What Shakira didn’t know was that she wrote this song for me. ‘Cause this is youth ministry.
Maybe you’ve heard the song “Waka Waka” (This Time for Africa), the official 2010 FIFA world cup song. Maybe you haven’t. Regardless, it’s been the soundtrack of my life and ministry the past few weeks.
I’m passionate about youth ministry. There’s a reason for that. It changed my life when I was 15 years old. I still believe that we can change the world–one youth ministry at a time. So, when I hear a song like this I can’t help but substitute the mission of my life into the lyrics.
I hope this post encourages you, lights you up, and inspires you to be the youth leader that God has called you to be today. Imagine the whole world cheering you on. Here are the lyrics, my notes included. And, if you want, the video to help you realize the gravity of what you do. If the whole world can be united around a black and white ball. We can unite on a vocation rooted in the cross.
You’re a good soldier
Choosing your battles
Pick yourself up
And dust yourself off
And back in the saddle
How I feel most Wednesday nights…
You’re on the frontline
Everyone’s watching
You know it’s serious
We’re getting closer
This isnt over
The pressure is on
You feel it
But you’ve got it all
Believe it
You have everything it takes to lead…now lead.
When you fall get up
Oh oh…
And if you fall get up
Oh oh…
“When” being the key word here. No worries, get up, you’re surrounded by a team of youth workers who are dusting themselves off right there with you.
Tsamina mina
Zangalewa
Cuz this is Africa
Cause this is youth ministry.
Tsamina mina eh eh
Waka Waka eh eh
I believe “waka waka” means “do it” in Swahili. Let’s make it the theme of our youth ministries all over the world.
Listen to your god
This is our motto
Your time to shine
Dont wait in line
Y vamos por Todo
Capital “G” for us. This is our motto. God’s kingdom on earth…
People are raising
Their Expectations
Go on and feed them
This is your moment
No hesitations
No explanation needed..go on!
Today’s your day
I feel it
You paved the way
Believe it
If you get down
Get up Oh oh…
When you get down
Get up eh eh…
Tsamina mina zangalewa
Anawa aa
This time for Africa
This time for Brook Lindsey. I know, you think I’m a nerd…but I fit the bill and that’s cool with me. Why don’t you fill in your name and sing to a different beat. Teenagers will thank you for it later.
