Congo - II; Church

Church today was an experience. A big building with concrete floors, block walls (with openings for airflow) and a tin-roof. Seats a thousand, our style. But they had people standing in the back and outside where they could hear. The choir music is amazing, especially when the jimbe was played. They love choir robes even though it is hot (maybe 90 degrees and 80% humidity?). Some of the people who have come for the conference have WALKED 200 miles to be here and their generosity is amazing. They have so much to teach the church in the west. It reminds me of Paul taking the offering to Jerusalem and says that the Macedonians, out of their extreme poverty gave generously. As part of the service today they did a memorial for a former missionary who died last month. He was here for years and helped start the hospital and schools. They gave the entire offering to Tom and Kevin to deliver to his widow, to honor his memory. Incredible. Imagine a church in America giving up an entire offering, let alone one in the midst of such poverty.
-Nils