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.
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