Worship on the other side of the world

Good morning!

We had a great Sunday here yesterday worshipping with the congregations at both Fish Hoek Baptist and Masi yesterday. And let me tell you- I was blown away by the the passion they have for the Lord. Fish Hoek was pretty similar to how our church services go...with one exception- the way they pray for each other! I was so inspired by how they care for their church members there and specifically how John Thomas has such a deep involvement in the people he leads. So much so, that he actually named someone out from stage for not having been there in 6 months!! It was funny to us, because it sounded like he was calling them out for skipping church but he knew they had been sick or dealing with something so he was really just expressing praise that they made it there. And of course listening to his accent (and even Bill Bedi's and Shane Osuna's impersonation of his accent) is always a joy! :)

After worship at Fish Hoek, we sprinted over to Masi to experience worship with them. And that is an experience I will never forget!! Through my time in Guatemala and here, I have begun loving worship in other languages! I sometimes forget that God doesn't just speak English :) Never have I seen people worship the Lord so unhinderedly (not sure if thats a word but give me a break.) The choir was not there yesterday but for those of you who have been over here before and are thinking that we missed out-- no worries-- the congregation held their own! One of my favorite things about our time there was watching these 2 little girls that were in front of me, probably only 2 years old, imitate their parents worship. They were dancing in the aisles and singing right along with everyone. I pray that our parents in America would learn to teach their children how to worship "unhinderedly." I began thinking about what it would be like if we didn't have standards in worship. If my soul couldn't contain the joy that the Lord has given me, how would I express my worship to him? If I didn't care about what other people were thinking, would I be doing a conga line down the church aisles and burst out in any song that Lord placed on my heart? I don't think I've ever been to a church in America where the pews would be big enough for that. We've talked a little the past few days about how we always seem to walk away with more blessings from these kinds of trips that we may be dishing out. My worship time yesterday with my brothers and sisters in Christ from around the globe, will surely be a moment I will never forget.

After church, we had lunch over at John Thomas's house in Muizemburg (I'm sure I just completrely butchered that.) His house is absolutely amazing, with a view unlike one I've ever seen from a home. And they're selling it...hmm. Mom, John...feel like moving to South Africa?? You guys would LOVE the ministries over here. Just sayin'. :)

We went to the market yesterday afternoon to get a few goodies. Then dinner at McDonalds. Last night we spent some time doing last minute prep for VBS that starts today!! I am so excited to finally see the faces I've been praying for for so long. As beautiful as this country is, I have a feeling the kids I will meet today will be even more beautiful! I will be working with 10-14 year olds, and my team members, Dora and Matthew, will each have groups of the younger ones. Mzo, our LifeSkills Educator that works in Red Hill regularly, has asked specifically that we pray for the families in Red Hill. He asked that we pray for a revival there. I am going to be intentional about talking with the parents I meet. Pray that we represent Christ well this week.

Love and miss you all!