Patience is not our greatest virtue in the West! Can you imagine Aussie congregations entering church for Sunday morning worship at 8.45am and leaving 4 hours later? Ah, you think I'm exaggerating, don't you?
Today was "Partnership Sunday", probably one of the most important events on our Malawi itinerary. The focus of the service was for an agreement to be signed by myself, on behalf of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria, and also by the General Secretary of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) Blantyre. The purpose of the agreement is to join the PCV and CCAP Blantyre in a partnership of shared ministry.
Four hours that included choir praise groups, two sermons, cutting (and devouring) a partnership cake, Moderators and Clerks dancing with the praise group and several speeches. Chigamula CCAP was the host church and before a congregation of hundreds, most Synod officials, the Partnership Committee and 20 visitors from PCUSA we celebrated God's presence and his grace in a memorable service. The singing is out of this world - sweet, sincere, amazing. In an answer to prayer I felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to preach to this vast audience and they gave the Word of God their full attention. I felt so clearly that I could convey this message and I felt that there was much support from people back home praying. It's hard to convey in words how the African church celebrates partnerships with the West. They know how to receive visitors, they know how to give warm welcomes… they know how to celebrate! I'm almost thinking to myself "It's all too much and it's 'over the top'" - yet they are SO genuine and SO committed to this, that I banish such thoughts.
And then there's the catering. Again, ever catered at your church for a church dinner of 80? Maybe 100? What about 500? There was lunch for the entire congregation, and then after enjoying food and fellowship in the gentle breeze and warm sunshine I noticed that they invited the women and young children from the village nearby to come and have a plate of food!
Partnership Sunday - a foretaste of heaven.
Yes, they know how to celebrate - how exciting that the celebration is about belonging to the family of God. Back home it reminds me that I have many brothers and sisters in Christ! So thankful that God continues to bless your ministry John, and continued prayers that He will continus to do so.
ReplyDeletethanks Paula - and everyone here is asking about you and when you are coming! ... John
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