What a day this was on the Cymbilili plantation. Church started at 9am, which means that people from the surrounding villages started their trek on foot hours earlier. By the time 9:00 rolled around, the place was packed with over 400 people. The service lasted three solid hours. That’s three times longer than at Jacksonville Chapel. We were treated to about six different choirs singing traditional African music as well as African worship music, traditional tribal dancing, and a word from several pastors. Pastor Dave had the privilege of giving the main message: a challenge to equipping the church for ministry from Ephesians 4. And we were reminded that this church facility was partially funded by the Chapel’s Reaching Further campaign–another tangible result of the Chapel’s partnership.

In the afternoon, the most unusual event was a martial arts class taught by our own Mike Leonard. Mike came along as the video guy, but is also an experienced martial arts guy. The guys had a great time and actually showed Mike a thing or two.

This day really was a continuation of the great fellowship and mutual encouragement that has been building steadily since we arrived. Keep praying.