We have been blessed to attend a small congregation here in our neighborhood for the past three Sundays. It is only a few minutes walk from our house. It is a “mission” church because it is a church plant from a larger Baptist church in the city. The church agreed to host us which means they have taken the responsibility of helping us during this time of adjustment. A small group came to the airport to greet us upon our arrival and accompanied us to our house which they had helped clean up and get ready for us. One of the men, Michelof took a couple days to teach us how to use the public transportation known as a “chapa” (12 to 14 passenger van) and showed us around the city. He and his wife, Margarida came one afternoon for a visit and see how we were doing. We have enjoyed learning about the culture as well as new vocabulary from them. Even though we still feel like outsiders we are slowly building closer relationships.
The church services are in Portuguese and Makuwa languages. We are able to sing along with the Portuguese hymns and choruses but when they break out in Makuwa we just listen. We have had a couple of people at least translate some of the words. We especially enjoy the fact that instead of the worship team having instruments, the congregation uses instruments. The drums, tambourines and rattles are handed out before we start to who ever is willing to participate. We are learning that music is an important part of the culture here and they seem to have a song for about any event!
We have enjoyed our times of worship together, times of fellowship around a meal and in participating with the wedding that took place last weekend. This weekend we will be having a potluck as a farewell to another missionary couple who are returning to Brazil for six months to treat some health problems. Lisa has been invited to help in the food preparations, which will start at 5:00 am on Sunday morning. It will be a time of learning how they cook but also a time for her to get to know the ladies better.
We feel so blessed and privileged to be a part of what God is doing here in Southeast Africa through the Body of Christ world wide. We look forward to seeing how He wants to use us.