of them.
Musically, the band rose to the occasion, giving our best for this global act of worship. Only our best is good enough for Him and so every piece we played just sizzled with the Spirit’s seal of approval as we ministered together in His name. Who knew it was possible to raise the song?
Hearing the congregation of thousands singing unaccompanied the chorus of, “How Great is our God,” in their own languages brought me to tears. The incredible melding of language and tongues; melody and harmony was heavenly. Working together, worshipping and creating together as one musical and artistic body of believers brought all the power and the glory to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
There were so many incredible moments – too many to mention – but here are a few more I would like to mention. The drama, “Moses” by the USA East was incredibly powerful, accompanied by Joe Skinner’s spirit-filled score – wow Joe there is no words adequate enough.
The special effects should be mentioned too, the tree of life was incredible. Also the wrist bands that all the delegates wore, which lit up at key points throughout the meeting left me speechless. It was beautiful to look out on the sea of little lights in the arena during the finale, “I Believe.” Ayoung Lee sang this song as a solo, accompanied by all the participants in Session 4. Her voice brought power and conviction and many goose bumps – courtesy of the Holy Spirit. It was fun to ride this spiritual wave while playing. The song commands us to:
“Open your eyes to those who need you, in the name of love and devotion.”
