Today was the day of worship here in Yambio. I preached at church on the campus of the seminary. They have two services, a 9AM English service and a 10:15 Zande language service.
At 9:05, we left the breakfast table to head for the 9:00 service! It probably got started around 9:25. It is extremely unstructured; I wasn't sure if I was preaching at the English only or both services until I got there. The assistant pastor asked me if I was going to lead liturgy, and I told him no one told me if I was suppose to or not! And then, right before we walked out of the sacristy and into church, he turned around and asked if I had chosen the hymns for the day! Again I said no, but then the worship leader, a guy who plays the drum, came in and said that he had already chosen hymns! Finally, we were ready to go out!
They worship in traditional Lutheran Worship, using the blue (1981) hymnal "Lutheran Worship". We used p. 135 today.
There were about 30 people at the 9AM service, and about 100 people at the 10:15 service (which got started around 10:40AM. In the later service in the Zande language, all the men sat on one side, and the women on the other. The children sat in the front rows in front of the women.
It was certainly different than what I am used to, but it really puts into context the passage in Revelation that "every people, language, nation and tribe" will worship the Lord! I saw that first hand today!
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A real tight schedule, just like you like it. Ha! You'll have them whipped into shape and "praying and going" in no time!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely not your typical service, eh Pastor! Guess you should have taken "speed reader" Ken Weise with you to help establish some order. We are all praying for you and your students.
ReplyDeleteI'v heard worship services in Spanish and have sung choir anthems in Swahili and Latin. It IS awesome to think about worshipping in other languages...just like it will be in Heaven.
ReplyDeletePraying that you get enough rest...hey, how'd you like them bat hot wings?
Perhaps there is a message from God in there?... LOL We are praying for all those that God touches through you and for those who are unable to hear His word. You will be an even better disciple after this experience. Diane
ReplyDeleteAs you go on your way, may Christ go with you. May He go before you to show you the way. May He go beside you to accompany you. May He go behind you to reassure you. May He go above you to protect you. May He go within you to grant you peace.
ReplyDeleteDoug and Jane
I cannot imagine going to a service where the women, children, and men are separated. It almost sounds like what our church used to be like many years ago!!!!!!! We have added the names to our prayer list and are also praying for you (May God keep the bats away and keep you safe) I am not sure I could handle the mosquitoes and the bats!!!!!
ReplyDeleteStay safe and God bless.