There were more than twice as many participants as we expected, and they gave us a warm and enthusiastic welcome. Many had traveled for two long days from their villages, and two young men in particular listened to Ginny’s presentations with pens in hand, taking notes the whole time.
There were good discussions on the use of traditional instruments and song genres in worship. For example, juju (traditional spirit appeasement) ceremonies are immediately recognizable by the inclusion of a certain type of drum. Some felt that bringing those drums into the church would be acceptable because they know God is greater than the traditional spirits. Others thought that the juju spirits would become angry that “their” instruments were being used against them. That discussion will certainly continue after we go but it is off to a good start and they now can ground their discussions in Scripture.
The participants took more readily to suggestions that their many and varied types of songs could be used in worship. For example, songs celebrating Christ’s birth or conversion to Christ or baptism could use traditional song styles celebrating new babies as a jumping-off point.
Most surprising (and gratifying), several people stood up and said, “Now we realize we need to understand the words we’re singing.” I’m tempted to respond, “Ya think?”—until I remember that after a year and a half of Young Life, I couldn’t answer someone who asked me what it was all about.
And yeah, we got sick. I couldn’t answer the bell for the Friday or Saturday session (or church on Sunday), and we were both wiped out yesterday, but we should be OK to get on the plane tomorrow.
We are still very grateful we are here and have had the opportunity to share in the lives of these folks who love the Lord and are struggling to fit into the Western world while not losing their cultural heritage.
See you soon, and thank you as always for praying for us!
Vernacular Discipleship through Music 