"When a building is especially and uniquely intended for an encounter between the Lord and his people, it is likewise the customary location of the divine presence; it is the symbol of the divine presence in the secular life of the city. There, as nowhere else, the holy word re-echoes regularly; there the sacraments are celebrated. From one Sunday to another, from one divine service to the next, the place of worship is in a state of anticipation. Even its emptiness between times declares its special destination and readiness for the divine presence."--Richard Paquier
Today, the Lord blessed us with our first worship service in our new building! What a glorious gift!
On Saturday, we gathered with shovels, buckets, brooms and rags to clean and clean. It was such a dusty mess!
Pastor Charles taught Sunday School.
The Steenholfs, who are living here for six months helping with our village schools, have also been blessing us with guitar playing on Sundays.
Mama Jane and Mama Evangeline. They have been with the church from its earliest beginnings. They are such a blessing in our community!
Eric led worship and preached.
We hope that in the future God will provide for us to have the walls plastered and a porch put on the front. (That's why there are still holes in the wall behind where the people sit...they are ready for support beams for the porch)
We had about 200 people!
Here is a little taste of the singing and apostles creed. The second song was after the service and was a bit impromptu...they were singing "Thank you Lord" and "Thank you Jesus" in two different languages.
I'm so thankful that for 175 Sundays we were able to meet at our home and on our compound. It was probably one of the most challenging yet beautiful ministries I have ever had the privilege to participate in. I'm thankful for how the Lord greatly blessed our time here. None-the-less, I'm also thankful that the rain won't bother us anymore and that we now have a new community that we can reach out to. May God be praised and glorified at New Life Presbyterian Church.
This was so encouraging to see as the fruition of those prayers! God's mercies are new and big and wonderful and great! I see it constantly in how His children are never forsaken. THis is so awesome!
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ReplyDeleteThis post makes me smile for many reasons...but mostly seeing the mixing of different people I know- in Africa! I currently live in Ontario Canada, but am dear friends with Angelica (a Covenant College friend of yours), Eric's dad (Pastor Tuininga) married my husband and I. My husband is from New Zealand. I lived there for 7 years...and John and Alice were precious friends to us there. We were able to visit them in Perth at the end of 2014 where the idea was discussed that they might end up in Uganda. And there you all are.....Please send them our dearest blessings and love!!! Eric and Christine Valk (nee VanHooydonk)
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