What a day we have had today! We had a very good night’s rest. We began our day with breakfast together as a team – boiled eggs, bread and coffee with a little honey thrown in.
We were a little late leaving for the church service as our transportation was delayed. When we arrived at the meeting place of The Owerri Community Baptist Church, I was amazed. Where there was once just an open air building on dirt, now stands a building with windows and doors – very important in the rainy season.
The small building was packed. By the time everyone arrived, the overflow seating on the side of the building had to be used. This was a very special service. Dr. Amadi called it “Marriage Memorial En Masse.” He had invited couples who were married 40 years or more to celebrate their marriage and renew their vows. There were several visiting dignitaries as well as a reporter and camera crew from the local TV station in Owerri.
Gary and Zach played and sang several songs with the help of James, Michael, and Jonathan. They sounded almost angelic (keyword is “almost”). They were very well received. Our guys were in the zone – the Holy Spirit zone.
The preacher for the day was received very well also. The message was one of encouragement to the celebrated couples. The Gospel was preached. People were saved and prayers for healing were offered to our Lord. The Spirit of God was powerful in the place.
Immediately following the preaching part of the service I was interviewed by a local TV reporter. She was very curious about our reason for coming and what we thought of Nigeria. I hope I did will not scare them too much when they see it on TV. I had a Holy Spirit glow and extreme perspiration glow.
Megan and I were honored with the gift of traditional Nigerian clothing which they proceeded to help us put on. It was a very entertaining event. I don’t know who enjoyed it more – them or us. The love and joy that was in the room was very evident. It seemed more like kin people from out of town swapping a few stories and exchanging some gifts.
We left promptly from the service and proceeded to the home of Dr. Amadi. Mrs. Amadi had prepared a delicious meal for us. The rest and relaxation was quite refreshing. The service had lasted about three hours.
This afternoon we traveled to Akpa Ibom to begin a clinic at Ukpong’s village (Ukpong is our pharmacist). Ukpong’s brother did a wonderful job of hosting us.
Dusty
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