A year ago on the last Sunday of January, I woke up to the news that a family member was experiencing an abusive marriage. I was confused and heartbroken seeing the people I love in pain. At the time, we were still having online services so I was unable to see my friends in person and talk about it in-depth with them.
But I had been taking a Colossians class that the church was running and that afternoon, two of my closest friends came to my house to sit in on the class and learn the Word together. It gave me a brief moment to step back from my feelings and just be. Having them next to me gave me a sense of indescribable comfort and I knew that I needed to surround myself in community.
The next Sunday, during host talk, Pastor Eric extended an invitation to serve on Island’s production team. Then, Psalm 121.1-2 was read out: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
This verse is special to me, as my best friend wrote it in one of her letters (“In times of worry, I hope this encourages you”). It was the verse that I clung to throughout that week, praying desperately for peace, wisdom and patience. The combination of seeing the call to serve and hearing Psalm 121 compelled me to sign up for the production team.
The combination of seeing the call to serve and hearing Psalm 121 compelled me to sign up for the production team.
I joined the very next week, and met wonderful staff who welcomed me and showed me how everything worked. On the first floor booth, volunteers are mainly in charge of controlling one of the three main areas: lyrics (or ProPresenter), video switcher and lights. I started off with lyrics for a few weeks before trying video switching.
The first week I tried video switching, I walked in mentally frazzled and drained. I had been finding it hard to focus during the sermons; my fear and hopelessness about my family usually drowned out what message was being preached. But I sat in the booth, ready to take directions from the production manager and learn.
A video switcher switches between different camera sources to choose what should go live on screens, taking into account angles and lighting to ensure a smooth transition.
I found that because video switching required high concentration, I was able to absorb much more of the message than previous Sundays. My focus became outward, as I worked with other people to create an environment where we could glorify and worship God first. Throughout the video switching process in the production booth, instead of dwelling on my fears, I did my best to focus on the truth: God is always working.
My focus became outward, as I worked with other people to create an environment where we could glorify and worship God first.
As I began to see the other volunteers and staff regularly, I slowly started to open up to them. They prayed with me, asked me how my family was doing, and checked up on how I was feeling. They celebrated big milestones in my life with me and cheered me on. In that season of difficulty, God provided me with a community of volunteers who showed me His kindness and patience, and inspired me with their heart to serve.
Serving in this capacity has been another way for me to grow and be closer to God, to learn more about Him and how He comforts me through uncertainty and real, deep pain. He has shown me how He can redeem difficulties and evil for His good. Knowing and remembering this allows me to serve Him. As 1 Peter 4.11 says: “Whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies – in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.”
Serving in this capacity has been another way for me to grow and be closer to God … He has shown me how He can redeem difficulties and evil for His good. Knowing and remembering this allows me to serve Him.