Any word that I can think to use to describe the liveliness of worship here in Kenya would be an understatement. Perhaps it is all the sugar cane that is consumed daily here – but somehow the people here have unlimited energy when it comes to worshipping God. Multiple hours can go by and people are still thirsting for more. It's crazy!
I highly recommend doing some dynamic stretching before engaging in Kenyan worship to keep from pulling any muscles. I'm only halfway joking about this too…I am always seeing potential injuries during the jumping and wild dancing that takes place on a typical Sunday church service. And they are definitely not joking when they say to spread out and give plenty of room between you and the people next to you before starting the music. I also recommend wearing loose fitting clothes that have plenty of room for moving around in.
Do not be alarmed when the singing starts and people start pulling out instruments from nowhere. There can never be too many instruments – especially drums and tamborines. The more joyful noise being made, the better! The instruments, as well as the microphones, always get passed around too! Thankfully, none of them ever made it to me! Whether or not you have a microphone, you are encouraged to sing…LOUD!
What I love about Kenyan worship is that anything goes. If you feel compelled to raise a chair (or a baby) above your head in excitement…then go for it! If you want to let out shouts, war cries, or passionate clapping…don't hold back!
Finally, make sure you come with plenty of water, maybe even a protein bar. Worship uses a lot of energy and it gets hot fast! And be prepared because when things get going and it gets hot the sweat flies!
