Our main ministry this month was helping the choir at the
Church of God Church at Nyamphande create a program they would perform at the
Church of God National Convention at the end of the month. We had no idea that
would mean learning their songs and dance moves. For those of you who do not
know me, I am NOT musically talented nor do I have rhythm. Nonetheless I became
a Zambian choir member this month!
I learned several songs in Njanja, the local language, along
with the dance moves. I was laughed at during every practice for spinning an
extra time during the dance or attempting to sing when it was only the guys who
were supposed to be singing. Oh well, I’m the American, it didn’t matter J.
We also were able to teach them 4 American songs, and 3 skits.
We became very close to the choir members and enjoyed
learning from them. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to play with a baby during off
times and have taken in the African culture of carrying children on your back.
It is such an easy way to carry them and you have your hands free to do other
things. I believe I will be taking up this method when I have children of my
own!
On August 22 we drove with the choir to Lusaka where we
would present this program. Unfortunately, the directors took too long talking
about other things and we were only able to perform 2 of the 8 songs we had
prepared and do the testimonies from children who have been impacted by the
school and orphanage. It was truly a let down to have prepared for so many
hours and not get to do the whole program. The silver lining is that they now
know the new songs and skits and will hopefully get to use them in the future.
We were also able to share the love of Christ with them on a daily basis, which
is better than anything else we could have done.
All in all, becoming a Zambian choir member was a once in a
lifetime opportunity and I would not have changed it for anything!
Bessie and Maggie (one of the choir members) I got to hold Maggie on my back African style!!!
