I realized I haven’t really talked about the church I go to here in Maradi. I do go to church in case any of you were getting worried!
The name of my church is EERN Sonitan. EERN stands for Eglise Evangelique au Republique du Niger (Evangelical Church of Niger Republic), and there are actually quite a few EERN churches in Maradi and throughout
So the entire service is in Hausa. I don’t really speak Hausa, which makes things a bit difficult. And the service is like 2 and a half hours long. So I do my best to pick out words I know, but I also usually bring another book along or read the Bible during the sermon.
Half of the service or more is singing, which is kind of cool. Hausa people are so enthusiastic about music and dancing! The choir enters singing and dancing, and they sing a few songs. Then about 3 different groups of children get up in front and sing. Then the women sing a few songs. Then the choir sings again. I think you get the picture.
Then every Sunday night at 5pm we have a service for missionaries and other expatriates in Maradi. It is at the SIM compound where I live, and that is usually a good time of getting together and hearing the word, singing together, and even eating food sometimes. It really is nice to meet together as a missionary community, but I also don’t want to get caught up in the “missionary bubble” and disconnect myself from building relationships with Nigeriens. I guess it’s best to live in both worlds…
Men on one side...women on the other.
Cute kids singing a song
There are several offerings throughout the service. Everyone dances up to the front, puts in their money, and then dances to their seat. Lots of energy!
Some ladies watching their children outside during the service
4 comments:
Hey Luke,
Just took some time to catch up on your posts. Great pictures. Very helpful to see what life is like for you these days. I enjoyed reading your update letter, too. I'm going to keep telling our MS kids to come check this page out regularly. Do you ever hear from any of them?
I think you should include a "Favorite Hausa Phrase I've Learned Recently" in each post. That way we can all learn a little Hausa along with you. And you know what they say... you learn stuff best when you have to teach it to others.
Miss you and glad you're there all that the same time,
Kenny
Good idea Kenny! I think I'll do that "Favorite Hausa Phrase I've Learned Recently". Thanks for all the support man. Things are good here, say hey to everyone for me.
uLuke,
I don't want to question your "patriotism", so while it is true you may indeed be an "ex-patriot", here in Niger, you are certainly an "expatriate", along with all of us other foreign missionaries.
Tom Johnson
Thanks Tom! Got it fixed...
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