Sunday – “Come before Him with gladness and joyful songs”

One of our favorite days in Burundi – Sunday!  Those who make their way to Life Center Church definitely come with gladness in their hearts and boldness in their joyful singing!

You are instantly drawn into the spirit of worship, recognition of Who God is, His attributes, His Power, His love.  Reverence and a since of awe at His presence fills the open-air pavilion.  The Spirit moves freely, beautifully as the expression of worship in song continues, building into a crescendo of jubilant celebration.  No need to understand the words; our spirits recognize His Spirit.  They do sing some songs in English, many of which we sing in the US, but it’s the Kirundi songs I enjoy the best.  Just sitting, soaking up the voices of the congregation – and you do hear the congregation fully participating – ring to the rafters.  This is beautiful worship!

A dear Rwandan woman continued her testimony she began Friday night.  It is one of pain, abuse, which she shares with complete vulnerability.  We wonder how willing someone would be to do so in the US…..but the focus is on grace, His Grace!  The grace theme continues as Apollinaire shared the message today.  His question was, “What are we doing??”  He asked four people from the body to come to the stage for a “forum” to discuss the nature of salvation and the church.  They had not been prompted beforehand.  One by one, Apollinaire asked precise questions:

What is salvation?  What is the church?  Who is the Holy Spirit?  What is our part as a believer in God’s plan?  Light subjects, huh.  Each one clearly expressed Biblically solid, clear explanations for each question.  And it all centered on GRACE.  Peace was the fourth person on the panel, and she beautifully summarized the content of all the questions, emphasizing the incomparable grace of God and how He lives in and through us.  As believers, we are to be His reflection to the world….and Apollinaire’s questions ended with an examination of just how well we are doing at that.  It could have been a sermon in the US; anywhere.  Key elements of the faith clearly and openly presented. 

Time goes by quickly at Life Center Church, though their worship is from 8:30 to about 1:00.  Amazing, truly, that the hours pass quickly.

To continue this day of worship and reflection, we had lunch and spent the afternoon by the lake.  How peaceful the water is!  Just resting in the gentle breeze, warm sun, strolling along the shore, marveling at the majesty and power of the waves was soothing to the soul.  

Each night we gather to pause, reflect and express our thoughts about the day.  The team is working together beautifully, absorbing Burundi with all its challenges and delights.  We are always overwhelmed with the graciousness and hospitality of the Burundi people. So much to learn from them!

Tomorrow we return to Homecare to spend more time with these dear widows and orphans.  Please continue to pray for them as they move forward in their walk with the Lord and skill training.  How we thank God for the amazing staff here who live Jesus every day before these women and all they serve.  Pray for continued health and stamina for the team, and that we may continue to learn from one another in special ways.