Reflections on WA

My heart is so full. Yes, it’s been almost a month since Word Alive 2019 but the memories
are still so fresh. When I reflect back on these packed six days, words like ‘hype’, ‘growth’,
‘exhaustion’ and ‘one-night werewolf’ spring into mind. Coming into my first Word Alive
event, I was initially filled with reluctance and slight reservations to whether I would enjoy
six days away from my usual routine of practice and work. Of course, God rebuked me
heavily and transformed my stubborn heart like He always does, providing a week filled with
solid bible-based equipment, fruitful conversations and encouraging BASICs (brothers and
sisters in Christ). I have yet again learnt so much and have been challenged in so many ways.

The event kicked off on a Saturday afternoon. Arriving after a long five-hour road trip from
London, we arrived in Prestatyn only to be greeted by the wind and cold. Despite all this,
our first main meeting that night was filled with up to thousands of people in a white circus-
like marquee. It was truly an incredible experience to feel the electricity and energy buzzing
throughout the entire night, whether it be in worship music, the entertaining MCs or in the
talk on Psalm 1 by Steve Casey. We were reminded of truths about God’s goodness,
humanity’s brokenness and the redeeming work of Jesus and the hope we look forward to.

In the following days, we gradually became accustomed to our own schedules. If you
weren’t a fan of joining the 7.30am running club alongside the scenic beaches of Prestatyn
like myself, days normally started off with a morning meeting based on a series of talks in 2
Timothy by Hugh Palmer. We were taught to hold firm to the faith and stand firm in the
gospel, particularly in a messed-up world and mixed up church. I was particularly challenged
by the weight of Hugh Palmer’s words when referring to Paul’s reminder to Timothy of the
guarding of the good deposit that, ‘To be on the wrong side of history is uncomfortable, but
to be on the wrong side of eternity is even worse’. Yet the hope that we have is that ‘man is
never for a moment not sufficient by grace’.

Another highlight of Word Alive was the chance to busk in the public space of the main
building where mothers with prams, children, elderly and young teens roamed freely,
enjoying a good chat, drinking coffee or browsing the Word Alive library. It was not only a
great opportunity for me to showcase the piano repertoire that I had been working on, but
even more so to use the gifts and passion God has blessed me with to serve Him in a
Christian setting. Thankfully my busking session was received with warmth and enthusiasm;
and it brought great joy to me knowing that at least one young five-year girl was bouncing
around to Mozart!

I also forgot to mention earlier on that staying within the Music Network during Word Alive
played a huge role in helping me understand what it means to be a Christian navigating the
world specifically as a musician. We spent most of our time cooking, cleaning and sharing
meals together in each other’s chalets. On top of that I was particularly refreshed after the
series of MN talks we had specifically catered towards music students. I learnt that
especially in such an industry which thrives off self-promotion and continual dependence on
others’ opinions towards our craft, this gift that God has given to us can easily be forgotten
as we idolise the need for perfection and self-glorification. I was reminded yet again of
God’s purpose for us to further His Kingdom and the privilege it is to serve Him in such a
specific field which is in huge need of hearing the life-changing Gospel.

To sum up my experience, I want to end on a lighter note by commending Word Alive on

nailing the head in fun activities. If you are reading this and considering whether to partake
in the next Word Alive 2020, you can be rest assured that not only will you be fed well
spiritually, physically and relationally; the silent disco nights and giant inflatable slides are
indeed the icing on the cake! These six days allowed me to learn and grow in knowledge,
being further changed by them emotionally. Not only did I know more things, but I was able
to align them to how I felt. I saw God’s truth have a holistic and transformative effect on
myself and others, and it was a huge joy, comfort and hope to witness.