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Re: St, Bess & Beyond...
Then it was Friday. I had mixed feelings about it primarly because the week of missions was absolutely wonderful. It wouldn't be right if I didn't talk a bit about this part of the trip, as it was my main reason for being in JA.
There is something very different about worship in Jamaica, and being there brought me face to face with some of those differences. North American churches have all but done away with the singing of hymns, yet there was something rich and uplifting hearing hymns I grew up with, some of which I had not heard in years. I didn't mind that the tune to some had been "modernized"; the fact that they were singing hymns was pleasant to the ears.
Then there was the testimony part of the services. Those were VERY different [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] These were not the typical "made for TV stuff", but rather simple folks talking about what was going on in their lives. In NA, services are so structured, but in JA it was cool to hear people going up and like clockwork, doing the "Lets, praise di Lord Saints", the chorus of responses, and then without fail, "Let's Praise Him again", and the responses. I LOVED IT [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/bannana_purple.gif[/img] They were just so sincere in their efforts, and at times it seemed even patois didn't have the words they needed to express themselves. Maybe it was just my impression, but their relationship with God seemed more real, relevant, and practical. Maybe because in a country of much hardships, they have to rely on Him more.
And then there was the choruses. Oh, my Lord. One guy on a keyboard, but lots of tambourines with enough hand-clapping and foot-stomping to raise the roof off the building [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/bannana_purple.gif[/img] I quickly realized it was up to the musicians to catch up with the song leaders, and to try to find the key in which they were singing. The musician deserves a gold star [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/notworthy.gif[/img] The Praise & Worship leader in my local church would have had a heart attack, but it was GREAT [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Tnen there was the heat. Being accustomed to the padded seats and airconditioning, it was something else to be reminded that places of worship are not all like that. Whether it was metal chairs, or wodden benches, it was about worship and not necessarily comfort. I welcomed the reminder.
BTW, is there anyone that can dress for Church like Jamaican women? Forget the heat, some sisters were wonderfully dressed in their Sunday best, with broad-rimmed hats to match. It didn't matter that some had to walk some distance (we saw several going to their different places of worship), they would not be denied. The thing that struck me also was the modesty (regardless of age) when compared to what we see in some NA places of worship. Frankly, it was very refreshing to see [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]
I met a young man there with a very compelling story. Maybe I'll share that next. For those waiting on the rest of the pics, those will come but in the meantime, do bear with me.
Then it was Friday. I had mixed feelings about it primarly because the week of missions was absolutely wonderful. It wouldn't be right if I didn't talk a bit about this part of the trip, as it was my main reason for being in JA.
There is something very different about worship in Jamaica, and being there brought me face to face with some of those differences. North American churches have all but done away with the singing of hymns, yet there was something rich and uplifting hearing hymns I grew up with, some of which I had not heard in years. I didn't mind that the tune to some had been "modernized"; the fact that they were singing hymns was pleasant to the ears.
Then there was the testimony part of the services. Those were VERY different [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img] These were not the typical "made for TV stuff", but rather simple folks talking about what was going on in their lives. In NA, services are so structured, but in JA it was cool to hear people going up and like clockwork, doing the "Lets, praise di Lord Saints", the chorus of responses, and then without fail, "Let's Praise Him again", and the responses. I LOVED IT [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/bannana_purple.gif[/img] They were just so sincere in their efforts, and at times it seemed even patois didn't have the words they needed to express themselves. Maybe it was just my impression, but their relationship with God seemed more real, relevant, and practical. Maybe because in a country of much hardships, they have to rely on Him more.
And then there was the choruses. Oh, my Lord. One guy on a keyboard, but lots of tambourines with enough hand-clapping and foot-stomping to raise the roof off the building [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/bannana_purple.gif[/img] I quickly realized it was up to the musicians to catch up with the song leaders, and to try to find the key in which they were singing. The musician deserves a gold star [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/notworthy.gif[/img] The Praise & Worship leader in my local church would have had a heart attack, but it was GREAT [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif[/img]
Tnen there was the heat. Being accustomed to the padded seats and airconditioning, it was something else to be reminded that places of worship are not all like that. Whether it was metal chairs, or wodden benches, it was about worship and not necessarily comfort. I welcomed the reminder.
BTW, is there anyone that can dress for Church like Jamaican women? Forget the heat, some sisters were wonderfully dressed in their Sunday best, with broad-rimmed hats to match. It didn't matter that some had to walk some distance (we saw several going to their different places of worship), they would not be denied. The thing that struck me also was the modesty (regardless of age) when compared to what we see in some NA places of worship. Frankly, it was very refreshing to see [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]
I met a young man there with a very compelling story. Maybe I'll share that next. For those waiting on the rest of the pics, those will come but in the meantime, do bear with me.
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