Club in the Village
Story group number two, lesson one - creation.
As we drive, we slowly leave the busy paved roads and head into the country. Little straw huts, tree branch fences, and dirt roads gave a sense of peace as we get away from the town that is really only a 10 minute drive. But, the change in scenery is welcome.
Upon getting out of the car we immediately get a point and scream from the nearest child exclaiming, "faza, foreigner". Our short-termer replies in Malagasy, "Where?".
We greet the few children present and are quickly escorted into the straw built church where several women are waiting with the pastor. Once we have greeted everyone and scared a little one with our white skin, we are all seated and the pastor starts us off with a soft bang on his drum, a few words, another bang and a song. I always love humming along and then am stuck by the fact that a piano is rarely used or needed as their voices blend and fill the room.
As we finish singing Pete begins the story of creation, a short account of God's work that first week. He adds the aspect of the angel's praise for what they had seen God do. This is what he hopes to draw out in application.
While I listen I count 14 adults including 3 men and 10 children. I also notice the head coverings of the people on this very windy day. One has a little girl's shirt and another a boy's shorts. I love the ingenuity.
As we head into the questions portion Pete recounts that the people talked about both the good things God had made and the hard things that are part of creation. Peter explained that even when there are hard things, like the cold and windy weather we are experiencing, there are many things we can praise God for.
I can tell by the eyes of the people they are listening and thinking. It's wonderful to see their interest. Even though a few speak up, answering several questions, it is wonderful to see when the quiet ones add something, showing that they are still engaged. I later learn from Pete, they came to the realization that because God made so many good things it must mean He really loves them. So profound, I'm not sure I would have gotten something so simple. I hope to hold on to this revelation to share with others.
Pete went on to explain, that they need to be like the angels who praise God for those good things.
This can be the start of building a relationship with Him as they take time from their lives to see God and talk to Him.
As our time ends the people ask to hear what I am learning in Malagasy. Once I have talked about where I live, my age, and my family, as well as my lack of brothers one of the quiet men says that they would be my brothers. I felt so included by people I had just met. The Malagasy have a wonderful way for hospitality.
All in all, what a great first club. I look forward to joining these people for club again next week.
As we drive, we slowly leave the busy paved roads and head into the country. Little straw huts, tree branch fences, and dirt roads gave a sense of peace as we get away from the town that is really only a 10 minute drive. But, the change in scenery is welcome.
Upon getting out of the car we immediately get a point and scream from the nearest child exclaiming, "faza, foreigner". Our short-termer replies in Malagasy, "Where?".
We greet the few children present and are quickly escorted into the straw built church where several women are waiting with the pastor. Once we have greeted everyone and scared a little one with our white skin, we are all seated and the pastor starts us off with a soft bang on his drum, a few words, another bang and a song. I always love humming along and then am stuck by the fact that a piano is rarely used or needed as their voices blend and fill the room.
As we finish singing Pete begins the story of creation, a short account of God's work that first week. He adds the aspect of the angel's praise for what they had seen God do. This is what he hopes to draw out in application.
While I listen I count 14 adults including 3 men and 10 children. I also notice the head coverings of the people on this very windy day. One has a little girl's shirt and another a boy's shorts. I love the ingenuity.
As we head into the questions portion Pete recounts that the people talked about both the good things God had made and the hard things that are part of creation. Peter explained that even when there are hard things, like the cold and windy weather we are experiencing, there are many things we can praise God for.
I can tell by the eyes of the people they are listening and thinking. It's wonderful to see their interest. Even though a few speak up, answering several questions, it is wonderful to see when the quiet ones add something, showing that they are still engaged. I later learn from Pete, they came to the realization that because God made so many good things it must mean He really loves them. So profound, I'm not sure I would have gotten something so simple. I hope to hold on to this revelation to share with others.
Pete went on to explain, that they need to be like the angels who praise God for those good things.
This can be the start of building a relationship with Him as they take time from their lives to see God and talk to Him.
As our time ends the people ask to hear what I am learning in Malagasy. Once I have talked about where I live, my age, and my family, as well as my lack of brothers one of the quiet men says that they would be my brothers. I felt so included by people I had just met. The Malagasy have a wonderful way for hospitality.
All in all, what a great first club. I look forward to joining these people for club again next week.
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