Sunday – “Sing Praises to His Name!”

Imagine non-stop streams of passionate praise for two hours before the beginning of a message………gifted praise singers, self-taught, talented musicians, heartfelt praise!  That is Sunday worship at New Life Church.  Caught up in the beauty of Praising the Lord, we didn’t even notice the time (until later, anyway).  Carrie and Micki again shared in the worship with their beautiful voices, and as we sang together, it was a preview of heaven when we will all be together praising Him forever!  A visiting pastor from Mauritania shared the message, challenged us to return to our first love, turning away from “the other Jesus’” that we can create for ourselves.  It was a stirring message, and many came forward to receive Jesus .  The entire service lasted almost 4 hours………how many would have stayed for that length of time in the typical American church?  Yet, it was an amazing time of worship and praise, sharing and seeing God at work.

As we were preparing to go back to the center after lunch, we heard a choir singing outside our rooms.  Curious, we went out to see what they were doing.  They were a church choir from a neighboring town who are here to participate in the Jubilee Celebration of the 50^th year of independence for Burundi this weekend.  We enjoyed watching them dance and sing thanksgiving for these 50 years, and as we were about to the leave , they have moved in front of the conference center where we are staying, practicing another special dance and song.  Unable to resist,  John joined the front line of singers/dancers, attempting to follow their graceful moves – which brought huge smiles, laughter and great delight to onlookers.  At the end of the song, the director invited John, Micki and me to join the choir and follow along with them.  We feebly attempted to keep up with their movements – were the objects of many photos and onlookers – and their videographer who recorded the entire production.  We did not do them justice, but it was certainly fun to join in with them.  How gracious of them to invite us!  It ended with lots of hugs and smiles, with the director’s promise to send us a CD.  Now that should be one for the memory chest!

Then off to the center where 60 precious children quietly and patiently awaited us.  Such beautiful faces, bright eyes!  Once we arrived, they broke into song (this seems to be in the genes!), joyous voices of praise.  Micki then led them in some of the songs children sing in the US, and they chimed right in, actions and all.  Bright children!!  Anna prepared a Bible lesson on Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and as team members acted out the story, the children followed with wide eyes as they heard about the Amazing God who protected Daniel even from lions and honored his prayers.  Then each one made a lion mask.  Imagine these little ones quietly sitting on the floor and around the few tables they have, patiently putting the pieces together for the lion, helping one another, sharing materials with no conflict or chaos.  I’m trying to imagine that happening at home…………As usual, the moms were equally interested in making their own lion.  One mother was urging her 4 year old to hurry up with the glue stick so she could make hers!  Lions complete, we prayed together, shared the salvation message and spent time just loving on these precious children.  No one seemed that eager to leave.  It was such a sweet time with them and their mothers.  Such an encouragement to know that there are boys and girls hearing God’s Word, future spiritual giants for this country.  How we pray for them and the impact they can have on their nation.