08-17-08

We went to a township church with the Shikwambane family this morning. We had our first experience riding a taxi. The families usually take a taxi (which seats about 15 people) to church because their cars can't fit all 10 people in their home that are headed to church. This township church, just like last week, got off to a rolling start...meaning that when the service starts very few people are there. We sing the rest of the congregation in during the next 3 or 4 songs. We love how they praise God as they sing and dance. This week we experienced congregational prayer, which is common in this culture. Congregational prayer means that everyone prays out loud at the same time. It was amazing to listen to all the voices and languages being spoken around us and knowing that God heard and understood each prayer.

The pastor of the church is one of the houseparents and will be completing seminary in November. He preached from Acts 5 when Peter miraculously was let out of jail in the night by an angel. The next day, the Sanhedrin tried to figure out what to do with him. Peter statement that he would rather obey God than man made the Sanhedrin so furious that they wanted to kill him. In the end they decided to beat him severely but Peter continued to share the Good News of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection with all he came in contact with. He was even thankful that he suffered abuse for the name of Christ. The message encouraged us to share the Gospel no matter the cost.

After church, we spent some time with two students preparing for Matrick (the test that grade 12 students must pass to graduate). It was neat to hear their hopes and dreams for the future. We also got to play with the Shikwambane children while waiting for the taxi to arrive.

We had lunch with the Cryans and Mixons, chicken and stuffing just like Mom used to make (both of our moms). It was great to hear more about their testimonies and life experiences. We headed back to our room to grade papers (for one of the teachers) for the hour or so we had left before evening church. Andrew likes grading maths.

Tonight we went to church with the Mixons, Cryans, and Meredith at Central Baptist Church in Pretoria. Their evening service is geared towards to students, since there is large universities in Pretoria. Of the churches we have visited, Central Baptist had the best blend of cultures and races. The pastor began a series in the book of Philippians tonight which made us miss Chapel Pointe (Pastor Koole started a series in Philippians in April). We went to the most unique restaurant for dinner. Most of the menu was served from inside a pancake. The pancakes were more like thick rolled up crepes. You could have a dessert or dinner pancake. Andrew had chille con carne in his pancake. Kate had cinnamon sugar, ice cream, and chocolate topping in/on hers. It was SO good!! Andrew is thinking of opening a shop and franchising it when we get back in the US! lol! On the way home, we got to see the American Embassy which is in downtown Pretoria. It was good to see a piece of home when we saw the American flag flying high. It was a great day today worshipping one God with many different believers.