A time of RISKINGANDREJOICING
Is.43:19Behold I will doPs.67:4O let the nations
a new thing!be glad and sing for Joy!
God (the Infinite) took the risk of coming as a child (quite finite) to communicate his Love and Truth.Rocked, the spheres ring with song!
TWO CONGO CHRISTMAS STORIES:
Choir Wars
How many times in local congregational life has the choir/music ministry degenerated into a series of arguments over "who is in charge", OR what style and sort of music is "real worship"; whether the director should be a volunteer or paid staff member, OR whether or not that person is "competent".Other crucial issues arise: who should be the "featured" soloist(s), which "instruments" are "appropriate" for use in "our" congregation, when and how often there should be practices; where the choir should sit; whether or not to wear robes and if so, what style, color; etc.At worst there is a continuing grumbling rebellious divisive spirit among those who feel 'unappreciated' in the process.
Here in Kikongo, our pastoral school women, who number some 32, have no paid choir-director and no robes and yet they have been offering wonderful music for the church.However recently dissatisfaction has come to a head. The group is committed to practicing three times a week, but there has been a longstanding conflict over starting and finishing times: the early-birds are tired of waiting for the late-comers.Leadership is also a challenge, with many church and tribal histories being represented, and several women who have directed choirs. Some want to sing numbers that are strong in rhythm and dance, while others want songs with a clear God-inspired message. SO, "who is in charge?"Who decides what to sing? Who leads?
While our women and other adult choirs are still working out these issues - witness another phenomenon. "THE MAJORETTES" (not to be confused with a Broadway troupe) are a CHOIR of 35 or 40 girls between 6 and 14 years of age.They sing most Sundays in our local parish.They currently have NO adult "sponsor", although until last June they did have a talented 20-year-old young woman leading them.She did an excellent job in "modeling" good leadership and teaching many songs that are the base of their repertoire.
The Majorettes practice shared leadership. Several older girls take turns directing, the lead-parts are shared, and the choreography of movements are well prepared.There is variety in form and style, and a joyous spirit among the girls.In the States, who could imagine a choir of girls 14 years of age and less WITHOUT an ADULT director, preparing and regularly sharing in worship!!!
"And a little child shall lead them." Isaiah11:6
Beautiful Feet
Because of your faithful support of missions, the Rev. Dan Buttry, Global Specialist in Peacemaking and Conflict Transformation will be coming to Kinshasa December 2 - 18th to lead seminars in the Capital City and in the Interior with the leaders of CBCO (our Congolese partners).This effort has been over two years in the planning. Isaiah 52:7: "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace...!"
Is PEACEMAKING - only a dream?
Is "division" or "separation" the only method of conflict resolution in the history of the church? Historically the results of "conflict" have been inner turmoil within the church, persecution, excommunication, imprisonment, and even martyrdom - all for the sake of "true beliefs" and a "pure faith," or the "right worship of God".
Aren't those "worthy goals"?Yes, but often, while the conflicts were cast in "theological terms," the true issues were "power", i.e. who is in charge here?And those with the power either "kicked out" the minority, or made it so difficult to live "in" the church that the dissidents left.
We see this dynamic in the Protestant Reformation, and sadly many reformers continued the same "pattern". Followers of John Calvin killed many Ana-Baptists, because, while both were "against" the abuses of the church hierarchy, the Calvinists still thought the Ana-Baptists were "heretics"!The Ana-Baptists "re-baptized" people, AND because they did not adequately "respect the State", they were persecuted and killed by their fellow "reformers" when they refused to properly submit to civil authority-- as "good Christians should".
Is there any hope for the church in the USA…for the church in the DR Congo?Theological and power "battles" rage on both stages. Can our witness EVER be as it was "in the beginning":"Behold those Christians how they love one another!"?
While Jesus instructs us to "love our enemies", we have difficulty even speaking respectfully to/with those "fellow Christians" with whom we disagree: be the issue(s): politics, abortion, stem cell research, or homosexuality.
Here in DR Congo, CBCO has been undermined in the past year by internal strife between the leaders of different parts of the country.The issues ostensibly relate to the "organization" of the church, but the underlying "problem" from my perspective is "who is in charge".
This December the leadership team-- Rev. Buttry, CBCO President Ikomba, Wendy Bernhard and Virgil, are walking into volatile situations seeking to teach others how to do so in the spirit of transforming Love.
Several two-day seminars on Conflict Transformation will be offered in Kinshasa and Kikwit, and 20 leaders will be trained as "trainers," to continue the process after Rev. Buttry's departure.
Pray with us that the hearts of all the participants and leaders might be freed from bitterness, opened and transformed into "servant hearts".Isaiah 52:8-9: "The watchman shall lift up the voice: with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.Break forth into joy, sing together!...for the Lord has comforted his people.!"
R+R For The Nelsons:
For a week after Christmas, we are hoping to travel with our missionary colleague Wendy Bernhard, from Kinshasa to the Atlantic Ocean, about 250 miles.Fortunately Wendy has a land-cruiser and a driver, and there is a paved road that goes "most of the way". We are praying for minimal governmental interference, few mechanical problems, interesting discoveries in exploring new territory, and much merrymaking!
R+R for you this Christmas:May it not be a retread of empty rituals, but rather a READINESS to stoop down to pick up a small child or another in need of a lift
and a REGALING over growth and new possibilities with Christ!
SHALOM,
Virgil and Lynn