Sunday 15th April

Everyone went to church with their hosts today, nearly all in townships.

St Monica, Kanana – a township church

Rob:     What an experience of worship. The enthusiasm fro god was wonderful to see ad hear. The receiving of the sacrament was really special – I understood afresh that we are one in Christ through the sharing of bread and wine.   Ruth:     The contrasts between our worship and the worship we experienced  was startling. The singing, dancing and making a joyful noise to the Lord was amazing. The following of the liturgy was difficult as they seemed to be saying 10 words to our every one, but it was wonderful to know we were worshipping the same God. What an experience and no-one worrying about what time the service finished.     Chenda:    A day of rest, of worship and challenge. If only our churches had the same enthusiasm for worship and giving. There were lots of children which reminded me of the BIG challenge before us.     Chris:   It was good to worship God with African brothers and sisters and to share the peace with them. The preacher seemed to be encouraging the congregation to share the gospel in the community which was good to hear.

Holy Family , Jouberton, a township church

Libby:   Thoroughly enjoyed church yesterday in a very different setting. The worship and singing was so joyful and energising.  I spent time with the Sunday School teachers. It was very different from what I have experienced before. There were about 40 children meeting outside under a tree. I’m really looking forward to seeing what God has got in store for us and the Sunday School teachers this week.

Tsogong Cathedral, Ikageng, a township

An early start for me, leaving home at 7am for a service at 8am! The service was a fantastic experience and so glad that I had the opportunity to share with them. The impromptu singing was so great to hear and witness: even though I didn’t understand the words I understood the Spirit amongst everyone. One I did recognise was ‘What a friend we have in Jesus – so I was able to join in with that one!

St Peter, Klerksdorp

Nita:   A church I’d not been to before, and different from all the others as it is the town and is a mixed race congregation – Asian, Afrikaaner and African – and the service was all in English. I never cease to be surprised that everything in a service hangs together perfectly, even when part of it originates in England and part in a totally different part of the world!

What has been especially good is that everyone now has a much clearer idea of the situations many of the teachers will be coming from and of the conditions in which they teach. And they all survived the incense!