Though we believe and practice corporate worship every week, some days, some times, there is just something extra special that happens. God speaks to my heart not only through worshiping Him, but also through learning, serving, and fellowshipping with other believers. Today was such a day. What a blessing to be in the house of the Lord!
This country differs from America, in that it is common to be at events and hear 2,3, or even 4 languages. It encouraged my heart today to see a service preached in Russian, then translated to both Georgian and English. The Believers followed suit during the fellowship dinner afterwards and there were conversations in all 3 languages. Many times (though not always) multiple languages in a church service in America is called a "distraction" or "inconvenience" and many will complain "Why can't they learn English?" However, here, it is simply common courtesy to speak in a language the other person well understands; therefore, I may speak to another lady in Georgian, because that's her first language, and she will reply in English, out of courtesy for me. So sweet to see selfless believers, going out of their way to include everyone in the service and truly serve other believers.
There was a couple there, for security purposes I will call them A and B. They had travelled to our country from an Islamic country. Their words "we intended 100% something different." But God. According to them, they "met God by mistake (though we know there's no mistake with God)" and now they are followers of the One and Only True God. AMEN! That is what makes the church want to jump up and shout "Hallelujah!!!" Now this couple is preparing to move on, and they will have no one, except God (Who is everything!) to stand with them. The church today prayed over them and exhorted them to stay in the faith and to cling to Christ even when the darkness comes, for Christ is the only treasure worth having. What an amazing thing to commit other believers to God's hands, not knowing the future, but knowing it will be a hard path; yet standing with them in prayer and faith in the Lord's control. It was truly a blessing to witness.
I also felt privileged to watch children talk and play with other children, who to adults clearly had special needs, but to the children were simply just another child. They didn't see the differences, only the things that were the same- a child who needed a friend and wanted to play. In fact, it didn't bother the children to slow what they were doing or repeat themselves, or even have to change their play to include the special needs kids. There were no demeaning comments, just children laughing and having a good time. Oh that we would all see people with the eyes of a child!
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