Church the African Way

A few weeks ago we decided that it was high time that we ventured out to African church. We have church on the ship on a Sunday evening and also in the mornings in the hospital wards but crew are encouraged to attend a local church. However it proves quite the challenge due to the traffic, the heat and the long services that are often not in English. Some churches have translators which helps. We headed out to Waterloo, about an hour from the ship, to the Evangel Baptist Church.

The greeting and prayers.

We happened to be at a special service to celebrate the men's fellowship and there were quite the number of offerings. There was a general offering, a men's offering, a women's offfering, a youth offering and a children's offering. Before each of the offerings a group representing the offerings recipients got up and sung an item. Above Andrew is battling his way back to his seat, through all the women in traditional African dress, from the offering plate-located at the front of the church.

The singing is magic in Africa. Africans certainly know how to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. It is loud but melodic, passionate and joyful. We sang a few traditional hymns then some choruses in the local language of Krio. One of our favoutrit Krio songs is "Tell Papa God Tenky"-"Tell Father God Thank you". One of the guys from the ship preached while a member of the congregation translated.

We were made thoroughly welcome in every way! In the middle of the service all the newcomers had to stand and Mercy Ships crew were asked where they were from, their names and and what we did on the ship. Locals had to state their name and who brought them along to church that day. After all the intros we all sat down and the rest of the congregation stood and greeted us. I reckon we shook 100 hands! At the end of the service we were ushered to the front of the church where cold soft drinks were waiting for the "white folk" and Digestive biscuits. The locals ate traditional food and drank out of the corner of small plastic bags of liquid.

Andrew having his drink.

The local kids love to have their photos taken but most of the time they do not smile, even when asked.

The pulpit with it's very old bible and proudly flying the Sierra Leone flag.

Some children out the front of the church carrying wares to sell. Children begin to learn to carry things on their heads at a very young age and by the time they are adults the are very adept, carrying large and awkward objects such as long planks of wood, buckets of coal and baskets of live chickens. It is amazing to see!



Goodbye Evangel Baptist-this was taken out the back of the land rover as we were getting in.