Day 1 – 3.1 New Zealand
Before I left the states to hop a plane to New Zealand, here’s what I knew about our trip over: Keith, of KC and the Glowworms, had been booked for one conference and the rest we would just see what happens…
Honestly, I was completely game for that, I mean seriously, it’s New Zealand.
After what felt like a short 12 hour flight we arrived in “NZed” (as the locals call it) and immediately went to someone’s house where Keith within moments broke a string on someone else’s guitar. I’ll post a video later.
Eventually, we arrive to the Gathering, a representation of most of the Wesleyan churches in New Zealand. This has truly been the most multi-cultural experience of which I have EVER been a part.
Saturday night was Keith’s “big” concert and let’s just talk about the line up…
- The night started off with several Samoan worship songs (sung in perfect harmony).
- Then a Fijian traditional dance followed by a Fijian dance to “Jesus take the wheel.” (Still trying to wrap my head around this one.)
- Keith Conner – Driving the Bus, singing Great Big God, the eagle song, reading from the Pigeon language Bible and ending with This little light of mine.
- Then, a Tongan a capella choir (AMAZING.)
- Scripture read in Chinese
- A “Sweet As” (As the Kiwis say) Youth Band
- A Monologue
- And a Southern Wesleyan Preacher
Around the world in 90 minutes.
At one moment I was brought to tears just thinking about the tiniest slice of heaven I was watching develop before my eyes.
After the concert requests started to pour in about having Keith coming to churches all over New Zealand. One pastor asked me, “Really? You will go anywhere?” I thought, “Why not?” We’re not doing anything else!
So, starting Wednesday we are doing a tour of schools and churches connecting with people and encouraging families to worship together.
I have to admit, I think words will really destroy what I am witness to at this moment.
But I’m ruminating on the incredible response this people are having. Who knew that Keith Conner would drive the bus around the world?