We had canvassed the neighborhood on Monday afternoon, witnessing and passing out invitations to attend. Consequently there was a good attendance with some new faces in the crowd, according to Pastor Edwin.
We started with music; the Honduran praise team, composed largely of teens, are amazing musicians. The music was wonderful, and set an atmosphere of worship and praise.
Then I gave a brief (really!) testimony of how I came to know Christ at age 18.
Two handbell numbers followed (we are leaving the bell sets with Betania). They loved it! Our handbell group is led by Lisa Mehaffie. Sorry - don't have pictures of this because we all play!
Then Nathan Beatty gave his testimony, as only Nathan can. Full of dry humor and spiritual power, Nathan traced how he'd gone from hating God because of an event in his youth, through alcohol and drugs, to being captured by Christ several years ago. The Spirit was speaking to hearts through his words.
There was more singing, and then our Christ's Hands performance group went to the platform and performed a Spanish version of God of Wonders Beyond our Galaxy. For those not familiar, this is a group that performs in a totally darkened auditorium, with black clothing, white gloves and black lights. The result is that all you can see is their hands. They creatively interpret each song with what can best be described as choreography using the hands alone. It is so graceful, so powerful. Our group is led by one of our college students, Tiffany Thompson.
The Hondurans were electrified (so was I - does not matter how many times I have seen it done, it never fails to leave an impact). They roared with appreciation as various words (Dios, santos, etc) were spelled out or scenes portrayed in connection with the lyrics of the song. We are leaving the black lights and other materials with Betania.
Then Robb preached the best message I have heard from the book of Ecclesiastes, using only the first two and the last two verses of the book.
He used a metaphor of two gifts: one very large, elaborately and beautifully wrapped, and the other a small one wrapped in simple brown paper. Most would choose the large gift. But when opened, it is empty. The small, plain one, when opened, has eternal life. Robb related the difference to what the Preacher in Ecclesiastes tried as he searched for meaning and significance: wealth, pleasure, wisdom, work, all promise much, but their promises are empty ones. Only serving Christ brings enduring satisfaction and meaning, and eternal life comes through Christ alone.
If I can get my hands on a recording of the message, it is going up on the BFC web site.
You simply had to be there. What a time of praise and worship! What a time of joy!
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