A SUPER EXCITING CHURCH SERVICE

Took place December 12, 2010
I feel horrible that I haven’t yet written about our incredible Sunday service, especially since I know that many were praying for this day. To be honest, I am having a hard time putting my emotions into words.

THE SERVICE
At 8:30 about 80 people gathered in a circle under the shade trees. We had all the “regulars” plus several new faces. We also had missionary colleagues from Asuncion and Yuty (5 believers came with him) join us for the big day. We started the service with songs intermixed with the leaders reading scriptures, giving applications and allowing time for others to make comments. I love that each person has an opportunity to be involved in the service. When we first got to know these people, they were scared to even speak up in a small group bible study...and now they are reading the Bible for themselves, internalizing God’s word, and sharing their observations with a large group!













TESTIMONIES and BAPTISMS

Then we heard the testimonies of the four getting baptized. The first was Hermelinda. She said that she had been a Christian for 7 years, but it wasn’t until a couple years ago when she felt bad for so long after a surgery that she began reading and understanding God’s word more. Her husband, Tetito also gave his testimony. He got real emotional and began to tear up. He thanked his wife for her constant prayers, even when he was unwilling to attend church or Bible study and for her example that lead him to make a decision for Christ and follow His example in baptism.

David’s parents did not permit him to attend the “evangelicals’ church”. They didn’t want him to become a goodie-two-shoes. Instead, they encouraged him to drink and have a girl friend (and all that entails around here) and live like other teenagers. But David enjoyed his time at the youth meetings and gave his life to the Lord. Once he turned 18, his parents said that he could go and do whatever he chose....and he chose church. And, praise God, they recently gave their permission for him to be baptized.

The fourth person baptized was a surprise. We had seen this man only twice before – last week at church and at one Bible study. When he walked in this week, he saw the pool (our baptistry) filling up with water and asked what it was all about. Our missionary colleague explained about baptism and the man replied, “I need to be obedient and do that!” Man, I just love the way God works...4 completely different situations and testimonies.






TERERE and FELLOWSHIP

Next it was time for terere - a time to build friendships while drinking refreshing tea. It is amazing how much terere is a part of this culture.








ELDER INSTILLATION

After terere, we began the elder installation part of the service. Upon coming back from furlough, we were convinced that the church was ready for elders. It is a big step for the missionaries to turn over the life of the church to capable Godly men. It has taken a lot of time (our team mates came to San Francisco 10 years ago) and prayers. It has taken a lot of pouring out of ourselves and reliance upon God (never a bad combo). Over the last couple of years, two wonderful men have naturally stood out as leaders. These two men, Pedro and Higinio, were nominated by the church to be our first elders.
Can I just say (humbly) that I am so very proud of my husband? He has spent months helping these men to understand the responsibility of their new role as elder and he has helped the church members understand and accept the need for this new position of leadership. He put together a wonderful ceremony to honor these men. As he told the story of Jesus washing the disciple’s feet, he began to wash the feet of Pedro and Higinio. After that, Jeff read vows (like wedding vows) and the 2 men repeated the promises that they were making to the church. Next, the church repeated promises to the men. Next, we laid hands on the men and their wives and prayed over them.

The elders and their wives.


lay hands on the elders and praying for them.


LORD’S SUPPER

A lunch of stew, cooked over an open fire all morning, followed. When everyone was stuffed and the dishes were done, we gathered once more in a circle to partake of communion.

Lunch preparations






The forecast had called for 100% rain the entire day and we got a bit nervous that the service would be canceled or that we’d have to finish early. But, praise God, the storm clouds were held back and 30 minutes after church ended a torrential storm hit.

It was an incredible day! God is moving, he is doing some really wonderful here in San Francisco! Will you keep praying for this field that is ready for harvest?