I attended the third church in Ouaga today - this one small and friendly with a drum that made my ears ache as it reverberated in the small box-like room. They didn't use the little chorus books, so I was grateful to recognize some from Benin days, but dredging the words out from memory was a little hard. One of the evening Bible college students was there so at least I knew someone in the congregation besides fellow missionaries.
Last week I attended an outlying area (photo) and was warned it would be hot. My little fan purchased at home for just such conditions was working overtime. The business agent at the office is the pastor for this church, which has a homework club for children where a SIM short-termer works.
The service order here is: congregational singing led from the front in French and local languages, each choir takes turn to sing (women, youth, children), visitors asked to stand and present themselves, announcements and offering, sermon translated to or from French and the local language, closing prayer and greetings (in one church visitors had to stand with the pastor so everyone shook their hand).
