Corporate worship is good. Getting together with other believers, singing praises to our Lord is something that can transcend cultural differences.
Our first three Sundays in South Sudan we found ourselves in Rumbek town, out of necessity, worshipping in a more international setting.
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| The drummers |
Today, as we are now living at the house on the Baptist property, we find ourselves at a small Baptist fellowship situated just behind the Baptist property.
The drums begin as early as 7:00, when the sky begins to lighten, letting the community know that this is the day of worship and calling them to church.
Church services can be quite lengthy in many African countries, continuing late into Sunday afternoon. So far we have not had that experience in South Sudan -- it is just too hot! I believe effort is made to begin early so that by the afternoon when the sun is at full strength folks can rest in the shade.
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| Worshipping together |
This particular fellowship meets under a large tree. Our pews are tree branches. The choruses sung are known by all, except us; but we are willing learners. The leader usually sings the beginning verse and everyone repeats; so if we have quick ears and a good memory we can sing part of it at least. If not we can always join by clapping because with every chorus there is rhythmic clapping.
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| Sharing biblical truth |
As the worship progresses, Jerry is asked to preach the sermon. There is one in the congregation who may be able to translate into the Dinka language. Jerry storys out of the book of Mark. The story is told and translated. It seems, however, that oral storying is a new concept to these folks as well as to the translator. Jerry had great difficulty getting the translator to translate the question allowing others to respond; instead the translator would answer the question himself. We went on to retelling the story. That seemed to be a difficult concept as well because as others came up they would tell a different story or relate an incident, almost like a time of testimony. We decided that while this wasn't storying as it is meant to be, still, truths were taught, praise to God was proclaimed and worship was experienced, all the the glory of God. After all, isn't that what church is all about?
