First we pray, then we play.....

 

Today we attended the Presbyterian Church of Zambia, Chelstone Congregation. As we entered the church, the choir was singing a beautiful hymn and the entire congregation was swaying to the rhythm of the music. The minister called the Sunday school children to the front of the church where they sang a song for the congregation. The minister, Reverend Tonga, then asked the children to line up, smaller children first, taller children to the back. He said "Ten-hut!" The children stood up tall and came to attention.  Reverend Tonga said "You are Presbyterian soldiers for Jesus!"  Hut 2,3,4! and out the door they marched to Sunday school.  Sunday school was held out under a tree in the backyard of the church.

The service was BOYB, bring your own bible. The minister gave the congregation 6 scriptures and encouraged them to read these devotionals during the week.  Many members began taking notes and writing in their bibles.

The sermon was from Luke 5:1-11, Jesus calls his first disciples. Reverend Tonga said you need to develop three things to have a deeper relationship with the Lord:  prayer, scripture study, and a relationship with God and man.  He used the example of a tree having deep roots in order to grow and flourish, shallow roots cause plants to shrivel and die.  The sermon was delivered with great enthusiasm and passion.  The end of the sermon was met with applause.  At the conclusion of the service, Team Zambia was introduced to the congregation.  After we shook hands with the minister, each person joined the receiving line to shake the hands of everyone in the congregation.  It was an inspiring service filled with joyous music and an enthusiastic response.

 

After church, Keven drove us to "the market" held in the parking lot of a strip mall.  The vendors were selling all kinds of items such as colorful shirts, skirts, hand bags, carvings, jewelry, table cloths (PS Mike- I bought one) and other African items.  There was lots of anxiety over our haggling skills.  Some of us felt quite confident while others were willing to pay the asking price or more just to avoid the haggle.  The sellers were very persistent, one even followed us to our lunch table!  We had a lot of fun converting kwachas to dollars and comparing our purchases.

 

Another great day for Team Zambia!

 

Linda