I had the opportunity to go to a church service for young people here in Bolivia. What I expected, I don’t know. But what I got filled me with such joy…
The service was at 8pm and we arrived right on time, which in Latin America means we were pretty early. We were greeted with a handshake and a kiss on the cheek by at least half the people as they arrived. Santos acted as host and explained that worship at this church meant dancing “como el Rey David.” This got us pretty excited. He also informed us that the music would be quite loud (my poor ears survived but next time I’ll bring my earplugs).
How long has it been since I danced in a church service for Jesus?! I can’t even recall… But I danced that night! In fact, we danced, jumped, spun around in circles, and ran forward and backward… all to a song that lasted around 40 minutes. The room got warmer and warmer, and the smell of sweat got stronger. Still we danced. Every couple minutes everyone would yell, “Cristo Vive! Cristo Vive! Cristo Cristo Cristo Vive!” Yay Jesus! It felt good to just love Jesus through my running, jumping, spinning, not-so-graceful dance. My heart felt so much lighter by the end. There’s something Jesus does in our spirits when we let go and praise Him with our whole being!
After the message was given, we were invited up to share who we are, and they asked us to sing a couple English worship songs for them. We did so, and then the service was over. Everyone was served arroz con leche (quickly becoming my favorite) and then they all seemed to want to take pictures with us. Our cheeks were pretty sore and tired from all the smiling for pictures by the end.
I just want to take this opportunity to encourage you to express your love for the Lord with all that you are. Not that you have to dance like David, but just love Him, praise Him, live for Him with your entire being. Cristo Vive! Jesus is alive, and He is ready to bring abundant life within us as we give our lives to Him.
