Two weeks ago, the whole family drove about 45 minutes outside of town to visit a little church in "the bush". Of course, 45 minutes isn't much, but it really is the bush! People live in little huts and grow crops to feed themselves. There is no electricity or running water, and the nearest health post is quite a distance away. The quiet and beauty of the area is so nice to see, though for those living there of course it is nothing new.
This little church was started by some of Kevin's students, who walk every Sunday from their homes about 30 minutes away to pastor the little group of believers. Kevin received a warm welcome there last year, and he wanted us to come and meet them this year. I really wish we could take each of you along to visit, as it is impossible to convey the whole experience in a short post here. So, I'll just give a few details.
We picked up the evangelist along the road so he could guide us to the spot, and after bumping for about another 30 minutes along dirt roads, we came to the church. Made of stick and daub, with a straw roof, the inside has mud benches and was decorated with bits of paper and flowers (from nearby bushes) hanging from the low ceiling. We were about 30 minutes early for the service, and we settled near the car to wait. Every few minutes, someone would come over to greet us as they arrived, while the boys ran around exploring and the elders met inside the church to decide on the program for that morning.
When it was time for church, we all assembled inside and the singing began. We all sang together for a little while, and the drum beat the rhythm, then there were several special presentations of little choirs. Each had prepared two or three songs. Then it was time for announcements, which were given in Makua and in Portuguese, then for the preaching. Kevin gave a sermon of 45 minutes or so, translated into Makua by the evangelist. Afterward, there was a time to pray for various people, then the offering. This is often an exciting event, and this was no different. While the singing got louder and louder, people dance up to the person holding the offering plate and put their money in. Then, each of us was grabbed and brought up to the altar as an "offering". A few seconds after you arrive, someone comes along and takes you back to the arm and leads you back to your seat. Quite fun, if you know what is going on! Neither Toby or Ben did and they started to panic a bit until we helped the "grabbers" to reassure the boys.
After the service, which lasted about 3 hours, we sat and chatted with a few people while our lunch was prepared. A chicken had been killed when we arrived that morning, and this was prepared in an oily sauce with tomatoes and onions. A big plate of white rice was also ready for us, and this was put on a table inside the church with two cokes and a fanta for us. A salad with lettuce and tomatoes was put out for us too. It is always interesting to see who will eat with us, and this time it was just us. I'm not sure why the pastor eats with us sometimes, and sometimes not - perhaps it has something to do with how much food is available. But this time, it was just for our family. We used to feel really bad about this, but now accept the gift for what it is and eat heartily and with thanksgiving. The boys have adjusted and usually eat the chicken happily, along of course with the rice.
After we finished eating, we came outside and thanked them for the meal, then it was time to go. A couple of church members piled in our car to take advantage of the ride, and we bumped off again toward home. We had left home at 7:30 that morning, and returned at 2:30 that afternoon. You can see why the boys and I don't go every Sunday! But we enjoyed this trip out to see these lovely believers and encourage them. Kevin wrote about this over at his blog as well, but I wanted to put up some more photos. - Cami
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