Now is the Time to Worship

Editor's note:
I'd heard about the worship ministry that Nella was doing with the college students and asked if she would be willing to share her heart with us and also provide a bit of background on this ministry

My name is Nella Schnase and I am very excited about this new service started mainly for college students and anyone going through a new journey in their lives. The idea of “Now Is the Time to Worship” came to me when I was sitting in church listening to my father speak on reaching people on your own level. I felt a strong calling to get other people my age together and praise to the One who gave us the freedom to do so.

In this calling I was very nervous about actually making it all happen. I have never been in charge of such a thing, but what I am sure of is that I knew this ministry was meant to start through me. I love music and I love God. He wanted me to put them together and make sure my eyes are on Him first and foremost.

Getting out of high school I have realized how fast life is passing me by. I was getting so wrapped up in my busy schedule that I wasn’t taking time to take a look at the big picture. Who was I leading to the Lord? Who was seeing God in my eyes when my eyes were aimed at my feet in front of me? More importantly, who isn’t seeing God in me? Although I am a weak human, somehow I found the strength through Christ alone to go in front of the board of the church and make things happen. Nothing is impossible with God.

This has been such a life changing experience for me and many of the people that are getting involved. I called a friend of mine named Doug Hamblin and he made a decision to get involved in this as well. He said, “God has been so good to me that I would feel like I am letting Him down if I were to say no to you.” I put together a praise team and it has turned out wonderful. The music we are capable of making is astounding with the talents God has given each and everyone of us. The service consists of a reading of scripture in the beginning and a lot of worship. The speakers vary each Thursday we hold a service. This allows an unbiased and fresh message each time. The message is always short and sweet and it leaves plenty of time to worship. A person chosen in advance gives their testimony. I wanted the students and service members to be able to have someone our own age relate to things going on in most of our lives. We end the service with an altar call and music.

This is a very moving service and so far we have had many people come forward and say they have been seriously moved by the service. What I truly love about what is happening in our church is the way I see our generation changing ways to worship our God. We like more contemporary music, but still have a passion for the classics. We like to spice up what we hear to our own sound. Each year we all notice more and more individual people and personalities and in this service everyone is free to express their way of worship. I love what I do and I love what God made me to do. I was made to worship Him and nothing pleases me more than using the gift of music to give Him praise.

Whether we sing to one or many, whether we touch one or many…in the end the ones that show are the ones meant to listen. God is good and almighty and this service event is in His hands. I pray His will be done.
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