Lord’s Day at Mbulumbuzi
It wasn't your typical Sunday Church service. Let me start with that. Ebenezer Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPC) at the Mbulumbuzi CCC was mostly filled when we arrived. We slid into our seats at the back of the church and listened to the congregants singing while they waited for the start of the service. After some announcements, a congregational recitation of the Apostles Creed, and some very enthusiastic Psalm singing, the local abusa read and explained the first five questions of the Westminster Catechism. He especially emphasized the need for good works as a fruit of faith. Works without faith are dead but so is faith without works. (James 2:17) So far things were fairly "typical" however dark clouds were gathering. Literally.
As we transitioned to the main sermon, before the Bible passage would be read, a number of short and beautiful choir performances took place. The last to sing for the congregation would be the Canadian team in attendance. But, before we could venture to do so, the heavens above us opened up and the most powerful rainstorm one could possibly imagine hammered down on the tin roof of the church. The noise was deafening. The service was paused. We expected to be able to resume shortly but that was not to be. The rainstorm lasted a full 45 minutes. By that time musical chairs had ensued as we all sought to avoid the roof leaks. You couldn't hear yourself think. One of our group recorded the sound at 95 decibals. A few times it appeared that the sound was diminishing and the abusa stepped up to the podium to preach but he would stop within 30 seconds as we couldn't hear a word. As soon as he gave up the congregation would spontaneously erupt into Psalm singing, clearly not at all disturbed by the chaos we were experiencing. In the end the abusa moved the podium right into the center of the group and basically shouted out a five minute sermon before concluding with prayer. I don't believe a single person heard more than three words. I certainly didn't. Disappointing, really, as I did want to hear his message.
At some point during all the mayhem my eyes were drawn to the Bible text posted conspicuously on the pulpit: John 21:15. I immediately felt it had a special significance, and, curious now, I looked it up. "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs."
And that's exactly what it is all about! This little flock in Mbulumbuzi RP Church gathers together every Lord's Day to be instructed out of God's Word by their pastor. If this pastor, in truth, out of love to his Sender, will "feed His lambs" then there may yet be a rich reward and souls may yet be saved through the blood and sacrifice of Christ.
May God in His everlasting mercy gather lambs from this flock into His bosom and to eternal glory. Then this pastor's work, important as it is, is set aside. Then the RP Church is set aside. Then Timotheos Foundation is set aside. And then God alone will receive all the honor.
Ron Neels
