29 October 2022 | Silkeborg, Denmark [Sven H. Jensen]
The Danish Union church family includes close to three hundred Adventists from Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. With most living in Denmark as refugees, and who are building a new life in their adopted country, to meet for a special Sabbath on 29 October and celebrate in their own language, and with their own songs was something incredibly special. A sizable number are single mothers with many children. Meeting at the Silkeborg church, they came together from many different churches and groups, especially from Mid-Jutland to worship and hold a concert in Kinyarwanda, (the national language of Rwanda) where each delegation presented their own songs in solos, duets, or choirs.
Rwandan preacher Edison Barinda moved and stirred the congregation with his sermon based on Isaiah 6:8 “Here am I, send me!”. The lively children’s story about Zacchaeus captured the imagination of a large group of children gathered at the front of the church. The spirit of worship filled the church auditorium, enhanced with beautiful harmonious singing in Kinyarwanda with a fervour and empathy that only Africans can sing.
The common meal at lunchtime was hosted by the families in pots, pans, and food containers which was able to satisfy the most discerning taste. Likewise, the afternoon concert was as pleasant to the ear as the food is to the palette.
And then came a final appeal for the day, given in line with Joshua’s appeal to his people: “Choose for yourselves this day, whom you will serve… But for me and my house we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).
The day was a Sabbath feast, and it was good to be there. It was difficult to separate again. But there was singing in the bus on the way back, with a renewed vision to live for God and share his good news – even in the most challenging of circumstances. Lift up these Adventists in prayer.
[Photos: courtesy of Sven H. Jensen / CC BY 4.0]
