1000 Beautiful Things: Faith

During the summer of 2005 I was blessed to be able to travel to South Africa. The trip was sponsored by an organization through my church called ICOM, International Children's Outreach Ministry. It was the one of the greatest experiences of my life. During our trip we visiting schools, orphanages, communities and churches. Attending church was amazing in so many ways. I'm use to worshiping in a large edifice with grand music and miked announcements. In the parking lots of churches I've attended in my country usually have big fancy cars parked in parking lots as far as the eyes can see. In South Africa, it was usual to see people walking from great distances to a small structure(some with dirt floors), just to give thanks for life. I was so humbled. Where cars in a parking lot are common in the US, a bicycle propped up against the place of worship is common in South Africa. What appears to be people with little, is actually people with more than I could ever imagine. They have joy, peace and comfort-they have faith beyond understanding.

During much of the service, the worshiper's prayed and praised in Zulu. Although I couldn't understand what they were saying, i understood what they were communicating. It was the greatest example of intercession that I've ever experienced.

Faith-just 1 of a 1000 beautiful things!