Learning Guitar on DTS Outreach in Africa - Life-Changing Worship

Learning Guitar on DTS Outreach in Africa

Going on a Discipleship Training School (DTS) outreach with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) can be a life-changing experience. Getting to spread the gospel message in new cultures and communities is incredibly rewarding. One of the best parts is being able to connect with people through worship and music.

Learning guitar while on DTS outreach in Africa has allowed me to bridge cultural divides and bond with my team and the local community. Though there have been challenges along the way, seeing how music brings people together has made it all worthwhile.

Preparing to Bring My Guitar

When preparing for my DTS in South Africa, I felt led to bring my guitar. I had started learning guitar back home and wanted to use it on outreach. My team leader assured me it was a great idea to bring an instrument.

I was nervous traveling halfway across the world with my guitar. By keeping it in its case and carrying it onboard planes and vans, it arrived safely. I also brought an electronic tuner, capo, picks, and extra strings.

Learning Local Worship Songs

One of my goals was to learn African worship music. During our lecture phase, I got to know various songs and styles from different regions. Our music director taught us parts and got recordings for us to practice with.

By immersing myself in the culture, I picked up how to play and sing in unique rhythms and tones. It stretched me musically in new directions I never expected. Though challenging at times, it prepared me for outreach.

Teaching Guitar on Outreach

When our team arrived at our outreach location in South Africa, I was eager to use my guitar skills. We were living and serving with a local ministry that focused on youth development. When they found out I played guitar, they asked if I could teach some of the teenagers.

Twice a week I would sit down and show them how to play chords, strumming patterns and sing. They caught on so quickly and it was such a joy to bond through music lessons. By teaching them I learned so much too about their styles and songs.

Leading Night Worship

Each night our team would come together for worship. We'd reflect on the day, pray together and reconnect spiritually. It was so powerful to accompany worship on my guitar.

It felt special leading songs from Australia and North America that my team knew. And when we'd sing African songs I had learned, the local youth would join in enthusiastically. Music really unified us all as one family.

Learning New Chords and Techniques

My guitar abilities grew in leaps and bounds while in Africa. I learned complex jazz chords from a local guitarist. I also improved my fingerpicking skills which added new textures.

The worship leader at the ministry taught me rhythmic strumming that accentuated the passionate lyrics. I even learned how to play with my hands instead of a pick in traditional African style.

My guitar playing was challenged to grow in whole new ways. I had to adapt my playing to complement the local culture. Learning from others transformed and inspired me hugely.

Using Guitar in Villages

A major part of outreach was visiting remote villages to care for people. I always brought my guitar to sing and entertain kids. Having a guitar really broke down walls and opened doors to share the gospel.

In one village I strummed along to a translator who shared Bible stories through song. The music enraptured the children and they'd join dancing and singing. It was an amazing experience seeing God's Word spread joyfully.

Bonfires and Impromptu Jams

Some evenings our team would have bonfires at the ministry center. I'd bring my guitar and it quickly became a nightly tradition. We'd pass my guitar around, singing by the crackling fire under the stars.

Locals would join with drums turned upside down as makeshift bongos. We'd improvise harmonies and rhythms, blending our cultures. Those were some of my favorite memories that I'll cherish forever.

Performing at Church Services

Our team got to visit local churches on Sundays. We were always welcomed to join the praise team at the front. Accompanying African choirs on my guitar was mind-blowing.

One Sunday I was asked to perform a special number. I played "Amazing Grace" fingerstyle as the congregation sang powerfully. My guitar flowed with the drummer's dynamic rhythms. It felt so fulfilling to serve through my music.

Recording Worship Songs

Towards the end of outreach we produced a worship CD. We recorded locals singing in their language backed by my guitar.

I also got to layer in electric guitar parts using effects pedals and loops. The studio engineer showed me how to get unique tones. The process of creating a worship album was such an enriching experience.

That CD was then distributed to surrounding villages. Knowing my guitar playing helped spread worship so widely still blows my mind.

Reflecting on Using Guitar in Africa

Looking back, bringing my guitar on DTS outreach was one of the best decisions of my life. My playing improved vastly as I absorbed new techniques and styles. More importantly, it enabled deep connections as I shared music across cultures.

Worship united my team and local community profoundly. My guitar was a small offering that God multiplied immensely. The joy of serving through music is something I'll carry with me forever. Letting my guitar become an instrument of God's peace was beyond rewarding.

If you play an instrument, I couldn't encourage more bringing it along on DTS outreach. Music has a special way of transcending language and culture. Trust God to use your talents to connect you with people and serve others powerfully.

FAQs

How can learning guitar benefit DTS outreach?

Playing guitar enables deeper connections across cultures through music and worship. It's a tool to serve others, communicate God's love, and bridge language barriers.

What guitar skills are most useful on outreach?

Knowing local worship songs, basic chords and strumming are essential. Being adaptable and willing to learn new styles helps tremendously too.

How can I learn local worship music for outreach?

Ask your DTS worship leader for song recommendations and recordings to practice with before outreach. Also learn by ear as you experience live African worship.

What challenges might I face bringing my guitar?

Traveling long distances can be risky for instruments. Consider bringing a guitar with solid construction that can handle different climates and conditions.

How can my guitar skills continue growing on outreach?

Immerse yourself in the local culture and be humble and eager to learn. Seek opportunities to teach and learn from other musicians you encounter.