Since our fantastic Praise and Prophecy Conference in Eugene in March (which is scheduled to repeat March 2013!) Maryl and I have been doing a lot of local ministry getting ready for our next international push this summer.
We had a wonderful worship seminar in Hood River in March with Pastor Fritz and Wendi Stranz at Covenant Hood River. Their worship team was so ready and ripe for a fresh new move in worship. We had an amazing day on Saturday teaching and releasing new songs, new thoughts and creative ideas among them. Adrian Stranz is the worship leader there and is doing an outstanding job of leading by example and with his whole heart. He lead a great set on Sunday and Maryl and I joined on flute and cello. Then I preached on releasing the song of faith in worship! What a great response in both services as God released His Holy Spirit freely among us. Such great potential in a growing church in the Columbia Gorge! And it looks like they might be moving to a larger and better facility in Hood River! They are set to explode in great things for God!
Later in April we headed to Medford to be with our longtime friends, Pastor Steve and Kim Schmelzer at Joy Christian Fellowship. Their son and daughter, Jake and Natalie lead the worship team along with a million other things (that’s what pastors’ kids do!). Their band, Wake Up the Dawn, was the key worship team at the Eugene conference with us. What a powerful group. They are joining us in Guatemala in July for another great conference their at Elim Central in Guatemala City. In Medford, we got to flow a lot with cello and flute in the mix and then I was honored to preach again there on Saturday night to a packed house – I spoke on Extreme Worship and sang my song about the Luke 7 woman worshiping at Jesus’ feet (much to the chagrin of the Pharisees) What a challenge to worship God in the midst of our pain and struggles. Another great response at Joy!
At the beginning of May, we went to our hometown, Bend (Maryl and I both graduated from Bend High School in the ’70s) and were privileged to teach a workshop at The Well, a worship conference hosted by Westside Church. Our nephew, Evan Earwicker, is now the Youth Pastor there. His band, Elliot, was the featured band along with Pastor Doug and Donna Lasit (Denver, CO), Jay Smith (Ventura, CA – another one of my great nephews) Bo Stern (from Westside) and Leeland (the band!). I taught a workshop for keyboardists and was able to impart a great deal of material as well as inspiration for worshiping and flowing with the keyboard (see Piano in Worship). Half the class were able to purchase the book/DVD and further their study for worship. All the ministry was actually very rich and challenging with about 350 attendees from all over Oregon and beyond. Multiple times at the altar, hearts were sealed and committed to a deeper walk with Jesus. Leeland capped it off with a wonderful night of worship – they really are amazing!
Now that brings us to our next step: China! We leave Monday, May 21 to join our friends Kwadwo and Jamie Sampany-Kessie in Southern China for a Worship Seminar and ministry May 25-27. (our 38th anniversary is May 25 so we get to celebrate in China! and Jamie and Kwadwo’s anniversary is the 23rd! Double fun in China!) They have invited many from all over China to join us for this great time of worship and release! Please pray for our travel, safety, health and anointing!
After we get back we will prepare for our return to Guatemala City with Pastor Hector Nufio at Elim Central Church (a great church of thousands in the heart of Guatemala City) This church has a big vision and amazing influence throughout Latin America. Wake Up the Dawn from Medford will be joining us for this powerful time from Tuesday, July 3 to Sunday July 8. Last year we had a truly breakthough time with the precious worshipers there and I believe they have many more coming this time from many nations. Thanks for your prayers for this potentially explosive worship conference. Safety is a big issue right now, so please be praying for the safety of the team, the staff there and the attendees of the conference.
We are so thrilled to be able to continue to go to the nations in this season. Thank you for your part, whether in prayer, financial support, notes, emails and phone calls! We are bolstered and encouraged by your faith!
For the nations,
Your worship missionaries, Dr. Tim and Maryl Smith