Sunday, January 09, 2011

I feel like my life is split into two very different worlds here in SA. It is very conflicting and hard to get my mind around. Last Sunday I went with some co-workers to a village church. We arrived right on time but church didn't even begin until half an hour past the set time. I was one of the few people there that drove to church. Most everyone walked. The church slowly filled up and midway through the service they brought out a wooden bench for the children so that the adults could use the plastic outdoor chairs. The floor of the church was dirt and the roof of the church was an old tarp used to try keep out the hot sun. I was the only white person and actually the only white visitor they had ever had. Visitors were welcomed and encouraged to come share a word, sing or pray. The music and dance was lively with a keyboard and drums and lots of people willing to come up front to sing. Worship was spontaneous with the Spirit seeming to lead people to stand or sit or raise hands or even dance. Several times during the service the pastor asked us to greet or speak to others in the church. Everyone was embracing one another and showing a lot of love. At offering time the people of the church walked forward and gave their money. The Pastor read the word of God and spoke loud words of encouragement to the congregation about how God can change our lives. The heat made my legs stick together and I had sweat dripping down my back. The service was about 2 1/2 hours long. After church was over some people began walking home and many others began packing up the sound/music equipment and chairs.

Today I went to a church in a nearby town. The service started on time and the parking lot was full of shiny vehicles as most people drove to church. The air conditioning was on and the padded seats were comfortable. The color of my skin was not the minority but the majority. Visitors were neither welcomed or encouraged to participate. The music was lead by a few hearty singers who remained seated in the congregation. A sweet elderly lady played the piano. We were told when to sit and when to stand and each of the songs were neatly listed on the overhead. Some men "took up" the offering as we sat comfortably in our seats. The word of God was read at seemingly appropriate times during the service. The Pastor's sermon was quiet and well-thought-out teaching about how Jesus' has called us to live. At exactly 1 hour and 15 min church was over and the congregation fled to the tables serving tea, coffee and cookies and then enjoyed talking and greeting one another.

These two church services could hardly be more different. I can't judge and say one is right and the other is wrong. Only God knows the hearts of His people. The young people whole heatedly singing at the first church may match the sincerity in the heart of the elderly lady loving playing the piano at the other church. Both Pastors may have the same desire to share God's word to others. All I can say is that it is confusing for me right now and it makes my heart feel unsettled. It makes me wonder where I belong.

I am thankful I accepted my co-workers invitation to visit his church. At the end of the service the Pastor thanked me for coming and said, "You have shown us respect by coming to our church." At that moment I forgot how hot and thirsty I was and how my back was stuck to the plastic chair. I forgot how uncomfortable I felt having others dancing around me and singing in a language I didn't understand. I forgot about the fact that I was the only white face in the crowd. I forgot how nervous I felt when I was handed the microphone to speak. Suddenly, I felt God's blessing pour over me and I felt as if Jesus was smiling down upon me.

1 comment:

andrea said...

Wow, that is hard to wrap your mind around... All I can say is that first service sounds heavenly, wish I had been there.