"In greeting, meeting, eating, and caring, the church acted as a community with its arms open, attracting inquires through a practical demonstration of God's love. "Observe, the hospitality here spoken of," preached John Chrysostom, "is not merely a friendly reception, but one given with zeal and alacrity, with readiness, as going about it as if one were receiving Christ himself."
From what historians can gather, hospitality–not martyrdom–served as the main motivator for conversions. Early Christians found both spiritual and social power in such acts, for creating inclusive community, a community of radical welcome and love, can put one at odds with the authorities:
"It is our care of the helpless, our practice of loving kindness that brands us in the eyes of our many opponents."
These words were claimed by the African theologian, Tertullian, in the second century and perfectly captures what I experienced on my off-day in Tanzania.
My team and I (besides Chip and Ganene) went on a two day trip to see Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. We left at 10am and arrived at our Pastor's friend, Matinga's house, from which you can see the peak of Kilimanjaro, around 4pm. Matinga had a beautiful home and garden. He placed two tables and some chairs in his front yard, and we enjoyed coffee, tea, and the beautiful weather of a Tanzanian afternoon. I sat down and read more of Dostoevsky's "The Brothers Karamazov" while enjoying the tea and company.
His precious parents joined us for tea and shared stories about their life and advice; after just celebrating their 52nd anniversary; thankfully without charging us the customary slaughtered goat, as is Tanzanian tradition. While we enjoyed the afternoon, Matinga was inside the house preparing the best dinner I've had on the world race; keep in mind, this is 9 months worth of home cooked meals–also keep in mind, he prepared for 5 hours.
We walked three minutes down the road around 6pm to see Mt. Kilimanjaro from a distance and were able to see the peak, as well as some monkeys, jumping from tree to tree, along the way. It's rainy season, but by the grace of God, we were able to see the peak, covered in snow! It was surreal and breathtaking.
We had dinner at 8:30pm where we had buttered bread and homemade vegetable soup over candlelight. It was splendid and I was savoring each sip. To everyones surprise, Matinga comes out with 3 more dishes. Homemade vegetables, pancakes, and greens. We eat our fill and then, he comes with a bowl of freshly cut fruits!
After dinner, we are invited over to his parents house, right across the street, so we happily join them for coffee and tea and sing songs and share stories. It was beautiful and I am just gripped with the strongest sense of love, and what St. Paul talks about to the church at Philippi, in "looking to others interests above your own."
This month, I've been studying church history, the above quotes came from Diana Bass' "A People's History of Christianity" which is a superb book on the history of the church that I highly recommend! What has gripped me is the radical lifestyles the early followers of the way practiced. There are only 2 other times where I've felt such humbling and radical love from complete strangers. The welcome received while visiting humble homes in the lowest castes of India and from my dear Muslim friend in Malaysia, Majed, who showed me the love of Jesus more tangibly than I've ever experienced.
I walked away from my off day, with a sense of wonder at Kilimanjaro touching the heavens, sailing serenely at an altitude beyond imagination, and even in more wonder at the love and hospitality that had been shown by a complete stranger; one that shouts that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The words of Jesus ring truer than ever today, "By your love, they will know you are my disciples". By the grace of God, I can continue the love shown by Matinga, and embody the same radical love shown only a handful of times to me in the past.
