January 2010

For those who do not know, the Caribbean nation of Haiti was impacted by the biggest recorded earthquake in Haiti in 200 years on Tuesday – 7.0 on the richter scale – and several aftershocks measuring upwards of 5.0 each.  Secretary of State Clinton is estimating upwards of 50,000 lives lost, and millions who are displaced from their homes.  International aid response has been swift, with opportunities to donate to different aid organizations through text messages.
- Donate $10 to the Red Cross disaster relief effort by texting “Haiti” to 90999.
- Donate $5 to the Yele foundation for disaster relief by texting “Yele” to 501501.
- Can also donate to Compassion, as well as other relief organizations.
- Water Missions Intl – text “WMI” to 85944 to give $10 to help give water.

“As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?”  And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray.  For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray.  And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.  All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.”

Matthew 24:3-8 (ESV)

As Christians, we should not be surprised when disasters take place in our world.  We know, through God’s word, that it is going to get worse on this planet before it gets better.  However, when disasters do occur, they remind us of our own mortality; they remind us what is important; they remind us that natural disasters and death happen no matter where you live.  We have as much control over our own mortality as we have over earthquakes, and the faster we acknowledge that lack of control, the more God can use us for His purposes.

Pray for the people of Haiti.  Put yourself into their shoes; would you be able to glorify God if you were in Haiti right now?  If you had just lost your family for – what seemed like – no good reason?

Some statistics about Haiti (via Compassion):
- Capital city – Port-au-Prince
- Population of almost 9 million
- A little over half the population is considered literate
- A little over half the population uses improved drinking water
- Population using adequate sanitation facilities – 57% urban; 14% rural
- About 80 children of 1,000 die before the age of 5. Compared to 8/1,000 for the U.S.
- About 54% of the population lives on less than $1 per day

Tyler

Words are important. When teaching pastors speak, they need to be mindful of the language they use; this means looking at what words they shouldn’t say, as well as words that they should but aren’t. As worship leaders, our words can be just as important.

1) In general, worship leaders should make sure that they at least try to speak some, in between songs or otherwise. This is because worship leaders are “leaders” that should be able to lead with their own words, as well as in song. Utilizing this skill will also work away from the performance mentality of just getting in front of people to play your songs. So as a worship leader, you should make sure to work on your public speaking skills and confidence alongside of developing your musicianship skills (and nunchuck skills). When you do speak, don’t speak just to be heard, but be mindful that your words need to have meaning.  As a side-note, the speaking or teaching pastor has that title for a reason, so don’t take his job away from him, but speaking a little can help your group to follow you in worship during the worship time.

2) Be mindful of the lyrics in songs you play. Before playing a song for worship, analyze it for biblical truth. Whether the song sounds good or not, you want someone who may not have ever been to church before to listen to those lyrics, and have an accurate picture of why you are singing the song, who you’re singing to, etc. This is why some are so adamant about singing hymns, because of their rich lyrical content, as opposed to many contemporary songs that emphasize catchiness over depth.

3) Remember who you are singing to, and why. If you took the melody and music away from the song, would the lyrics be something you would say to/about God (depending on the focus of the song)?

Here are a few things Proverbs has to say about your words:
Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 14:7
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

Proverbs 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD, but gracious words are pure.

Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 17:27
Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.

Proverbs 18:4
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.