It was well expressed. I had a similar experience during my yearlong stay in the Netherlands. I was hopping between churches, but everything was in Dutch. I started attending one church and used to take my English hymn book and sing loudly in a different language (sometimes even in Tamil) from the rest of the congregation. It was the sermon time which was very difficult - completely in Dutch with no English word in between.! But the congregation was very friendly and try to speak to me in their broken English. Eventually, I got an opportunity to teach them an English chorus and they all loved it. Going out of the comfort zone voluntarily requires an effort but I think it is worth trying. A few years ago, I volunteered to play organ in a church which was not exposed to hymns and choir. It was challenging to set up a choir (with girls and boys) and make them sing hymns. But now their own children are playing the organ and conduct the choir. I am now looking for another church without a choir and hymns.
Keep writing -it is enjoyable and meaningful. God bless you.
This is wonderful Sherene! I, too, have found God to be the same God, whether I worship Him here in America or in the land of my birth, South Africa. Change is a catalyst for growth - how much more can we grow if we are willing to step out of our comfort zones? Thanks for the challenge!
Absolutely true and hits the nail on the head. We attended a Christmas mass in Munnar Kerala and even though we were complete strangers, we felt welcomed and loved that the language barrier didn’t make any dent in the warmth we felt. The smiles on the faces of the local children and the people were genuine and it was magical.
I am reading the Bible in a year and just finished ACTS ..... when the disciples went out to spread the truth of Jesus to EVERYONE .... in EVERY Language .... meanwhile being persecuted ..... BY JEWS .... and by the Romans .... but BY JEWS ... and they WERE JEWS .... now turned Christians.
It gives me much to think about.
So you were raised Christian in India??
I am wondering if you have seen the series called The Chosen .... season 3 just came out. It is wonderful ..... about the Life of Christ and how he chose and interacted with his Disciples .....
Hi Sherene,
It was well expressed. I had a similar experience during my yearlong stay in the Netherlands. I was hopping between churches, but everything was in Dutch. I started attending one church and used to take my English hymn book and sing loudly in a different language (sometimes even in Tamil) from the rest of the congregation. It was the sermon time which was very difficult - completely in Dutch with no English word in between.! But the congregation was very friendly and try to speak to me in their broken English. Eventually, I got an opportunity to teach them an English chorus and they all loved it. Going out of the comfort zone voluntarily requires an effort but I think it is worth trying. A few years ago, I volunteered to play organ in a church which was not exposed to hymns and choir. It was challenging to set up a choir (with girls and boys) and make them sing hymns. But now their own children are playing the organ and conduct the choir. I am now looking for another church without a choir and hymns.
Keep writing -it is enjoyable and meaningful. God bless you.
This is wonderful Sherene! I, too, have found God to be the same God, whether I worship Him here in America or in the land of my birth, South Africa. Change is a catalyst for growth - how much more can we grow if we are willing to step out of our comfort zones? Thanks for the challenge!
thank you Carolyn for taking the time to read! Appreciate the encouragement!
Absolutely true and hits the nail on the head. We attended a Christmas mass in Munnar Kerala and even though we were complete strangers, we felt welcomed and loved that the language barrier didn’t make any dent in the warmth we felt. The smiles on the faces of the local children and the people were genuine and it was magical.
I am reading the Bible in a year and just finished ACTS ..... when the disciples went out to spread the truth of Jesus to EVERYONE .... in EVERY Language .... meanwhile being persecuted ..... BY JEWS .... and by the Romans .... but BY JEWS ... and they WERE JEWS .... now turned Christians.
It gives me much to think about.
So you were raised Christian in India??
I am wondering if you have seen the series called The Chosen .... season 3 just came out. It is wonderful ..... about the Life of Christ and how he chose and interacted with his Disciples .....