Sunday the Day of REST!
I missed seeing our Ludlati kids today, but I was also thankful for some rest. The other team members reiterated the same sentiment. We went to Pastor Walter’s church today. People usually arrive early, and singing gets started before church officially starts. It’s so cool to get out of the van and hear singing eminating quietly and some distance from the church. As we approach the level increases in a nice crescendo as we enter through the open front door. The music is only made of voices at this church, but it is so full and rich. Harmonies flowing beautifully. Hand claps, foot stomps and bible thumps serve as rhythm at appropriate times and metres. The church service starts with several songs. Later, the offering is given, testimonies are shared, and then the pastor preaches his message. But everything really flows together like a symphony. At every transition, a song is sung which keeps the music flowing as people move toward the front or to sit down again. The flow of the Spirit is never broken as songs are started at random by one inspired voice, and everyone else joins for the whole song. The flow of the Spirit continues duirng prayers as people sing quietly while others pray aloud with praises, thanksgiving, requests and sufferings made known to God before the entire body, and the singing does not stop until everyone is finished with their prayer. Everyone on the team enjoyed the service, and a few touched personally by the message. Near the end of the service, they asked us to stand up and introduce ourselves. Everyone was warm and friendly with us. It was awesome.
After church we noticed a few things. The church was full, but there was only four cars in the lot. Two were for our team and leaders, one was for Pastor Walter (given to him as a gift), and one more car. Most of the people walked to church. We also gave a ride home to a family. They had seven kids between 2 and 12 years old ride with us in the van, and two adult ladies and one teenager in the other car. As we were driving along, I noticed that we had been driving for more than a few minutes. Then we left the rural dirt road, and turned onto the main road, and sped along for another few minutes. One of the team members turned and asked do they walk this far to church?! It must have been about 3-4 miles. After we dropped them off, we asked our driver if they walk this far to church, and he said “yes”.
This will be the last post from Swaziland. I am out of funds to purchase internet access at the hotel, but I will post more pictures and stories after I return home. Tomorrow we will visit Ludlati carepoint one more time to say goodbye to the kids. It will be difficult for all of us to say goodbye. For now, please enjoy the pictures from church today, and look for some more pictures and posts given after we return home. Pastor Walter is in the suit, and a young man named Musa is in the white shirt. He is an awesome Discipleship Team leader. Some of you may remember him singing in the video I shared from last trip where he was singing and dancing with the kids. He was no less an inspiration today as he helped lead songs, and interpret the messages. We took a picture with Dennis, our guide for the week at the AIM office in Manzini. He is the guy in the blue shirt and yellow tie. Dennis’ lovely wife, Zwagele, is shown holding her nephew. Dennis and Zwagele shared their amazing story of meeting, dating, engagement and marriage. It is quite a story we will have to share sometime. They are currently expecting a baby, and we are excited for them to expand their family with a child.
This mountain is said to look like a lion laying on the ground. Can you see it?
At the market to purchase some souvenirs.
Zwagele shows Michelle how to carry things on her head.
Michelle’s turn.
Posted by Don at 03:37 PM. Filed under: Travels • Ludlati Visit 2010 •
