Praise and Worship Conference in Syria
Este artigo foi escrito por Amer Matalka, um dos organizadores da Conferência na Síria
Praise and worship conference.
“We have been praying for years to see believers in come together before the Lord in one accord. We were touched by the openness of these young leaders to come together and be led by the Master,” stated an elder Syrian pastor at a praise and worship conference held in the Mashta El-Helwo village in northern Syrian last month. On his knees, praising and worshiping, he thanked God for all the young leaders attending. Syria
Over 200 Syrian singers, song writers, worship leaders, and pastors from Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Alliance, Nazarene, Baptist, Presbyterian, and Assyrian backgrounds gathered together to attend this first in Syria and the seventh Middle Eastern conference on biblical methods of praise and worship. Before every teaching session, worship leaders helped prepare individuals to go before the Lord. Then, local singers from different denominations were able to sing and share their hearts in music. Speakers and teachers fromBrazil, the , , and led the sessions. LebanonJordanUnited States
Response to large group sessions was astounding. Mike Herron from Integrity Music led the congregation in 6 sessions on biblical worship. He spoke clearly about true worship, insisting that true worship comes from a heart that is filled with God’s presence. Teaching about worship in the Old and New Testaments, he said that people used to go to the tabernacle to worship, but because of Christ’s redemption, the hearts of believers are His tabernacle. He spoke about ways to become clean before God and how to worship Him, not only in church, but in every minute of the day. Brazilian Asaph Borba demonstrated ways of leading congregational worship in three sessions titled, “How to Lead a Worship Service”. Asking the question “What is our greater call?” he spoke of the importance of building one’s relationship with God by worshiping Him through thanksgiving, praise, worship, and intercession. He reminded participants that planting seeds is their job, but that the harvest is God’s. Speaking about joy in real worship, he said that leaders do not put on joy on as they lead, but they should reflect the joy that they already possess. In worship, one expresses what is already within. After listening to Brazilian Marcello’s two sermons: ”Here Am I, Lord” and “Here am I, my brother/sister”, over two thirds of participants publicly surrendered their lives as holy vessels in the Master’s hands. Gerson Ortega spoke about the way to and worshiping with my mouth and life. Damascus
Workshops were practical and enjoyable. ”Tips for Leading a Worship Service,” a workshop led by Jordanian worship leader Husam Smeir, taught participants about song selection, worship preparation, responsibilities of a worship leader, and common mistakes of worship leaders. “Tips on Writing Lyrics and Composing” was led by Salam Ameish, a well-known composer and a song writer from . Taking lyrics from the Psalms, the 23 session participants composed five songs, which Omaish, who also runs a Christian recording studio, says are ready to be recorded at any time. Nizar Faris, well-known vocalist and a voice teacher led “Vocal Training”, giving tips on how to best utilize one’s vocal abilities. He also taught a session on the history of Arabic music, listening to vocal recordings from old and new Arabic secular singers and speaking about the vocal strengths and weaknesses of each one. Speaking about the history and evolution of Arabic music, he taught that some of the very best Arabic secular singers trained their voices singing old Byzantine church tunes. Egyptian Maged Adel led a workshop on music teams, speaking about the importance of having a vision and a spiritual goal for every Christian music team or band. Syrian Lucian Salloum talked about selection, operation, and maintenance of sound systems in his workshop.Jordan
During times of prayer before and after sessions, groups from different denominations came together in one accord to pray for churches, church workers, ministers, Syrian leaders, and the country in general.
Each evening, a different singing team led participants in worship through music, beginning with Salam Team from , followed by Nizar Fares and a Catholic group from , , and Strongholds, a well-known Christian band from . Participants jumped with joy, clapping and shouting, as teams led them before God’s throne.LebanonSyriaAleppoSyria
Pray for this ministry and for those who are working hard behind the scenes to make it happen. Pray that they will stay focused and cling to the Father as they try to decide where to hold the conference next year. For the last six years, the conference has been held in different Middle Eastern country. ,Cyprus ,Lebanon, and have already had their turns. Which country will be next??????? You pray with us.