The small clubhouse shook as the room full of kids sung at the top of their lungs. The sound system sent terrible noises into the air, piercing our ears. The guitars played out of key, and their rhythm was off. I realize I am spoiled with really well done worship sets. I work for Elevation Church for goodness sake. We do things really well at all our worship experiences. However, there was something different in this janky little room with stained carpet, where the air smelled of sweat and the air was thick with humidity than I am used to in our well designed, air conditioned auditoriums.
The kids jumped up and down, their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders. In between songs they let out honest unashamed shouts of praise to God. And his spirit filled the room. I felt a stirring in my own spirit, I’ve been longing to experience for some time. And I knew it was God. I knew it wasn’t because of the way the lights flashed on stage, or the way the music perfectly swelled, or the lovely harmony of the voices leading, or the deep bass that shook the building, because everything sounded terrible.
I was able to enter into worship with ease because of the doors these kids opened directly to heaven. Every week, I go hangout with these kids all from different countries and I leave feeling so full. Despite the fact that I am the volunteer, going to help them, the kids offer the purest love I may have ever experienced and I can’t help but spend time with them so that I can be filled by it.
