One man testified to what the Lord is doing in his life lately.
One woman shared an encouraging scripture.
Then another woman stood, approached the pulpit and said something. Before it could be translated from Kiswahili into English (for our benefit), the pastor started hooting and hollering, jumping up and down. At least a dozen other people hopped out of their seats and rushed the stage. There was clapping and shouting. It was the sort of reaction you might expect when someone wins the jackpot on The Price is Right!
I didn’t wait for the translation to join the celebration – only the decision to give her life to the Lord Jesus could have merited this response!
There is great rejoicing in heaven whenever someone repents and joins the Kingdom of God. (see Luke 15)
I have never actually witnessed such extreme and sincere joy as a result of an altar call. But it was exactly the kind of outburst we should be experiencing every week!
The excitement did not stop there. In fact, two other women also made commitments this morning, and church members dutifully – but completely voluntarily – partnered up with each one, offering friendship and discipleship accountability.
This was followed by prayers for healing, and, of course, more dancing.
Ah, dancing. In this particular church, there is quite a large open space between the front row of pews and the stage/pulpit area – perfect for spontaneous Holy Spirit-filled dance parties! This goes beyond swaying. I’m talking side-stepping, shoulder-pumping, lunges and pseudo kick boxing moves, even a conga line, cartwheels, and spinning. Nothing inappropriate. No performance. Just joy.
And power. And love.
This church is great like that. It has services every day. Every day! Even Saturday and twice on Sunday. And it’s no wonder why – this church building, this church community, is absolutely a dwelling place for the Lord. Who would ever want to leave His manifest presence?! (Thankfully He lives in me, so He is always with me!) It reminds me of the early church described in the book of Acts. Each day has a specific theme or target audience: youth, women, prayer & fasting, choir practice, children’s ministry, and entire church. And this is indeed a devoted group of believers.
