There are some things in life that you cannot avoid. I like to call these the facts of life. IE: water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen, rain falls from the sky, Louisiana is freakishly hot and humid, and I sweat like a man. It’s true. Sweating is one of my many characteristics. Yet in Africa, it seems to be the norm; second nature if you will.
Our first Sunday in Africa, we had the chance to go to church in Kampala. We went to Watoto Baptist Church. Let’s just say if I could make that my church home, I would in a heartbeat. It was one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been to and it wasn’t because of the decorations or anything in the building. I firmly believe it was because the Holy Spirit was so thick in that place and the joy of those around me was contagious. Going in, I had already decided what African church was going to be like. It exceeded my wildest dreams.
I was expecting them to sing songs like “The Circle of Life” or “Hakuna Matata”; ok, maybe not those exact songs, but something similar. They definitely sang Hillsong and lots of other contemporary songs that many would know here; like modern contemporary. Not the old school Michael W. Smith tunes.
The first word of the first song comes out of the worship leaders’ mouths and I immediately begin to weep. The people around me probably thought I was a crazy American. Nothing in all the land could have prepared me for experiencing church in another country. I cannot help but to go back to that moment in my mind. In my mind, I assumed that there was no way that people in other countries could connect with our Father. I’m not sure how that naïve thought got in my head but it was soon trumped by the sounds of beautiful African voices singing relentlessly to their creator. Singing with adoration, joy, and conviction. The sound of their voices captivated my thoughts and in turn brought me to my knees before my father. Who was I to think he could not speak and connect to these people half a world away? Who was I to assume that God is not big enough to do what he wants, when he wants, and how he desires it to be done?
These people who have very little or nothing at all sang to their savior with humility, conviction, and a unique understanding of the love the father has for them. Granted, they will never know the capacity in which the father loves them but they grasp it in a way that we Americans could never even think about. They know that they have very little but they also know, trust, and believe that in Christ they have it all; all they will ever need.
It was evident that the leaders of the church were united in one common purpose. The way they led worship and the teaching of the Word was so encouraging and left me desiring more. I was encouraged because I was worshipping with my family. Although we aren’t considered family by blood, we are covered by Jesus’ blood and that makes it all the more special for me.
I have one of the worst memories in all the land. Ask anyone around me and they can testify to this truth; I’m pretty sure my 94 year old grandpa has a better memory than me. One thing I remember my parents teaching me and my brother is that we are to always tithe no matter the circumstances. Funny how certain things stick with you. I have never seen people give with eagerness and willingness like I did this day at Watoto Church. I easily forget that the Lord moves and teaches simple truths such as tithing and rejoicing in that. I got to see people who have nothing or very little give to the Lord with an expectancy that He will act on what they have to give.
I have never sweated so much in church and been ok with it. Yet, at the same time I have never been a part of something so moving and thick with the Holy Spirit. I was surrounded by my brother and sisters in Christ, from different nations, all praising our Creator as one body. Oh I hope and pray for that day to come again so soon. Where we, as the body of Christ, come as one to lift praises to our king; that he may be glorified.
