Life; an adventure, a journey with Jesus!

Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate (repeat 3 times)
He is risen (repeat) and He lives forevermore.
Come on Celebrate, the resurrection of our Lord.

The background music was playing the above song, the multi-media portrayed fireworks and the word “celebrate”, about 500 people were in attendance, there was excitement in the air! It was the beginning of a real big celebration – 11th anniversary of one of the local Christian Missionary Alliance churches. You could sense the enthusiasm all around you. The crowd was anticipating an enjoyable anniversary party. They were delighted to be there, with their church family, including their former pastors and members. This was going to be a night to remember.

The evening schedule included it all! The history of the church was shared through a power point presentation. Although it was definitely one of those ‘you had to have been there’ situations, many photos showed an active church working and playing together. Great memories for many of those in the worship center, I’m sure.

The music was lively! Songs we are all so familiar with like Great is Thy Faithfulness and How Great Thou Art. The band, and praise team led the congregation and the singing was sweet music to our Lord, and full from the hearts (and diaphragms!). The old hymns seem to bring out the best vocals from non-singers and everyone participated!

Several pastors and other invited guests were introduced to a round of applause of appreciation from those gathered together. The welcome was warm and genuine; even we Americans felt the sincerity and hospitality of the church family.

The Word was shared by someone well known by all (except us!) and his animated preaching kept all ears on what he had to say and all eyes on him. Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity….for there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore.” The message rang loud and clear. We are called to unity! There He will bless us! As a church family, the body of Christ, we are called to live together in unity; one unit, together. How can we expect God’s blessing unless we follow His word? The speaker congratulated the congregation for continuing to strive to live in unity. He challenged them to keep keeping on, for the Lord’s blessing. This was reason to celebrate. And celebrate they did!

A traditional band (playing traditional Peruvian instruments) provided songs to sing along with, and praise choruses as well. They even sang a song of celebration. There was another soloist in traditional garb who sang and was definitely appreciated by the applause of thanksgiving she received at the end of her number. The hand clapping intensified when a group of young adults in costume, took the floor and danced some traditional numbers. As we were honored enough to sit in the reserved seats in the front row, as invited guests, we were able to see their feet stomping, toe tapping, and all the intricate movements that accompanied the beat of the music. It was amazing! They were huffing and puffing after the first number, but continued to dance a few more. Before the night was over, they reappeared as the music began, and took the pastors, their wives and other invited guests by the hand (including us!) to join them in one final celebratory traditional dance! Well, let me tell you, we are comfortable with the traditional square dance of the good ole USA, a two step and a waltz, but this beat was like no other and we found it difficult to do much more than move around the floor with the Peruvians guiding us. Celebrating proves to be both fun and tiring.

After the lighting of the eleven cakes (one for each year) which were lavishly displayed in tiers on a table, and everyone joining to sing happy birthday, the pastors and their wives blew out the candles, to the flickering of many, many cameras. It was now 10:00 pm and dinner was being served. What a wonderful expression of service. Church members prepared, plated, served, and cleaned up after 500 people enjoyed dinner at that time of night. What a family! What a celebration! What a night! We definitely were part of a big celebration – to celebrate Jesus and with those who strive to live in unity!