Lovely Service

[maggiebee]

Today we welcomed our friends from our sister church in Kayole, Kenya to our morning service. They are here for a week and seem to have brought the warm weather with them. Bit of a shock to the system for some of us staid presbyterian souls as they are just so full of joy, dancing, singing and clapping along to all our hymns. By the end of the service I think we were sufficiently loosened up to join in lol. Great time.

[wolf63]

I went to church when I was young and it all to serious and boring

I like most Gospel music and, as you say, some churches make it all cheerful and fun. This might attract some more members.

[Elina]

We're a little reserved aren't we Maggie.

[marval]

At least everyone had a good time. Some services are more lively than others.

[chikispirit]

Excellent! When I was playing the organ last week a retired vicar set the pace in the service. It certainly made a difference!

[Clanad]

Here, in the U.S., we, among others help support a brilliant young Kenyan woman here on a student visa to finish her Master's degree in Sociology. She is of the Luo tribe and her family lives in Kibera… a section of Nairobi best known for its extreme poverty..

Even though our church here is Charismatic and therefore, Spirit filled, she brings an additional joyous spirit that is just amazing. Firstly, her backstory is overwhelming to hear, but for such a young lady to achieve what she has done (her parents died when she was very young and is helping raise 4 younger brothers and sisters) is nothing short of the miraculous.

I can't be around her for more than a few minutes without being infected with her joy and certainty of belief.

[beso]

While they are here maybe you could talk to them about the rampant homophobia in their country. Kenyan attitudes on this subject are among the most ignorant on the planet.

[naomi24]

beso, you seem to have silenced the happy clapping.

[Clanad]

Seems more appropriate to listen and understand that many, many young children in Kibera go to bed hungry and when they awaken are given a cup of tepid water to ease the hunger pains... and to best determine how we can help with that... but, Hey! That's just our take on it... I'm sure beso and naomi's approach would be much better...

[naomi24]

Clanad, my post to beso gave no indication whatsoever of my approach to the problems in third world countries. You assume much but know nothing. Carry on clapping and speaking in tongues - not that it will be of any practical use to anyone.

[Clanad]

You've got a lot of unresolved dislike or even hate going on there naomi… it might be worth the effort to resolve it…. Sincere best wishes!

[Svejk]

Can't wait for Monday. Find out how many of them went home.

[naomi24]

Clanad, //You've got a lot of unresolved dislike or even hate going on there naomi… it might be worth the effort to resolve it…. //

My, my! Well, where does one begin to respond to an unsolicited, unjustified, unwarranted, psychological assessment from a complete stranger? I’ve no idea, but I’ll give it a go. Once again, without qualification, you’re making a grossly inaccurate, and actually, quite a spiteful, assumption. I understand that you didn’t like my inference that the religious aren’t alone in their concerns for the third world and that you feel compelled to somehow strike back, but frankly Clanad, since I’m not the one who talks gobbledegook and thinks it emanates from some sort of divine inspiration, if I were you I’d be far more concerned with the state of your own psychological well-being.

[Clanad]

Great non-answer, as usual... (sigh)

[naomi24]

Clanad, why is that a non-answer? You haven't asked me a question - you've simply insulted me.

[Mamyalynne]

Certainly sounds like your visitors brightened your day and your service Maggiebee - do you keep in touch and do projects with them similar to many schools?

[Khandro]

Clanad; Yes, several "bottle half-empty" types abound in this room!

[naomi24]

Haha! Oh dear Khandro. Not the best from one so very enigmatic. ;o)

[nailit]

//You've got a lot of unresolved dislike or even hate going on there naomi… it might be worth the effort to resolve it//

Wish I had a pound for every time Ive heard that retort from religionists when theyre on the ropes. Not so long ago I had a conversation with a couple of JWs and told them that I thought their beliefs were barmy and their god was a psychotic nutter. They inquired as to what had happened to me in my life to make me so angry. They just couldnt see that I had an issue with their barmy beliefs and nothing had happened *TO* me. Unbelievable.

[Khandro]

^ Good, well I'm glad that's all sorted out then.

[naomi24]

nailit, they're not listening. Too difficult. :o)