July 22, 2018

Today, I attended service at Ireen's home parish of St. George in Zomba. Although the service is in Chichewa, the national language, the rhythms and patterns of the high church mass are the same as an English service, so I am not lost and am able to worship in Spirit and truth as invited by the priest. Singing, led by three a capella choirs, plays a prominent part of the service, including sung prayer for the preacher before he begins the sermon. The preacher not only instructs on the day's readings, he also gives his testimonial, an effective way to model evangelism. Towards the end of the service, a young couple bring their infant to the altar to be blessed and to offer their prayers of thanksgiving. 

I am also invited to greet the congregation. Garbed in the informal uniform of Daughters in Malawi, a specially designed piece of fabric worn as a wrap skirt,I felt comfortable, almost confident, giving my greetings in Chichewa.

Following the blessing and dismissal, we depart, "up, up, uplifted in Jesus."