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A
Thousand Screaming Dancers!
By
Segun Lawal
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I have a
strong belief in talents. As a Christian, one is often misled
to see talents (and their expression) as some of the lesser
form of ministry tools (if at all!). I've learnt otherwise.
Ministry is extremely Sovereign to God and He's all about
communicating the Life-saving Message of the gospel of Jesus!
The Word
of God mentions talents a great deal in the New Testament
and apart from the spiritual connotations, indicates a strong
exchange potential in every inert gift God graced us with.
In 1997,
I was asked to start a club where (the talent of) dance
would be used as a communication tool for the gospel. At
the time, it was a novel idea. Absolutely uncommon. It would
challenge cobwebbed mindsets and attempt to introduce the
Saducees of this world to something new. It would set other
talents ablaze and fuel a fire never seen this side of the
Equator! And so it was that Spirit of David, Gospel Dance
Club began.
On writing
this article, I pondered a bit on what would be the best
way to go about sharing several years of learning and experiences
that have spanned about 40 shows in over 30 states in Nigeria.
I wondered how I would communicate the frustrations behind
a multitude of rehearsals, countless money-raising schemes,
prayer points in the thousands and hoards of dance routines,
screening sessions and selections. In being honest, would
I drive away the pleasure seekers who do not understand
that there is no substitute for hard work?
In starting
and keeping a Christian, talent-based group such as Spirit
of David, I've chosen to employ and therefore share, short
wisdom nuggets I've phrased over the years!
*Effective
communication depends on expression. Expression is strictly
a function of passion. Talents that are given are for the
edification of spirit, soul and body MUST be used for just
that. You can't fake a passion and it should not sold for
a portion of meat!
*The hardest
and most deceitful part of a venture is its start. If you
wait for perfect conditions, you may wait a while! Deceit
comes in when you convince yourself of the motives and intensions
of what you're doing. It doesn't always have to sound 'spiri'.
Let your passion and desire to reach your generation speak
Christ!
*In a field
with no prior point of referral or question of incident,
you kind of make up the rules as you go along.
*In all beginnings,
constantly communicate the mission and vision, re-emphasizing
the importance and impact on our needy generation. Quoting
a vision is not the same as running with it. There are a
lot of folks that will meet you in the Caves of Adullam
but never compromise on defining ends and goals.
*Most Visions
always sound like they are a million years away from fulfillment.
Visions are fulfilled daily! Try the SMART Rule. All dreams,
goals and visions must be Sizeable Measurable Achievable
Reachable and Targeted!
*God gives
dreams. He also gives us structures and techniques to fulfill
them. Seeing angels in your dreams and great scrolls from
the sky will not be enough to be relevant in today's world.
Learn to wait in God's presence for instructions.
*Quickly
one learns to identify those whose desires and expectations
match yours.
*Euphoria
and excitement are great but short lived. A relationship
with the Holy Spirit becomes essential.
*In my books,
balance is giving 100% of what is required of you WHEN it
is required of you.
*Mark 1:35
talks of the need for separation and time spent alone. Its
a MUST!
*One must
always keep your eyes on the prize. A thousand screaming
dancers can constitute a distraction.
* Let's face
it: Money is important! However, I'm of the firm belief
that we have been given more on our insides to achieve a
God-given mandate than what we can often see
* Be strict.
Nobody died from a bit of discipline. When one deals with
head strong talents, you've got to be able to hold your
ground and shift some weight!
*Always work
your talent. I'm over 30 years old. I'm married and expecting
my first child...and I still dance everyday! You've got
to find time for what you believe in or you really don't
believe in it!
*Perhaps
one of the most important things I've told the great men
and women i've worked with is that "what's worth doing
is worth doing well"!
We probably
have several years ahead of us yet in SOD. We are determined
to redefine dance and preach the gospel as far as it will
take us and in the most unorthodox ways possible...
...screaming
dancers or no screaming dancers!!
Segun
Lawal is the head of Spirit of David, which is easily the
foremost Christian dance club in Nigeria. You can reach
him at zerosegs@yahoo.com
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