They Taught Us

by John Yoo

John Ludden and I were privileged with the invitation to lead a 2-day Worship Conference for worshipers and worship leaders from approx. 20 churches in Goma. They asked us to teach biblical foundations of worship, the heart of worship and some practical organization of worship ministry. Leading the conference was as thrilling as it was challenging. There was a moment though, that I hope to remember for a very very long time. It came in the form of a concert of praise to conclude the conference. All of the church worship teams (including our "California Team") gathered in one chapel to sing and worship together in one voice. It started with performances from each church, and gradually grew into lively, united worship as we raised chairs in conga lines while dancing and singing to Swahili praise songs. I closed my eyes for a moment to focus on the combined sound and received a tremendous gift. Our Congolese brothers and sisters were teaching me the joy and strength of worship through the reality of their hope in Christ.

(above is a group photo of the worship leaders who participated in the conference)