We went to church with Sam this morning. This was a wonderful experience. We arrived about 25 minutes early, took a couple of pictures and waited until the first services were completed. There were two worship buildings (one in English and one in the local language), a couple of small out building for children(one English speaking and the other in local language), a 20x30 prayer tent/guest reception/council time area and a couple of resource and ministry tables outside covered in books written by Max Lucado, Joyce Myer, etc. People travel up to three hours to come to church on Sundays. Once inside there were about 800 plastic "patio" style chairs in four sections.
The service began, I thought we were back in the US. The music sounded just like you would here at Zion with a bit of a accoustical bounce. First song was "Arise" - the people cried out for God to fill this place and God showed up to inhabit the praises of His people. By the middle of "Arise" the place was packed and the echo of the voices and music was awesome. These people came to worship and it didn't matter what type of building it was in, or if the HVAC was too hot or too cold or how good the Audio Visual equipment performed. These people came to worship Jesus. The second song was "I am Free" and I couldn't help it but all I was thinking about was how Jesus set me free and how He is doing that in Maddie's life. The last two songs were "Open the Eyes of Heart" and "Alleuia, for the Lord God All Mighty Reigns". Satan, the Hindi and Mussilum gods didn't have a chance in this place. The message was on honoring God in everything you do (worship, quiet time, service, work, relationships) and how God has a Full Measure of blessings he wants to give us, if we are willing to honor God in every part of our lives.
After a whirl-wind week in India, it was so nice to go to a church that was so authentic.
The digtal camera's batteries finally ran out before church started. So, our picture taking has been completed.
Keith
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Bethel AG Church International
Posted by Ashley at 5:06 AM
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2 comments:
Sounds like you had a wonderful worship experience. Yes, it humbling to see how far Indian people will go just to sit in a service. Definitely a lesson to be learned for all of us! Let us know your flight number from Frankfurt so we can find you at the airport. I'll bring cameras so we can capture your getting off the plane. See you Tuesday.
Can't wait to see you Tuesday!!! At least the batteries lasted until time for you to come home. It has been a joy to see all of you and to, sort of, meet Maddie in the pictures and stories.
Love to all, A
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