As soon as I left the airport in Port Harcourt I knew that I was really in Africa. Lagos doesn’t count. It is an ecosystem all to itself. An ecosystem that has absolutely nothing ot do with anything green. But Port harcourt threw out the welcome to Africa banner loud and clear, green and lush and flat long savannas. Also my taxi driver told me two things one – make sure to sit behind me its the safest place in the vehicle and two – I was formerly with the airforce so you don’t need to worry I can take care of any trouble. Yes I was definitely in Africa.
The next day Sunday morning I was priviledged for the first time since leaving the US to be able to worship with a congregation in english. That was certianly a joyful treat for me. And the congregation in Port Harcourt was a wonderful treat in and of themselves. They started out with Sunday School during which the Pastor asked the children to recite the books of the Old Testament. I decided not to mention that I probably couldn’t quite make it through them all either, maybe something I should brush up on. After Sunday School they launched in to good old page 5. At different points in the service they gave their offerings, actually at three different points in the service. My understanding is that each of the different times was for something different, maybe general fund, Sunday school, mission work, something like that. At this point in the service is when the Africans really show off their Africaness. They start dancing and clapping and pull out the heavy deep throbing beat that is Africa. Hearing it you can’t help but feel the deep joy and praise of the Lord which they are expressing in their native tongue. This was the only time in the service when they did not use english. Near the end of the service the pastor asked anyone for whom this was their first time at church to stand up so they could welcome them properly. Despite the fact that it was my first time at that church the thought that he meant me as well never even crossed my mind until the pastor made it obvious that I should be standing up. After the service I talked with the congregation for a long time about the state of their church what they needed how we could best help and many other things. The members were obviously very intelligent, being not only well educated but well trained in the word of God. Some of them even quoted Spokesmen articles to me. All in all it was a very encouraging visit and certianly a wonderful example of the Spirit of the Lord at work among our African brothers. Pictures of this congregation are below.
– Matthew Ude
