Church

 

Church is defined as “a house of worship.” I have seen all types of churches in my life, from very elaborate St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow to Abadia de Monterserrat in Spain to little country churches near home. And everything in between. What is the one thing that they have in common? They are all places of worship.

So, if a place of worship is a church, then I have been in a multitude of churches in my life. I worship and praise my Lord and God everywhere. I especially like to pray to him when I am in nature. So, if I am praising God in the forest, the forest is my church at that time. If I am next to a lake or a stream, then they are my church. I praise God on my deck in the morning. That to me, is church. And, I praise Him when I’m driving, so my car becomes my church. I praise Him at work. My desk area is my church. I praise Him when in the shower, doing dishes, making cards. All of those areas become church at that time. 

God is there, wherever I am. He is with me. He is with you. And He deserves our praise, no matter what your “church” looks like at the time. After all, a church is a place of worship. And we should worship Him everywhere we go.

A Little Bit of “Home”

 

This morning, it was tough to get out of bed. I had my windows open and it was a bit chilly in my apartment. I had hoped to go to Dominion Valley Park for the church service. Since it was the Gospel Music Festival, I knew the music and the preaching would be great. But, with the cooler temperatures and rain in the forecast for the day, I decided not to go. Now, what do I do? I really wanted to stay home and listen to a service online. Then, I realized that it was Pentecost Sunday. I had to go to church. So, I hurried and got ready to go to worship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

I decided to worship at a church that I had visited a couple of times before. This small congregation was very welcoming. And, as I sat there, listening to announcements and all the stuff that seemed to go on before the “official” start of the service, I realized something. My organized self wanted things to get moving, start on time, end on time, everything during the service should be orchestrated perfectly. It wasn’t. What I realized was that this was a community of believers, invested and truly interested in each other’s lives. They shared news of what was happenening and praised God for working in their lives and in the lives of others. They were invested more in relationships than in following the clock to the minute. It was obvious that they loved the Lord and each other and they shared that love with whoever walked through the church doors. 

The service reminded me of church in Kalsagri, one of the small village churches that I served in Ghana. Powerful prayers. Lively music. Instead of ushers taking the offering, people walked up and gave it ( In Ghana, they danced up to give the offering), walking around and praying when the Spirit moved people to do so. Powerful preaching with an altar call and a specific challenge to live the week ahead for Christ, leaving a legacy that reflects Christ and Christ alone. This church was a glimpse into the services at Kalsagri. Those services were longer, louder, livelier. I know that you may think I am out of place in a church like I was in today. I’m quieter. I kinda stay in my pew and don’t move around much. It took me a long time to loosen up when in Kalsagri. But, just because I’m “just sitting there” doesn’t mean the Spirit isn’t working in me. I appreciate the church where I worshipped today. It was like being home. And, if God can do that for me, imagine what He can do for you!

Be blessed today. 

Market Sunday Thoughts

 

Last Sunday was Market Day in Lawra. On Market Day, we worship at 7:00 am instead at 9:30 am. This gives the women time to go to church and then walk into Lawra to buy and sell. We have been doing this for two years now. I am hoping people realize that this is what happens every Sunday Market day.

 

Recently, I read a quote that said that God isn't interested in quantity, He is interested in quality. I was reminded of that on Sunday. I was sitting there, in church, wondering, "Where is everyone?" There were two funerals that day and it was market day, but, it was still early. And, I was a bit disappointed that only 25 people came to worship. But, then, I began to look around....

 

The two boys pictured above are in their early 20s, Samuel on the left and Josbeth on the right. A year ago, Josbeth would barely speak aloud. He had a hard time reading both English and Dagaare. And now, he jumps at every chance he has to read the scripture in Dagaare during the service. He leads the Dagaare responses and even preached a week ago! I am so proud of him and the way he has been open to God's leading.

 

Then, I looked to my right to Ernestina. Oh, how she loves the Lord! She is so passionate when she gives testimony of what God has done. She prays and praises with her whole being! Wisdom, a boy in grade five, stood up and testified that the day before, he almost didn't come to church for our Bible class because his friend, Godfred wasn't able to come. But, he came anyway. Wisdom reads Dagaare very well. And, because he has been coming to classes and reads the scripture in church for all to hear, he was given a Dagaare New Testament. He said that receiving that Book was the best day ever!

 

So, what do I have to worry about? Nothing! God has it all under control. I think I will trust Him. He has used these people who came to worship that numbers aren't everything, He is!