Sunday morning, we walked around the lake (in our hosts’
backyard) to get to the road, where we could then catch a shapa (a Mozambiquan
taxi, either a kombie or a truck with a canvas covering the bed). Our
destination was Pambarra, the same place the three of us girls had done the
women’s seminar earlier. The ride seemed to drag on with the numerous stops,
standing room only, and relentless heat.
When we arrived at the church, they set up plastic chairs for us to sit on
(instead of low, wooden benches or reed mats) either because we were visitors
or white. Not sure which one it is, or maybe it’s both? Singing and dancing as
a congregation began and then different age groups performed songs. All the
visitors (us, translator and one other lady) introduced ourselves to the
congregation. Since it was Easter Sunday,
the youth had prepared a drama about Jesus’ life and death. They were very
creative in the materials they used for props and costumes (i.e. cardboard
sandals and hats). Afterwards, I preached.
Preaching on Easter seemed daunting at first, but I felt
that God had given me a message to share with them, and when the time came to
stand up, I wasn’t nervous. Using verses mainly from Isaiah, Luke, and Romans,
I talked about how Jesus fulfilled each and every prophecy to redeem us so God
could offer us his grace as a free gift. As I sat back down when I was done, I
was surprised at how clearly I had talked. The times I preached before, I had
stuttered or spoke too quickly, confusing the translator and causing me to
repeat myself until he understood what I was saying. Not this time. Thank You
Jesus!
Even though I was done preaching, the church service was not
done. (African churches tend to have at least 3-hour-long services.) Next, we
had communion. The bread: pieces of pao (Portuguese rolls). The wine: grape
juice (or something like grape) with vodka. More singing and dancing. Then the service was over. At this time, we all received a meal of
pap/shima (corn meal and water, essentially) and matapa (a dish made with
spinach-like leaves, coconut, and peanuts). In the afternoon, we walked to the
road to take another crowded shapa back home.
(Manuel?) again. (He’s the little boy that God used to speak to me, which I
mentioned in a previous blog.) I finished the Bible, reaching my goal of
reading through the complete Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in less than 4
months!!
It was definitely an Easter unlike any I’d ever experienced
before.
Ha Ha! I like this one, but the thing that I found interesting was the vodka 🙂 Your a bad girl for drinking alcohol before your 21 🙂 Just kidding. I love you lots!
Good for you Claire! Seems like some milestones were met this week! The whole Bible done eh? Fantastic work! I hope it was a valuable exercise. Glad you got to reunite with your little friend.
Becca, you’re a preacher! That is so cool! I know how God is able to make your voice strong & unwavering, that has happened to me also. Man, I love you so much!