As I write this, I’m in port on the cruise ship at San Juan, Puerto Rico overlooking the ocean and the old city fort. Yesterday, we were in St. Maarten’s singing in Michael W Smith’s choir as he gave a concert. WOW!!! There were people in the choir from all over the world. Caroline met people from Canada, Mexico,  Germany, China, and, of course, the US. There were other countries represented as well. She’s much more sociable than I am. (I did speak to the people next to me.) At the end of rehearsal the day before, Michael W Smith told us we were on a mission trip and that there would be people in the audience who needed to hear the message of God’s love. He told us he’d had an interview with the people of St. Maarten’s and they were “stoked” about us coming. He said their enthusiasm level was super high and we needed to match that enthusiasm and passion when we sing. He came close, but it’s hard to match the enthusiasm of the crowd we met at St. Maarten’s.

The concert was outside in Philipsburg square from 12:15pm through 1:45pm and the only one with any cover was Michael W Smith and his band. The rest of us, including the audience, was outside in the mid-day sun, crowded together due to limited space, in the Caribbean in July! Yes, we were hot! But nobody seemed focused on the heat because the energy in that square was so powerful. These people had gathered for a day of worship together. They arrived well before us and were intentionally dedicating the full day to worship and honor God. They had prayers, speakers and preachers, songs, and then their “guest worship leader” and “God’s chosen ambassador,” Michael W Smith and team. The square was packed and there were people standing in balconies above. Their welcome was warm and their enthusiasm was contagious. They knew all the words to his songs and sang along with all but the two new songs. They stood, lifted their hands and shouted praises to God. Michael did not end on time because the crowd was clearly ready to stay all day. We sang extra songs. Everyone present was worshiping God, including the camera people and security guards! A couple of audience members came up to the risers where the choir was singing and we welcomed them to sing with us. I was fortunate to have one woman join next to me whose voice was heavenly. She picked up the harmonies instantly and the entire alto section benefited from her soulful singing. It was truly a day of worship.

I believe it was a mission trip, but I think we were the ones who benefited most. The people we met at St. Maarten showed us what it looks like to worship with all our hearts and minds and strength, and it was beautiful! Read Luke 10:25-28, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally!

Annie