Guitar Eulogy

*between sobs*

I received terrible news the other day. I went to the local music store to get the intonation on my 12-string guitar adjusted. The Tabernacle of the Nations had agreed to pay for it, because I use the guitar primary for my worship ministry there. But when the guitar guy and myself examined it, we realized that it was in CRITICAL condition. The tension of the strings, and the heavy use has caused the wood to begin to warp, and also cause the bridge to start pulling away from the body. It could GO at any moment, and it's actually quite dangerous to play! I'm thankful that it hasn't exploded in my face yet!

So basically it is not repairable, and I need a new guitar.

What a great guitar it was, though. My dad bought it for me after my DTS; after I gave my life to Jesus. I was planning to go to the School of Worship in Australia, and I wanted a good instrument to bring with me. It has really served me well since then. I've grown so much over these last years in both playing, and in leading worship with this guitar. The natural 12 string chorus effect and its light body created a sound that, I think, brought refreshment to lots of ears.

I remember several years ago, giving the guitar up to God, telling him that it was his, and he could do what he wanted with it. Well, it didn't ignite into a burnt offering or anything, instead he gave it back to me and told me it was a tool for the advancement of his Kingdom.

I've only ever used it for worship, or composing music that would glorify him. I remember about a year ago, someone anointed my guitar with oil. Haha, I was a bit upset about the oil on the finish (they didn't ask me first)! Since then, in the last year the worship times I've led have been really exciting and powerful. Of course it's God who makes worship times exciting, not my magic guitar, but I really feel like he gave me a good tool to help lead others into his presence. And I've tried to do my best with it.

But now it's played its last note. *sob*

So, I'm praying that God would provide me with a new one. Worship has become the main thing I am involved with in Amsterdam. I play every singly day. And with the level of playing I've achieved, and the amount I play, I think it best if I get something on the higher end. I would like another 12-string, and I would like one that will last more than a few years. I think I'm probably looking at a $1000 range.

I visited my grandma a couple days ago, and told her about it. She said she believed God would provide another guitar soon, and not to worry about it. That was encouraging!

So, if you would pray with me that God would provide a new tool soon, so I can continue bringing him high praise with stringed instruments, and so we can keep raising the roof over here in Amsterdam, I would appreciate it!

Sean