Worshipping Where God is Wanted

In an earlier post, I quoted Philip Yancey's explanation for how God seems to be on the move more demonstrably in some areas of the Earth, by saying that "God goes where he is wanted." Well, this morning, I got a small taste of this reality. This morning I worshipped at the Union Church of Manila.  I was told that it was an "ex-pat" church that has a long history of American pastors (Indeed, Earl Palmer was once their pastor a few decades ago.) 

In all ways that usually inspire comment or bring attention, the worship service was unremarkable.  There was nothing "emergent" or "post-modern" (not a lit candle in sight). Nothing contemporary, or "purpose-driven" or even "seeker-sensitive" (They even had--horrors!--a time for visitors to stand up and introduce themselves.) Admittedly we were at the "traditional" service, so it was filled with "traditional" elements: Hymns, long written prayers, a robed choir, an equally robed pastor, the Glori Patria, a sung "Lord's Prayer" (straight Mallotte version) and a recited "Apostles Creed". The pastor was clearly evangelical and his sermon was a straight-forward plea for more and better "evangelism".   

Those who attended that morning had commuted into middle of the financial district in Manila on Sunday, there was no parking to speak of, and had passed through metal detectors to enter the church because of past terrorist incidents and the constant current threat.  The pastor, an able and amiable person who obviously loves the Lord and his church, is the latest in a long line of ex-patriot pastors who (from the plaque on the wall) average about 5 year tenures.

But here was what I never would have expected if you had described this church to me beforehand: An absolutely packed sanctuary (maybe 500-600 people, I'm guessing) of people from "every tribe and tongue and nation."   They were there, young and old, whole families together, even young adults.  They obviously weren't there because it was convenient, or a good "show" or trendy or cool in anyway that we in the west sometimes insist we must be.  It was just an "ordinary", wonderful, expression of a faithful congregation, the movement of the Spirit of God and a vibrant picture of the worship that will someday be gathered around God's throne.

In his book on the future of "global Christianity", Philip Jenkins predicts that the Philippines will be one of the leading Christian nations in the next 50 years.  After worship this morning, I can understand why.

Comments

[Sheryl France-Moran]

Tod,

It is so moving for me to read about you in Manila -- not my favorite city in the world, but definitely in one of my favorite countries -- the land of my childhood. Not sure where you'll be able to visit while in Manila, but Faith Academy would be well worth the time, in my humble opinion. It is one of the largest MK schools in the world and is celebrating 50 years of service to the mission community in Asia.

Jon has been home for a week and we have one more week to go. The visit has been unexpectedly difficult on an emotional level. To have him home knowing he'll be leaving again so soon for 6 more months is a bit crazy making. Thanks for your prayers.

Sheryl

[Tod]

Sheryl,
Thanks for writing. I am very glad that you, Jon and Joshua are getting some good time together. Though I understand how hard it can be realizing that he has to go back to Iraq. Between the most recent terrorist plot in the UK that disrupted so many travel plans and having to pass through weapons detectors every time I go in to the hotel (or even church!) has made me more aware of how fragile our world feels.

Please express my gratitude to Jon for his service and please accept my prayers for you all that this next week will be one of deep peace and connection for you all before Jon goes to finish his tour of duty.

As I travel through your childhood land, you will be in prayers.

Tod