Never Cease To Learn...And Be Encouraged

This weekend we received news that Amai Sakala's brother had passed away. He was 77 years old, which is incredible for Zambia, and died from illness. The burial was this morning. I was unable to attend due to Kendall's teaching schedule and I could not manage 3 little ones at a burial service. Instead, I decided that it would be best for me to visit Amai Sakala after the burial.
When I arrived I greeted the mourners and family and was delighted to see so many church members still at the home to encourage and comfort Amai Sakala. I soon found out another thing about funerals that I was unaware of. After funerals, the church members of the ones who have lost a loved one go to the home to pray with the mourner. Upon my arrival I was informed that I would be praying.
Just then, we gathered together and began to sing a hymn. As we sang we walked into Amai Sakala's brother's home and found a seat on the grass mats. After we sang, I prayed and Bambo Lungu led us in a devotion that encourages believers not to be sad because we are merely sleeping until Christ returns. We sang another song, passed Amai Sakala a gift, and exited the home with a song.
As I sat in that home, I was once again set back. Zambians really do care about one another. I don't ever remember a time when someone from my church passed away and a few church members went to the home of the deceased, sang, prayed, and shared Scripture together. Many things in the African culture do not seem correct in my American mind, but who am I to want to change them if it edifies and demonstrates love to the Body of Christ. Praise the Lord for the example of love that was demonstrated by our brothers and sisters in Christ.

*A brief update from the post..."Spiritual Warfare"...Kendall taught at Kaliuta today and he found out that the pastor's father that Kendall and I prayed with that Sunday has passed away. That Sunday Kendall and I felt so impressed by the Spirit to pray for him and share with him the Good News of Jesus Christ. We can't wait to see if he truly did turn his heart to Christ before dying. It almost seemed that he was waiting to hear the Word of God and to be prayed for that day. Oh I pray he is in the presence of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Never cease to stop and share Christ with anyone...nothing is more crucial than salvation.