Church

It is now just after 2pm on Sunday. After breakfast we went to church here at New Hope. I really enjoyed the experience (it's Tamra,by the way). They started with a song from the choir (it's children, with 1 lady). Then Uncle Jonnes welcomed us and explained that because the morning was darker than usual, most people would be late. There were several worship songs and then a break for announcements and other things. Uncle Jonnes made a special moment for Father's Day. He read from Genesis 12 where God calls out Abraham and says that he'll bless him and the whole world through him. He had all of the fathers stand and receive cheers.
The next announcement was quite interesting. We were all very confused at first, but it slowly became clear. A young man went around the room like he was looking for someone and everyone laughed. Eventually, he grabbed another young man and brought him to the front. Everyone cheered and clapped. He was introduced by Unlce Simon, then things became clear (at least they started too). Uncle Simon ask Auntie Constance to find the young lady that this young man had been zoning in on. As she went around the church, she finally came to a young lady and brought her up front. Uncle Simon then explained that these two had been getting to know each other under the guidance of the elders and their parents, and now they wanted to make their relationship known. You see, here men and women are not friends. In order to maintain the right relationships and focus on families, men and women do not go around alone if they are not married. There may be groups for people that are doing something together, but never just a man and a woman alone. So, in order for these two young people to begin spending more time together, walking around, praying, talking in public, their relationship has been announced and introduced to the community. Their wedding is set for August 24th, if my memory and understanding is correct. Also, at this time it was announced that if anyone in the community had a concern or reason as to why these two should not continue in relationship, they should bring it to the elders. The community was instructed not to talk about it amongst themselves and not to go directly to the young man or woman, but rather to bring it to the elders. This would allow the elders to assist and see if it really was a concern.
Of course, this whole thing probably has many negative reactions by different folks, but I actually think it is good. I don't think we westerners have any right to criticize or speak negatively of this tradition, because we have a horrible track record regarding successful marriages and families. I'm not meaning to say that it should be this way every where but just that I don't see anything wrong with it. Perhaps it sounds antiquated or controlling, but I think it shows great respect for God's intentions regarding the relationship between a man and a woman. Having heard so many people, youth and adults, say that they don't see how someone could get married without having dated a bunch of people, I totally disagree. I believe that God has a perfect plan for each one of us. I'd say that sometimes the dating around and mixing up of relationships between our young people can interfere with God's desire to bless them abundantly.
Now, back to the church service. :) They took time to welcome the different guests and had them introduce themselves and/or their groups. Also, they had prayer time for those that will be leaving this week, in order to send them off under prayer. Then there was more music before the message.
Today's message was about living in Christ. Uncle Simon focused on Acts 2:36-39 and Luke 9:21-27.
So, once we receive the Holy Spirit, we are to die to ourselves. We take up our crosses daily and follow Christ. He talked about the 5 P's to give up or die to: Possessions, Power, Pride, Position, and Prestige. I believe these make perfect sense and you can understand this message without further explanation.
Throughout the service, I found myself marveling at God's word. It is eternal and universal. The message I heard today in the bush country of Uganda could have been given in any city of America, and I imagine anywhere else on earth. It wouldn't even have needed to be edited. Gods word is true for all man, everywhere, and at all times. Perhaps the tangible items that are in our possessions or the things that we want power over are different, but the 5 P's are a problem for all of us. I pray that each of us seeks to know Christ and die to ourselves, that we might truly follow Him.