Church

I don't remember whether I've spoken a lot about church in Africa. I've fellowshipped with several churches since being here, each both unique and similar in its own way. When we are in Ouaga, we have met with a small group called Eglise Baptiste de la Grace. I've enjoyed our times meeting with them, and they have been an encouragement to me even though they are almost all Mossi, so I don't understand anything that's said. I usually just clap to the music and sing the English words if I recognize and know the song (but that's not common). If I can understand in French what passage is being preached on, I'll read along while it's preached. Otherwise, I try to look pensive and not let my mind drift away from the things of God too much. Here is a video of what music is like...




A funny story from church happened a couple of weeks ago. Because we are white men, they like to honor us by asking us to pray. I'm sure if we spoke French or Moure we would be asked to preach quiet often, too. So the other week, I could tell by Pastor Andre's (who is a somewhat awkwardly tall man who always has a giant smile on his face) looks at me that he had just announced that he'd like me to pray over the offering or sermon or ordinance, I can't remember. So, as normal, I began to pray out loud in English knowing that the Lord understands each language and the heart of every man. Now because Pastor Andre does not know English, I suppose he was just waiting for an "Amen" or something that signaled the close of my prayer. He must have confused something I said for that, because while I still had a good amount of prayin' left in me, I heard him say "Amina, barka Wendnaam (Amen, praise/bless God)." So I look up and see that he has moved on and kind of awkwardly sit back done. Some women on the other side of the room looked at me and could tell that I had not finished my prayer. They informed Pastor Andre, who looked over at me with huge eyes that showed he was pretty embarressed and didn't know whether he should let me finish or just keep going. I waved my hands and just said, "Se bon. Se fini. Barka Wendnaam (It's good. It's finished. Praise/bless God)." Fun times at church in Africa.