“Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him…” Psalm 149:3

The United Church of Zambia brings new meaning to worship for the two of us. Before the service began today the youth choir was inside already singing their praises to the Lord, singing “Lord, I am a vessel created for your pleasure. Show me your way. I come to you today, as I lift my hands I pray.” At the same time, the main choir had gathered outside the church, forming a huge circle of prayer, which slowly progressed into song. They entered the church as the youth choir was finishing, dancing in a kind of march step, they lined the aisle as those presiding over the service walked to the front of the church, taking their places at the altar. The choir never missed a beat, as they continued that beautiful rhythmic step and quiet singing until they reached their seats facing the congregation. Then the choirs (there were four today) erupted into song – “Jesus is our life today, tomorrow and forevermore.” John, one of the church elders was seated next to me today, explaining the meaning of the songs and the service. Just as our last visit, we were seated shoulder to shoulder, on benches filled to capacity. They even brought in small benches placed in the aisles for the overflowing crowd. Children sat in front, lining the steps to the altar. And it was hot. It was certainly over 100 degrees in there, but there was John in his wool sports coat and tie, dressed in his best for the Lord. Very soon we were on our knees, singing and praying the confession prayer, followed by a reading from 1Kings 6:11-20 (Solomon builds the Temple). The second choir, a mixture of all ages, sang about God’s Temple, dancing and forming the shelter of the Temple over their heads with their hands. The rich voices of the main choir proclaimed that the Son in you is power with the next song. Then the entire congregation was on their feet, hands reaching toward the heavens, singing “Come back to me, keep me from sinning, God is good. Come to Him and He will save you.” Next the secretary came forward and welcomed everyone in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – followed by three loud claps from the congregation. Visitors were then announced, asked to rise, and all welcomed with the three claps, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This was followed by an intercessory prayer, the offering, and of course more singing. After the offering everyone was on their feet singing and dancing, praising the Lord for being chosen by the Almighty to sing for Him – “I was the happiest man when I was called to worship in His Temple – Let us come sing and dance for Him.” The next readings were Acts 12:1-11 (The angel of the Lord leads Peter to escape from prison) and John 6:1-12 (Jesus feeds five thousand with two fish and five loaves of bread). Today’s message was interpreted from Bemba into English by the church secretary. The minister instructed him to speak as he did, and do as he did – if he went crazy, then he should also! The message was about being faithful. Who are the faithful people, and how do they behave? They are obedient to God’s word. Just as Solomon was obedient in following the Lord’s instructions in building the Temple, so should we be. Obedient to the finest detail. We are the Temple of the Lord. He tells us “Build the Temple in my ways and I will come to you and help you.” God is always faithful – in His words and in His works. But mere men, we can look faithful, but are we? We may be in church on Sundays, but who are the faithful Christians? They are those who find joy in the Lord, let others see their joy, and they share their joy. Amen! Then the preacher asked “Where are the drums? Bring in the drums!” And the young men ran and brought the drums to the front of the church. “Let all see the joy of God in us! Let the drums beat, let your feet dance, let your tongue glorify God!” And so the drums began, the beat escalating until the whole of the church was on their feet, dancing and singing with the choir in the most tremendous display of joy and praise. It was incredible to see this minister inspire his congregation to bring out their joy in the Lord. He continued with the sermon, ending with these words: “Now we know the Spirit of God.”