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jnX's First Trip to Africa:
Bringing New Elements of Worship Style to the Local Churches |
(translated from the Chinese article on the Gospel Post)
Thursday, October 20, 2005; Posted: 10:19 a.m.
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A lot of store signs
use Biblical references |
joyful noise Xpress has completed its first ministry trip to Africa from Sept. 23 to Oct 7. Anthony Chan, the executive director of jnX thinks back on this journey to the West African country of Ghana with excitement, sharing their encounters and experiences.
Many people don’t know that in Ghana, a small country with a population of 20 million, 60% are Christians. According to Anthony, many store signs and advertisement billboards used Biblical and Christian references, many people put up Bible verses on the rear window of their cars. jnX team members were very impressed with the sense of rhythm among the local people; whenever the worship music started, the congregation would start to dance, using their body language to express their love to God.
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jnX conducting workshops
for local churches |
Due to the differences in culture, local church traditions, and styles of music and songs, this mission trip has been a mutually valuable experience, allowing each side to be exposed to new elements of worship. For example, the African brothers and sisters tend to “shout” when they sing, so jnX introduced them to techniques to gain more voice and color control in their singing. In addition, jnX offered other workshops like keyboard, guitar and other instruments, and worship leading to the local churches, sharing all their knowledge of contemporary music and worship with the local Christians.
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jnX worshipping with local believers |
Besides music, jnX also encountered some unforgettable experiences. They ministered in 2 cities in Ghana: Accra, the capital, and another coastal city Tema. The hosting church in Accra was located in Jamestown, the poorest neighborhood of Accra. It also runs a primary school for orphans in the area, many small kids were cramped in small rooms for their lessons. Anthony recalled that after they were finishing their visit at the school, he unexpectedly walked by a small dark room next to kitchen, and to his surprise and shock, found there were 3 additional classes of small children crowded inside. Even though the jnX teams have served in many poor regions, but they could not hold back their tears after what they saw. Anthony exclaimed that compared to North America, they were so lacking in resources; yet in all their poverty and desperate conditions, the kids were still so friendly and their smiles were so big and lovely because of God’s love in their heart.
Lastly, Anthony appeals for more support for their ministry. Since jnX was formed in 2001, they have been stepping out in faith, each time raising all the travel expenses, collecting instruments
to travel to minister in some of the poorest and most needy places, spreading the good news through music and helping local churches in the area of worship. Although they were able to raise sufficient funds every time, Anthony hopes more of the Body of Christ will share their vision and passion and give them long term regular support to continue the jnX ministry.
Source: The Gospel Post
Enter here to see more jnX news:
http://english.gospelherald.com/search/results.htm?search_text=jnx |
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