April 24, 2007

Open Arms Community Church in Newbridge, Ireland held its fifth annual Worship Explosion Camp with over 50 students in attendance. Worship Explosion began with a vision to train up worshippers and leaders in the area of music, visual art and dance in order to reach the nation of Ireland. Five years later, it involves not only young people from Newbridge, but from around the Republic and Northern Ireland. Students, ranging from 12-20 years of age come to the week long camp and enjoy teaching from a dynamic team.

Julie Riley, worship leader from Origins Community Church in Boulder, Colorado leads a team made up of musicians and artists, many of which are part of 'Enter the Worship Circle'. Vivien Hibbert, founder of the Worship Arts Conservatorium, brings teaching on the prophetic side of worship. Each day is filled with practical instruction as well inspiration to go deeper into God's presence. Every young person that attended has said they've come away with a deeper sense of God's presence and a passion to worship their Creator.

Out of the training that Worship Explosion has given, a team made up of five young people has formed and in the last 6 months they have produced a CD made up of their original music. They also have travelled around the country leading worship and playing for other churches and events, as well as leading worship at Open Arms Community Church on a regular basis. Plans for the camp this year, to be held July 8-13 are underway and more students than ever are expected. The vision that was seen many years ago for a nation full of passionate worshippers is beginning to be seen as numbers grow and many more come to the Lord through worship and the arts in Ireland.

From Melissa Darnell
AGWM Personnel in Ireland