Mikwawa and weekend two

Mikwawa – weekend two

When Don Fultz and I arrived at the church in Mikwawa, it was only five minutes or so before the first service was scheduled to begin. There was not a soul in sight. As we parked the car, Pastor Thadei Kihwaga, who had served as my interpreter the previous Sunday, appeared to welcome us and usher us into the sacristy where we prepared ourselves for worship. The sound of singing began in the sanctuary. Pastor Thadei, Don, Joyce and I entered the church which by now, only ten minutes after we had arrived, was filled almost to overflowing with people.

As the service began, I looked out over the congregation at eager, expectant faces. They were obviously excited to be there, and responded to Pastor Thadei’s leadership with enthusiasm. Two women came forward from the gathered crowd to be involved with Pastor Thadei in a liturgical action that included the laying on of hands in an act of blessing. They were there because, after a time of falling away from the church, they had returned and were seeking acceptance from the congregation. What we were privileged to observe was the Rite of Reconciliation. These people take their church seriously!

The singing was uplifting! Accompanied only by a drum played by an elderly woman, the choirs (there were two if them) and congregation swayed rhythmically as they sang hymns and anthems in rich harmony. Even without knowing the language, the harmony was easy to digest. I felt the energy growing within me, and knew the presence of God!