As
the first choir made its way slowly up on to the platform I wondered to myself
what the music of the church in Ethiopia would be like. I have the privilege to travel to multiple
African countries every year and have experienced the wonder of African worship
from large cement block churches in cities to mud-walled, thatched roof village
churches. In each setting and in each
country I have found the heart of worship to be expressed in ways that so
clearly reflect the dynamic uniqueness of the people and their culture.
The
keyboard player started the background rhythm and when he struck the first cord
I knew that we were in for a real treat! Young Ethiopian choir members were soon singing with all their might in
the language of their heart. Their faces
expressed their joy in loving and serving Jesus. The sheer volume of their singing along with
the choreographed swaying and movements showed the enthusiasm in their worship and soon the entire congregation
was singing along with them. Hundreds and
hundreds of voices lifting praise to the Savior in a language that I couldn’t
understand. However, I didn’t need to be
able to speak the language to know the love and joy that was driving their
worship of the Lord that I too love and serve.
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