After nine months in Asia and Africa, my team and I have been apart of some pretty crazy things. Even on Sundays, things continuously occur that leave us saying "Did that just happen?" So for your enjoyment, here is a list of things we experience weekly that would never go down in an American church:
- Pastors, ministers, and elders sit on throne couches and sofas while on stage…okay, maybe this happens in the occasional prosperity gospel church.
- Looking for Jesus during worship. Yes, looking for Jesus, under chairs, behind friends, outside, or anywhere else He may be.
- A surprise afternoon crusade at the person’s house who skipped church that morning.
- Every guest has to introduce himself and either share a song or give a word in front of the entire congregation
- The minister of music is referred to as the DJ
- Looking between the floorboards of the church and seeing cows and chickens walk underneath
- Non-believers wear red cutout hearts to represent their heart of flesh and are rewarded with a new white heart if they accept the Lord.
- The power goes out during a night revival but without hesitation or comment everyone whips out their torches (flashlights) and the sermon continues…normal.
- If you are the “leader” of the American group, you will be asked to dress up like Santa Clause and perform a solo for over 200 people.
- A 15-year-old Cambodian boy shredding on guitar for at least 20 seconds during every transition.
- Holding a special Saturday service to sacrifice over 30 goats…oh wait, that was a mosque.
- After skipping the seminar the day before, the Pastor tells all of the youth they cannot leave their seats after a service and forces them to stay for the three-hour discipleship class.
- Tips are placed in the pockets of dancers when performing well.
- Certain Christian denominations are referred to as REAL Christians while others are called an abomination
- Having not one but TWO offerings!
- Lining up outside of the building after church to high-five and hand shake every other member.
- Receiving a text message from your pastor at 11:00pm Saturday night reminding you to be on time to church the next day.
Check out my friend Lizi’s blog for a fun and oh, so true list of World Race problems!
