Congratulations Nate and Tchela !

In Romans chapter 12 verse 15 Paul writes," Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."

I wrote recently about weeping with those who weep and the way that Congolese people share the load of sorrow to make it easier for people.
This time I'd like to write about rejoicing with those who rejoice.

There's been a lot of rejoicing around here recently and I'd like to share a little with you...Let me introduce Mr. and Mrs. Nate Hulley !!!

Our friends, Nate and Tchela, got married last week...not once, but THREE times as is the custom in Christian homes here in Congo. First there was the traditional family wedding in the home of the bride's parents. Then their was the civil wedding at the Justice of the Peace's office. And, finally, last night we celebrated the Christian wedding at the International Church of Kinshasa. What a crazy week filled with ups and downs and loads of joy.

Members of Nate's family came out to Kinshasa from various places in the US and members of Tchela's family came out from various places in Congo. Each wedding ceremony had it's own purpose and significance. It was a privilege to be present at two of the weddings (I missed the Civil marriage.). I don't have room here to give all the details. All I'd like to say is that God did many miracles to make all three of Nate and Tchela's weddings go very very well.

The traditional wedding was one of the most fascinating things that I've ever had the privileged to participate in. In one room we had people from different cultures, languages and generations. Parts of the traditional wedding were kept to please the older generation (For example, there was still a bride price.) Other parts were updated to please the current generation of city dwellers (The gift of bow and arrows or rifle for hunting was replaced with a laptop computer!) I was honored to be asked to open the ceremony with prayer in French and in English. Both Nate and Tchela come from strong Christian families and the ceremony proceeded in peace and love. There was a lot of rejoicing and a real sense that God was being honored by the couple and their families. Afterwards we shared in a traditional feast and music.

The Christian wedding was much more familiar to us. However there were certain elements included that may seem strange to some. Africans don't traditionally throw rice at a wedding. But, they do scream and make rejoicing sounds (not necessarily when we Westerners feel it's appropriate). When the bride came down the aisle with her father, many of the women starting hooting and shouting and dancing in their places. When this started one of the guests gave me a concerned look and asked,"Is this a good thing or a bad thing." For us Westerners it could seem disorderly. But, in Africa, rejoicing always has a place.

The reception after the Christian wedding was also quite an event. There was a whole program which involved seating the families, introducing the couple, testimonies about the bride and groom, dancing with the parents and cutting the cake. For me the theme was again, "Rejoice with those who rejoice." In fact, Romans 12.15 was mentioned by the Master of Ceremonies. He even went on to quote an old African proverb by saying, loosely translated, " If you aren't rejoicing with your friends then their is something wrong with you!" (The word used was "suspicious".) So, if you aren't rejoicing with your friends then there's something suspicious about you.

At both of the weddings that I attended there was lots of rejoicing going on. Nate and Tchela couldn't be happier. And they are committed to making Jesus the center of the marriage and to serve him wherever He leads them. We all have a lot to be thankful for around here. In Philippians, Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always." Let's rejoice with Nate and Tchela.

Please pray for Nate and Tchela as they discover their new life together. Pray for their families as well as they travel now and love and support the new couple later. And,as always, pray for peace in Congo.