11th Oct 2012. By Adeline Lum, CM –
Sidney Mohede’s life- not a piece of cake.
At two years old, his mum took him and his sisters to United States, upon separation with his father. During his teenage years, Mohede was involved in drugs and stole cars, one which landed him behind bars at 16 years old. Yet in jail, the seed that God sowed in Mohede’s heart budded. Mohede prayed and God heard.
“I went to church a few times before. Although I know God, I don’t know Him personally. I just knew if I didn’t come to Him, I’ll end up overdosed,” said Mohede.
How God came to Mohede?
One of his friends invited him to church later. Sitting at the last few rows, the pastor who was preaching suddenly pointed at him, and beckoned him to come on stage. Taken aback, he walked to the pastor who hugged and whispered in his ears.
“He said to me, son, God loves you and He wants you back. And I just knew that was the answer to my prayer. At that time, I knew that He was real, so I gave my life to Him,” Mohede said.
He is like a Father to me
God was a father in every sense to Mohede.
“He’s the one who protects me, He’s the one who takes care of me, He’s the one who teaches me. I am a father myself, and I know being a father is all about that,” Sidney said.
Now, Mohede is one of the most influential worship leader and song-writer in Indonesia. He has recorded, produced or been involved in over 35 albums, and co-written more than 200 songs. Still, his child-like faith of God’s faithfulness did not waver.
“I trust Him with everything and I am grateful no matter what happens. Although I had 30,000 rupiah in my pocket before for the whole month and that was about RM10, I was contented,” said Mohede
Mohede believes that God Almighty provides even if he cannot see it.
“I believe God knows what He’s doing even if I can’t see the provision. It is there for me. He is God Almighty. It is not a past or future tense, but a present tense. He supplies all I need,” Mohede said.
Because of his believe that God is his provider, Mohede became thankful to his Father in heaven. Mohede shared Psalm 92:1 where it is good to give thanks to the Lord.
“To be thankful is a choice. Even before the provision comes, I give Him thanks. Even before the five loaves and two fishes multiply, I give Him thanks. Even before Lazarus came out of the tomb, Jesus gave God thanks,” said Mohede.
Sidney will always be Sidney
“Because I love God and I love people,” Mohede smiled before continuing, “the Sidney you see on stage is the Sidney you see off-stage. I will always be the same guy.”
Mohede now served as a network pastor at Jakarta Praise Community Church after six years serving as a youth pastor, besides traveling for his music concerts. Mohede currently lives in Jakarta with his wife Etha and two children, Ethan and Chelsea.
Note: The writer was privileged to meet Sidney Mohede in person for an interview. The purpose of this article is to encourage and minister to those who are going through challenges and difficulties in their lives.
For Sidney Mohede’s performance of “You are my Father-True Worshipper”, please watch:
For more information on Sidney Mohede, please go to:
http://www.youtube.com/user/sidneymo?feature=CAgQwRs%3D
http://www.facebook.com/sidneymohedePAGE
