Tonight I leave for Sydney, Australia. Tonight I leave to immerse myself with a stadium full of worshippers. Some people have asked me, "Why travel all the way there?" or "Is God in Sydney?"
John chapter 4, the passage on worship says it doesn't matter where we worship. I agree wholeheartedly. I'm not going for this conference just to meet God, although I know I definitely will. I meet up with Him constantly in places like Bakers' Inn @ Tampines One or Burger King @ Raffles City. And if I don't have the time, I invite Him to accompany me on the walks home from the MRT.
It isn't about where we worship. No.
The fact is I want to be where the worshippers are. That is where God moves and transforms people. I feel a tinge of sadness that the band of believers that have rallied together in Charis cannot join me for this. I experience God whenever we're meeting to have 'Kingdom Talk' over tao hui and you char kui. Or when we bring the unsheltered for tea.
I have seen the effects of the revelation of Jesus in the lives of some of us. We've gotten started. But there is something more to learn here. Pastor Tan-Yeo spoke this morning about an invitation given by God to the Israelite leaders to come up higher. I have been saying, "Give me a destination and a purpose!" Today she invited us to run with her and come with her closer to God. I won't be at the starting line but this is a run I will definitely join.
I wrote this on 5 July 2008. Exactly one year ago, when I was waiting for the Barney, Michelle, Elissa and Cheryl to arrive from Melbourne.
"... and now, here in Sydney, new circumstances seem to be forming. Father, teach me to see true beauty. As always, I enjoy your sweet presence, Spirit of Jesus. Let me be constantly aware of your attendance. I love you, precious Holy Spirit. Sustainer, Guide, Comfort, Teacher, Advocate, Vindicator, Defender, Giver, Entertainer, Empowerer, Counsellor, Life-changer..."
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