MISSION MBALE Blog: Dance Lessons

Sundays in Uganda are my favorite. It is such a joy to spend time worshiping with the faithful people of Ebenezer. In so many ways, Sunday services here have the familiarity of home—Sunday school, great music and preaching, prayer, baby dedications, offerings, baptisms and the like. But oh, how different it is as well! Late last night the Lord whispered to me, “Watch, learn, let them show you how to dance.” Then throughout the day, He revealed to me exactly what He meant.

Dancing is an essential and integral part of worship here. The older children giggle when we ‘mazungoos’ try to keep up, but they patiently show us the moves and interpret the song. They are full of joy at the notion that we would join with them in their song and dance for the Lord.

In addition to today’s regular service, we worshiped together in a baptism service at FBC Mbale. Over 40 men, women, and children were baptized by Mike Emeott, Mike Phillips, and Eric Marston. And much like the morning, all these baptisms were met with loud cheering and singing, a celebration around the waters.

God has revealed so much to me about authentic worship through my Ugandan church family. Today Eric preached a powerful sermon on the importance of praying boldly, persistently, and shamelessly to the Lord. I believe, as I have witnessed at Ebenezer, that our worship should be the same. God is patient to receive our praise as we grow in understanding of His song and learn the steps to this beautiful dance. And we are ever grateful for the lessons.