The DGFC band were invited to play on 27 May at the Agallia Ministries Praise & Worship Marathon in Pretoria, an annual event which was birthed last year, where the inclusive churches gather and bring God glory for 12 hours. Rev Deborah Bell was initially also asked to attend and deliver a message after the band's first of two sets. However, God had bigger plans and Rev Bell was requested to step in and preach in the slot for Agallia's evening service.

The venue this year was at the Fort Schanskop Amfi Theatre, near the landmark Voortrekker Monument, which was the highest point in Pretoria, which we believe was incredibly symbolic, since in the Bible, we have records of God's chosen servant Moses, and even Jesus, the very Son of God, ascending up to the apex of a mountain, its highest point, to meet with the Lord

Malachi 1:11 tells us that from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, God's name will be great among the nations. We also read in Psalm 113:3, � From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised�. Church bands and ministry teams each had allocated times throughout the course of the day, from the brisk Winter morning and the warm, sun-bathed afternoon, to the starry and torch-lit evening, bringing glory to the Holy One at all times. The hills were truly alive with praise and worship ringing out to our Heavenly Parent.

Every team had something of its own to offer; whether it was the vast array of musical styles (and languages!) of the praise and worship teams from the various churches involved, worshippers dancing with flags, the use of drama in ministry and even a puppet show for the younger attendees, God was praised with each team's unique signature of gifting and faith. It was wonderful to be part of such a momentous day in the Spirit, with it being Pentecost Sunday on the Christian Calendar. It was such a reminder to us of the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:1 which reads, �What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.� Though we were singing in different languages, the love and presence of God was manifested though everyone that was gathered that day.

The unity of God's Spirit was evident and abundant. The marathon was a reminder that we are not alone in this; this body of Christ not only encompasses our church locally, but on a national - even global - scale. God's eunuch church is rising up, not in isolation, but as one all around the world and will pursue the purpose for which it was sent. The army of the Lord is being raised up in great power. Praise and Worship have a vital role to play in the battle. The trumpet has sounded� the army of the Lord is being prepared across the globe.

In the evening, with the Spirit dwelling mightily amongst God's people, the Spirit came like a rushing wind and ministered to hearts and touched lives in powerful ways, as Pastor Deborah delivered the message given to her to be preached to the ends of the earth: God is calling the church to align itself with God's plumbline of righteousness - firstly, as individuals and also corporately, as Christ's bride. This deep truth pierced into the hearts of all who would hear it. Despite the icy cold conditions in the evening, worshippers still sought the Spirit of God. We hungered for more of Gods presence and we were blessed as God honoured us.

As a band, it was our first venture of playing at an event outside of our church. It was a humbling experience for us to be used as a band to lead the Lord's children in worshiping with song. It is by grace that God called us to this adventurous work and God's Holy Spirit that empowered us to be instruments of ministering into people's lives. We look forward to more opportunities of being 'out there' in ministry in time to come, bringing glory to the Lord.

As worshippers, may we never forget Whom it is that we serve; a God of immense love, power, grace and abundance. We choose to worship God through every circumstance in our lives. People who were at the event received confirmations for callings upon their lives and reminders to seek the things of the Spirit in the righteousness that God has called us to.

When the marathon came to its close at 9pm, not one soul left there unchanged. God imparted something fresh that we all took away with us. We will fondly remember that day for many years to come.