Updates from Jos & Abuja (updated 8/7/11 5:00PM EST)
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Sunday began early with the 7:45AM Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church. The team was prepped by a local guest, Greg, to expect a 2 hour service (with only a 15 minute Homily), which seems to be the minimum duration for most denominations in Nigeria on Sunday. Being good, solid, American, 45 minute Catholics, we were apprehensive but anxious to experience Mass. The unanimous feedback was that it was incredible. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, but with some African cultural additions. The most notable was the offertory, which combined the weekly collection with tithing and the presentation of the gifts. While most made their contribution to ushers from the pews, there was a line of parishoners who made special offerings to at the altar. This included people with bags of rice or some who brought babies for a special blessing. It was very cool to witness! Communion also was a little different as recipients approached the priest or eucharistic minister only when they were ready to receive, not by pew and many did not take communion as they may not have felt prepared or been to confession. The Mass was packed as the one before it had been and the 11 am was expected to be as well.
Inspired by that experience, the team went to its afternoon festivities full of energy. Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben and the extended Faith Alive family put on a show at the hospital in our honor. It showcased the various kids groups and active families in the hospital community entertaining us with song, dance and scripture. Brian even led our team in our contribution to the event, singing Amazing Grace - a rendition greatly helped by the singing of the entire community. The afternoon was capped off by more singing and dancing with the kids to the music of the Faith Alive band and a moment of crowd surfing by Jonathan over a large group of kids. The taem had a blast and look to the second week a bit tired but eager to start all over on Monday! We continue to be energized by the faithful dedication of all that we meet here.
Anawim Home Team:
Today, in Benin City, the team served the destitute and the street boys of the surrounding community. They distributed bags of rice to each, which they brought with them from Abuja. The team described it as "intense" and commented on the stark contrast between the abundance and opulence at the wedding yesterday and the poverty in the streets. The team will be reflecting together and staying at the monastery in Benin City again tonight before departing for Abuja in the morning.
Faith Alive Hospital Team:
Sunday began early with the 7:45AM Mass at St. Theresa Catholic Church. The team was prepped by a local guest, Greg, to expect a 2 hour service (with only a 15 minute Homily), which seems to be the minimum duration for most denominations in Nigeria on Sunday. Being good, solid, American, 45 minute Catholics, we were apprehensive but anxious to experience Mass. The unanimous feedback was that it was incredible. The Mass was a traditional Catholic Mass, but with some African cultural additions. The most notable was the offertory, which combined the weekly collection with tithing and the presentation of the gifts. While most made their contribution to ushers from the pews, there was a line of parishoners who made special offerings to at the altar. This included people with bags of rice or some who brought babies for a special blessing. It was very cool to witness! Communion also was a little different as recipients approached the priest or eucharistic minister only when they were ready to receive, not by pew and many did not take communion as they may not have felt prepared or been to confession. The Mass was packed as the one before it had been and the 11 am was expected to be as well.
Inspired by that experience, the team went to its afternoon festivities full of energy. Dr. Chris, Pastor Ben and the extended Faith Alive family put on a show at the hospital in our honor. It showcased the various kids groups and active families in the hospital community entertaining us with song, dance and scripture. Brian even led our team in our contribution to the event, singing Amazing Grace - a rendition greatly helped by the singing of the entire community. The afternoon was capped off by more singing and dancing with the kids to the music of the Faith Alive band and a moment of crowd surfing by Jonathan over a large group of kids. The taem had a blast and look to the second week a bit tired but eager to start all over on Monday! We continue to be energized by the faithful dedication of all that we meet here.
Anawim Home Team:
Today, in Benin City, the team served the destitute and the street boys of the surrounding community. They distributed bags of rice to each, which they brought with them from Abuja. The team described it as "intense" and commented on the stark contrast between the abundance and opulence at the wedding yesterday and the poverty in the streets. The team will be reflecting together and staying at the monastery in Benin City again tonight before departing for Abuja in the morning.
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