#6 Sunday, The Center of Conference

Sunday, October 22, 2006

Sunday service started about 9:00 AM. Because it was Sunday the schedule was changed up a bit and we only had three services instead of four! Another difference in the service was that they received an offering. I noticed the offering cans over at the side in other services, but this was the first where an offering march was organized and apparently the people knew that this would be a part of the service because they quickly responded, joining the march to bring their offering to the front. Another feature of the Sunday morning service was that several people, men and women, were called on to come to the platform and share their testimony. Following the sermon there was also recognition of three birthdays this week. Candy was passed out among the congregation that was provided for by parents of a couple of young boys who had birthdays.

Everett preached in the first service, “I need a Rest.” He talked about the Sabbath under the law and how there was also to be a Sabbath rest every seventh year and a Jubilee on the fiftieth year. After the Babylonian captivity the Sabbath became a day of worship and assembly in the synagogues that were constructed in the restoration.

We had some lunch on the conference grounds. It was typical Indian fare, rice and Dal (a bean that looks like corn), followed by Indian Tea. The Indian Tea was quite good. It reminded me of the Chai Tea from Starbucks. Back at the hotel I was finally able to take a nap. When I got up after about thirty minutes I had time to study and to enjoy a Coke and some snacks. We returned to the conference center about 4:00 PM for the next service. I preached, “Follow Me!” There was a good response in the prayer service following the message.

Between the services we enjoyed another round of Indian Tea. Their teacups are very small and the tea is very hot. However, they have tea several times a day so you never need a lot at one time.

Tonight was a dance service! Certain songs just seem to bring the dance out of these Gujaraties. The women had a version of “ring around the roses” in their dance. The men were more freestyle and the young boys had a terrific time of jumping and leaping. While there is an element of natural expression, it also reflected their joy of the Lord.

Brian Henry followed with a powerful message as well.