Nigh of Aflewo - Pictures!

All Night Aflewo (worship)

Last Friday I attended an all night praise and worship service. I think the fact that the worship was throughout the night says something about the importance of worship in Africa. There is no question worship is a vital aspect of the church in Africa. Every church service here in Africa has showcased Kenyans' passion and zeal for worshipping God. Aflewo (worship) is a movement taking place in Africa similar to the prayer movements which have come out of Korea. I was blessed to worship with 5,000 plus excited Christians throughout the night. African worship is defiantly an African reality not seen in other parts of the world. I am not sure how to explain the evening. There such excitement amongst the believers here in Kenya. I have been told gospel music is becoming more popular that secular music. It seems Christianity is the newest fad, hopefully it will not loose its popularity.

At the same time, I wonder about the heart and mind of the Kenyan worshipers. They defiantly exhibit passion and excitement, but at what cost. The church in Kenya is young, and I wonder if it is possibly growing too fast. After the post election violence in 2007, numerous Kenyan pastors have wondered the same thing. The country is supposedly 80% Christian but continues to have problems with AIDs, poverty, and violence. I think it would wise to look at ourselves before we cast judgment. Then we might want to read Paul's letters to the Corinthians to better understand some of the challenges to becoming sanctified believers. I truly believe this is a time of rejoicing and not doubt or confusion for the global church. Let us rejoice together as the body of Christ for what God is doing.

The following audio clip was taken from the opening prayer at Aflewo 09. The AV team was having technical problems, so the pastor decided to pray. I know some might disagree with the prayer, but that is ok. I think the prayer represents some African realities/concepts which are very common in Africa. May you be blessed and encouraged by this news. Aaron

First week in Kenya!

I am grateful to inform you I have arrived safely in Nairobi Kenya.

The previous Sunday (August 30) I attended my first worship service in Kenya. I visited the “mega church” Nairobi Chapel. I was told there were roughly 2,500 members, which by Kenya’s standards makes it a mega church. The picture (upper right) is the front entrance to the church. I don’t believe I have ever attended a church under a tent, I guess it means I’m in Africa.

The progression of the service was familiar to a service in the States. However, I was able to observe several African realities which are not common to churches in the States. As I entered under the tent a prayer service was already underway. Unlike the Korean church, the prayer service included a small percentage of the total church population. As the pray service ended and the worship began the congregation began to enter the sanctuary. The people joyfully sang and danced to the various songs. The majority of songs were sung in English while there was a couple songs sung in Swahili. The Swahili songs seemed to entice the people dance, clap, and shout even louder. The church was not a “charismatic” church (at least not in theology) but this did not stop the people from worshiping enthusiastically. After the service I was informed by my friend and fellow student from Ethiopia that five of the pastors at the church had graduated from NEGTS (the school I am attending). I am starting to understand how well known this school is throughout Africa.

Back on campus, half of the students are from African countries outside of Kenya. I have met students from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Malawi, Rwanda, and probably a few others I am missing. The ethnic diversity makes for a rich learning and living experience. I am constantly hearing different language which is enriching, but at the same time frustrating when I am trying to learn Swahili. The picture below was taken outside of my window of a building similar to mine. I constantly hear children playing below, which is quite delightful compared to the honking of horns in Chicago.

I am so thankful to be hear encouraging people and being encouraged by God’s people here in Africa. I am aslo thankful for the prayers you have offered and going to offer.

By His Grace,
Aaron