All Across the Earth

During American worship services, I've heard lots of pastors, worship leaders, prayer leaders, etc make note of the fact that as their church comes together on Sunday mornings, so too are churches meeting all over the world. They would talk about the "global church," and how God is drawing people to Himself from every tribe, tongue, and nation- that there are Christians in every corner of the earth praising God at that very moment (adjusting according to time zone, of course). Sitting in those American pews (or folding chairs, woot woot Evergreen readers), I would respond to such an idea without thinking about what that really meant. I never really pictured actual people coming together to worship Jesus in their own neighborhoods, and how very different it could be from the church where I was sitting in that pew/chair.

This morning, as I went to church, it felt like I stepped right into the thick of that very idea. We heard about Chisoma Baptist Church from a friend, and thought it would be a good place to visit this morning. After getting lost on the way there (this happens often, as most streets are not marked), we arrived at Matero Boys Basic School, where this church was supposed to meet. Little did we know that there were actually at least a dozen churches that met in this particular school; each one claiming it's own dingy little classroom as it's sanctuary. We asked someone which room was the Baptist church, and he led us down an outdoor corridor to the very one. Along the way, we passed each church; pausing to listen to their songs and trying to absorb the meaning of the prayers being prayed in their local language. Each one was so different, and so unique in their style of praise.

Chisoma Baptist was made up of about 40 people, including lots of kids (another woot to Evergreen), and was led by a wonderful pastor who preached an excellent sermon on Paul's conversion from Acts 9. He spoke in English and Nyanja; going back and forth, back and forth throughout his sermon (quite impressive, really). We sang worship songs in the local language as well, and though we could understand only a few words, it was clear that this church loved the Lord and sought to praise Him with their songs.

While I cannot vouch for each of these little churches, nor their individual theologies, I can say that this little school was resounding with the name of Jesus this morning. Maybe next time your pastor mentions churches around the world, this school will come into your mind- I pray that if it does, you will be reminded that God is indeed who He says He is- the King of all Kings, and the Lord of all Lords. As such, let everything and everyone that has breath all across this earth praise His holy name.