Saturday Evening Service at Elim

Saturday 08/18/12

WOW !  Was the word of the day and honestly words cannot express the experience with any justice. 

We arrived at Elim Pentecost Church at approximately 6:30 pm. (18:30 hours as the locals see it) for a night service.  Strangely this was another TIA (this is Africa) moment as there seemed to only be the Pastor's and our Team.  The sun was quickly setting.  I wasn't sure what this service would be like as the Church has no electricity and is generally dark even in the day light hours.  As we entered the church at almost 7:00 Pastor had someone place a LED light in the rafters and Doug and I chipped in our small LED lights as well.

Service began with us being seated in the front row (yes, I'm a back row kind of girl but I went with it) and people continuing to wander in.  Worship was unusual for us yet awesome as the men brought out the hand made drums.  Its amazing to hear the blend of awesome voices and the drums . . . I so often hear other instruments blended in as if a bit Heaven has joined in too.  I was more than encouraged to dance in Church . . . really !?!?!  Ok with much coaxing I danced . . . ok at least moved a bit and it was honestly a bit freeing.  Things got more than a bit out of my comfort zone when we were asked to sing.  Nothing like seeing your team mates with a "deer in the headlight look" and them looking right at you.  We never seem to have anyone who is musically inclined on our teams . . . like what is up with that?  Anyway, I took a deep breath, grabbed Whitney, and asked for the ladies from the Ladies Group to join us up front for a song.  We shared the song I had taught the ladies the day before and then asked the entire congregation to join in.  It seemed to go well and was well received.  Again, I so thank God for the courage to share this song and that He has improved my voice over time so that it is not so hurtful to others ears.

Before the end of service the Team was asked to come up front to receive a gift.  We asked Doug to represent the Team for this honor.  A few words were spoken of great appreciation and of friendship between Elim and the Team.  Doug received the gift for the Team and opened it to find a beautifully hand carved Lion.  Wow!  This was an honor and a very expensive gift for the Church to give.  It is so amazing how the people of Mwandi consistently show us honor and favor in such lavish ways . . . God always brings my heart back to the alabaster box story in these instances and it is so humbling. 

We had one more surprise . . . a ride home in a car as it was almost 9:30 pm.   It was an honor and a privilege to be driven home yet at the same time I will say that I will never complain about walking in the sand again.  Driving in loose and deep sand takes much skill and can be very challenging.  Thankfully to the thoughtfulness of the Church and the skill of the driver we arrived home to Simba House quickly and effortlessly filled with joy and amazement regarding the events of the evening.

God is good . . . all the time !   All the time . . . God is good !  Amen :)