This morning we had the honor of worshiping with our Haitian brothers and sisters. It’s quite a sight inside that little green cinder block church, filled to the brim with people in their Sunday best.
The youngest children sit in the front rows, boys on one side and girls on the other. A few of the older children stand guard nearby and make sure the littles don’t get too noisy or unruly. Alfred leads the singing in his bold vibrato; everyone joins in with loud voices. Why don’t we sing like that at home?
The service was a smorgasbord of things – introductions, a reading from the Psalms, a group of women singing and dancing, children doing a hilarious skit, Pastor Delamy praying, Pastor Jason preaching. It was long by American standards, where church services are rarely more than 90 minutes, but it was a beautiful sight to behold and I never noticed the time.
Pastor Jason shared from the story of Jesus healing the paralytic that was lowered through the roof. He reminded us that Jesus has the power to heal the sickness and pain in our lives, but even more importantly, he has the power to forgive our sins and reconcile us to God.
I am always thankful to be able to worship with my brothers and sisters from other parts of the world. Across the span of time, space, language and culture, we are unified as part of the family of God.
