How to Have a Heart of Worship

In their conversation with Kristy Graham, Josh and Matt from The Afters discuss how we can have a heart of worship as believers and how in their busy lives, they have made involvement in their local churches a priority. Not only do Josh and Matt write music for a living, they also lead worship in their churches, using the gifts, talents, and abilities God has given them to serve.

Kristy asked Josh and Matt what it has been like to see the Gospel transcend cultures as they have traveled the world with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse. The Afters have played worship music at many of Will Graham and Franklin Graham’s crusades and festivals, witnessing incredible acts of God.

Josh and Matt shared how seeing people from different cultures respond to the Gospel has deepened their faith. They always make a point to stay for the invitation and watch hundreds of thousands come forward to place their faith in Jesus. Every time, Josh and Matt have seen people respond to the message, reminding them that the Gospel of Jesus Christ never returns void—it always wins.

“I always feel like we somehow lucked into the greatest job on the planet because we get to go and do what we love. We love making music, we love to sing, we love worshiping. And then we get a glimpse into what God is doing in all these places around the world. And we've been a part of things I'll just never forget.”—Josh Havens

After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Josh had the opportunity to see Samaritan's Purse work in the aftermath of the disaster. While there, Josh met a pastor who had lost his whole family in the earthquake, yet he still pressed on in the work of evangelism and discipleship. His story of obedience and perseverance blew Josh away.

“In the aftermath of the earthquake, [the pastor’s church] was full of people and people were turning to Jesus. And it was in that moment, he knew, no, I was called for this moment … It was a big encouragement to my faith that when you hear God calling you to do something, you got to act, you got to do it.”—Josh Havens

We tend to shy away from suffering and trials, but in these seasons, God is still moving. Matt talked about what the Lord has been teaching him through health issues within his family. God has met them in their suffering and pain—comforting and allowing Matt to rest in the fact that there is purpose in it.

“God's been showing us that He is there in the middle of our suffering. He is meeting us. And even if He doesn't bring healing in the way that we want it or the way that we expect it, He is still at work.”—Matt Fuqua

If you’d like to keep up to date with more stories from On the Ground, please visit SamaritansPurse.org.