I have always been fearful of new beginnings. Waking up knowing that my regular cycle of events could be different can cause quite a stir in my stomach. You see, the thing about such churning is that excitement, whatever the magnitude may be, usually entails.

This post is dedicated to the birth of The Encounter as we know it today and I am excited to share with you why we do what we do. We are an organization that desires a space for intimate and passionate worship and beyond that, to reach the unreached through music.

One of the key verses that drives our mission is Psalms 102:18. It speaks about a generation that has yet to come, one who would be created, specially to praise the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. I believe and claim it in faith that we are that generation. Imagine being created with the sole purpose just to praise the Lord 24/7. Wow.

18 This will be written for the generation to come,
That a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.
Psalms 102:18 (NKJV)

Beyond that, Psalms 86:9 proclaims that every single nation (just thinking about this gives me unspeakable excitement) will come and worship before our everlasting God. How awesome and amazing that sight would be. Think about it for a moment, those arms high and heart abandoned, lifting up shouts of praise to Him, the all deserving King. Let that precious vision sink in for another minute.

9 All nations whom You have made

Shall come and worship before You, O Lord,

And shall glorify Your name.
Psalms 86:9 (NKJV)

The two verses shared above were key drivers for The Encounter’s vision and mission – Worship Experience and Music Evangelism. We believe that God is sparking a worship and prayer movement in our land, in the nations and in our generation. What a huge privilege it would be to stand up, be counted and be used by Him for such a time as this.

It was back in December 2019 that the core team sat down and dedicated our hearts to the vision we sat forth – “For every tribe and tongue to encounter God through worship and adoration”.

Prior to this, we were already running worship nights but from this year, we will be refreshing certain aspects of our execution and have already envisioned our next five years and beyond. So here I stand, together with my amazing team, ready for battle, ready to be used by Him. This is our time, whether we like it or not. All He requires of us is just a simple “yes”, nothing fancy, nothing glamorous, just a “yes” and I know He will be beside us, expanding our capacities and guiding us through this new season.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says that there is a specific time and season for everything under heaven. We know that our God controls everything, even the whirlwinds that will most definitely come our way. As a team, we are going to embrace this new season and trust that God knows what He is doing.

I will end with one final verse to encourage you if you are going through your own version of change, new direction and step of faith. Fear not, He is with you, His right hand will cover you and your paths will be made straight. He will never let you go.

18 Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing,
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
And rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19 (NKJV)

I declare Isaiah 43:18-19 upon your precious lives and remember that His promises are always Yes and Amen. Cling to it. Believe it with your whole heart.

God bless you.

God bless you,
Clovis Tan
Founder, The Encounter