We (the 4 summer missionaries here) led Satsang (Nepali contextualized worship service) today. It was incredible. I gotta admit I was pretty nervous, but Hannah came and sat with me about the time the service started, which calmed me. Cody started with announcements and then I kinda took the floor as the "emcee" of the service. Someone prayed in Nepali, Matt sang opening mantras and we joined together in worship. Kishor recited the Lord's Prayer as always, and then Ramesh led us in worship. I loved sitting in the front of the room and getting to see the faces of the congregation as they worshipped Prabhu Yeshu. I don't know if we realize how blessed we are to be able to worship in a context that is natural for us--to use our own language, our own music, and to approach faith from our own cultural context rather than one completely foreign to us. That is one thing this summer has really changed for me-- I realize that is not something everyone has. Also that we have a Bible in language that we can understand. But that's a post for another day.
So yeah- worship with the Nepalis. It's awesome. I know some of them are still new to the faith and some are not followers of Jesus yet, but many of them really worship in a beautiful way. It is very evident in their countenance that they love to come and commune with the LORD together. It's a wonderful thing. Katie taught today and she did an incredible job. Nepalis are much more open to stories than to cold hard logic- they need a more indirect approach to teaching a lesson. So teaching is done with lots of illustration and one simple practical application is more than enough. They are so attentive and really do take to heart what is being said, so they aren't missing out in any way. And it's crazy to me to realize that almost anything we teach about is something they're hearing for the first time. They really believe that the Bible is God's word, and so they are really hungry for it and exciting about hearing what it has to teach them. I can't express to you how refreshing that is.
We finished the service with a song we've learned in Nepali (Jess played guitar) and we all did one of the closing chants. It was pretty awesome. Definitely was a challenge for us, but one we embraced and enjoyed. Learning to sing and chant in Sanskrit isn't something I ever thought I'd be doing. But here I am. And I love it. I had an overwhelming sense of belonging with TriEak Parmeshwar Mandali (the Nepali church) today, and I hate so much that this was my last week in Satsang. They were so encouraging and receptive to our feeble attempts at their language and were super enthusiastic about helping us make it through. They have welcomed us with open arms since day 1 and I've felt incredibly loved. A couple of the older women even hugged me today, which is crazy because Nepalis don't hug much. They're affectionate and don't mind being touchy and cuddly, but I've just never gotten American-style friendly hugs from them. It made my day, really. And I realized how they must feel often when we go out of our way to ensure we are loving them in a form they recognize and understand.
I am so thankful that the body of Christ is a diverse one. I have come to appreciate more than ever before the joy that is in that fact. There is so much the global church can bring to worship and to my understanding of God. I pray that I'll remember this in the future and see opportunity to know my God better through interacting with different members of His Church that are not like me. He is beautiful and His creation is a reflection of His beauty. I'm so glad to be a part of this giant, diverse, beautiful family.
Jai, Hallelujah!
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