Maryl and I had the privilege of leading a worship seminar in Tillamook, Oregon (on the beautiful Oregon coast) at Living Waters Fellowship, Pastor Marv Kasemeier, Worship Pastor Julie Corbus Sims, and where my aunt and uncle, Wes and MaryEllen have attended for years. Our history with this church actually goes back to 1985 when I sang a spontaneous song of the Lord in (then) Bible Temple of Portland, OR. It was called ‘Streams in the Desert’ complete with choir and orchestra spontaneously accompanying me. It was recorded (on cassette in those days!) and sent around the world. Members of this church in Tillamook were meeting in the basement of a house in those days, apparently pretty discouraged and considering quitting. When they heard the song, the Spirit of God quickened their hearts, gave them a vision and a new name: Living Waters Fellowship!
Though they have struggled over the years, now they are a small but growing and thriving community of believers that love to worship Jesus and touch lives. The first night of the seminar, they played that old tape (with my ‘young’ voice – so long ago) playing that prophetic song to them once again. At the end of the song I went to the keyboard and sang ‘verse 2’ to them as I felt led to sing. Over the whole weekend, we had a wonderful time of worship, teaching, impartation and flowing together again and again. I was privileged to bring my 140 year-old German cello with me this time and got to play it often throughout the times of worship.
They also had a beautiful Kurzweil electric grand piano donated to the church that was a joy to play and minster from. By the end of the last service, just about every person in the building joined me in the front for our song of faith for the church, Tillamook and beyond. My personal thrill was to have not only my aunt and uncle there worshiping with us, but my cousin Dena (who just had gall bladder surgery the day before!) was there. She was absolutely radiant as Jesus has gloriously rearranged her life these last few years and filled her with a tender joy that is unspeakable. Love you, Dena.
Hearts were touched and lives were changed as Jesus did His amazing work among us. God bless these faithful people as they follow Him and continue to sing His song.
Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith
Your Worship Missionaries