So last Sunday our contact took us to his church. While we were talking outside we heard some of the congregation start to sing in the local language, Chichewa. It sounded absolutely phenomenal and we all started getting giddy and excited to see what the service was going to be like. Hmm… well it only got better from that point.
What proceeded will be etched into my ears and my memory for the rest of my life. The service started with some of the congregation singing a “call to worship” of sorts. Then they proceeded to break up into different groups and come before the congregation and singing their different songs. The first was a small group of kids. These kids sang beautifully and had such an amazing heart for worship. At this point some of us in our group started to lose it because we realized how beautiful these people’s worship was. The next was a lady who did a solo. Her song was beautiful and more of came to our breaking point. The next was a two sisters that harmonized more beautifully than pretty much anyone I have ever heard. What really got us was what came next. A group of about 20 men and women walked outside to organize what they were going to sing. After a minute or so they all started to march in singing their songs. At this point all of us were in tears! This group produced the most beautiful sound that any of us had ever heard. I just looked around at my teammates and had no words to describe what was going on. So instead of saying anything we just balled like crazy. There was not a dry American (or Irish) eye in the whole sanctuary.
Looking back at this moment it took a little contemplating as to exactly why I could not control my emotions while these people were worshipping. Most of the reason was just being able to see TRUE worship. These people just lay everything on the altar for our Lord. Back home, we take reservations as to who is looking at us or what would happen if we actually did worship our Lord. We are worried about the sacrifices that we may have to make if we actually see our Savior the way He wants us to. The real beauty emanating from these peoples worship was their heart. Yes, their voices were perhaps the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard, but the heart behind the voice is what caused the breakdown in my emotions. Next time you enter a time of worship, pray beforehand that He would grant you reckless abandon in your worship time. I think the outcome may surprise you. You will probably do some things that you think aren’t “right” or “ok” to do in church. Strip those walls down that we have put around our Lord and worship Him the way He deserves to be worshipped.
