Christian musicians Retief Burger and Joe Niemand are excited about the unique opportunity to lead worship again against the majestic backdrop of the Resnosterberg mountains at the Karoo Mighty Men in just over two weeks time.
Praise and worship at a Mighty Men Conference involves the sound of a crowd of individual believers combining their voices with people they do not even know, in reverence of the Lord, which stirs unity, says Niemand, whose song “Ek sal nie bang wees nie”, became the anthem of last year’s KMMC.
The unity of worship attracts the presence of God and it is “when the Lord starts moving in that lives change,” he says.
Burger says the KMMC 2011 on Rusoord farm near Middelburg was definitely one of his most memorable experiences.
“The venue was beautiful and helped us to respond in true, raw worship! The people were so honest and responsive. God moved in such a wonderful way!”
He says there is something different about a Mighty Men Conference compared to similar events.
“When men unite to honour God I believe the Father impacts households, regions and a nation! There is a raw, broken anointing on these events that I love!”
Burger says praise and worship prepares the ground at the Mighty Men conferences for the word to fall into responsive hearts by opening-up even the hardest of hearts, but in many ways it is also a way of bringing across truth.
“In Colossians 3:16 Paul says we must teach one another: ‘in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord’,” says Burger who recently performed a praise and worship concert in Graaff-Reinet.
“To worship God in the splendour of his nature is an awesome privilege. I love the Karoo and being in Graaff-Reinett again was amazing. We had an amazing night of worship,” enthuses Burger!
He says leading praise and worship at such events has had a deep impact on his relationship with the Lord.
“It has called on me to take more responsibility as a worship leader and to understand the role we play in raising up a new anthem of worship all across the country.”
Burger’s message for men that are thinking about attending the KMMC 2012, but are undecided (apart from bringing warm clothing and blankets) is that something special happens when we truly seek God together in unity.
“This is a great opportunity for people in the Karoo to come together to seek God in worship and devotion! Don’t miss it. Even if you feel so far away from God, come as you are, His arms are wide open!”
Burger says in preparing for KMMC 2012 he and his praise and worship group have written a “bunch of songs” while in the Karoo two months ago and they will be singing some of them.
“As a worship team we stay in unity, close to Jesus and try not to over-think things. He is in control and we just want to lift Him up in our praise!”
Burger says Mighty Men founder Angus Buchan, who will be addressing the KMMC, has had a big influence on him.
“Uncle Angus is a huge inspiration to me and has encouraged me on so many occasions to never give up. He is a man of integrity and simplicity. He wants no glory for himself and his heart is pure. I love ministering with him.”
For more information about the conference visit the KMMC website or the Facebook page, or contact Ruthi at info@karoommc.co.za or cell no 079 947 3566.
this was my very fisrt time attending MMC God touched my innner heart and strenghten my spirit” om nie bang te wees nie “No matter the past or what future might bring wether it’s good or bad He is on our side and He is in control of our life AMEN!!!