It's hard to believe that in two weeks I'll be in Asia.  I've wanted to go for so long, and now it's happening.  For those of you who don't know, I'm headed to Thailand and Indonesia with some other Vineyard guys.  We'll be hooking up with the Vineyard church in Bangkok for a few days before we hop on a plane to Bali for the Asia Vineyard Gatherings.  (I'm told that worship will be led by people of a different country/language/and culture each time we meet, so I'm pretty excited! 

I have to say… my heart is full of anticipation as I prepare for this trip.  I have a deep sense that God has incredible things planned for my time there.  When I was invited to go I knew right away that I had to make it work, but it's only been recently that I've started to see why God wanted me there.  Initially the plan was to spend about 5 days in Bangkok before we headed for Indonesia.  Then, a week ago, Norm and I were invited to come and participate in a worship conference prior to the Asia Gatherings. 

The conference will be filled with worship pastors from Indonesia who are really wanting to press into the Father's heart.  Up until now, most Christian worship in Indonesia has looked very 'western'.  As a result it has made it hard for the people of Indonesia to really enter into intimate places of expression and receiving.  Kiemi, the woman who is putting the conference together, has a deep desire to see the Indonesian church able to express there hearts with Indonesian songs, dance, and other creative expressions that are true to who they are as a people.  This vision and desire connects so perfectly with my heart for the people of God all over the world.  I've come to know the impact that unhindered and ___ worship has on the worshiper, a community, and even those who don't know Jesus.

This opportunity has me speechless.  Once again, God has stepped into my journey and orchestrated things in a way that goes far beyond my wildest dreams!  This experience has deepened my faith in Him.  He truly does have a plan for my life, and I am learning (one step at a time) to simply follow… He continues to take care of the rest!

Please pray for me as I head out on this trip.  Pray that God will clearly lead me as I head into a very unknown place.  I will be asked to help facilitate times of worship with people who know little to no English, so you can pray for divine creativity and wisdom on that front.  As well, they want me to be ready to 'teach'… so you can pray for insight and direction there as well.  Most of all, pray with me for eyes to see and ears to hear what God is doing and saying.

Here is a copy of the conference brochure, I thought some of you might like to see it: Worship Conference Invitation