of Churches, cell phones and camp

Jesus House is the name of the parish. Redeemed Christian Church of God is one of the many thriving groups of churches in NGA. Their goal is like Coca-Cola's "a coke in every house" -- their's is "a church on every street." And they are everywhere! This is the original parish but not the largest. In our service there were about 1500 people, 2 of them white!! It was a 3-hour service with great worship -- many familiar songs. The band had a jazz feel with some guy playing a mean sax. Everyone dressess up -- about 2/3 of the women and 1/3 of the men were in traditional dress. Lots of hats and head wraps.
The preaching was a "you should" style, not very compelling. But with a topic of tithing, well, that's difficult anyway! It's pretty simple here, spiritually -- "What does the Bible say? That's what we should do." It lacks the inspirational style we might like in the USA but, hey, people are coming to Jesus by the millions so maybe the US approach isn't where it's at!! The people around us were totally focused and obviously love Jesus with whole hearts! And ... everyone carries (and uses) a Bible!

Another thing that's definitely better here -- cell phones. Forget those nasty 1 to 2 year contracts. You buy a phone (for as low as $40 for a Nokia), a SIM card for $3.50, and a recharge pin that'll last a month for about $10 (that's all in US dollars with 143 naira equalling about one US dollar.) No roaming charges; you either have a connection or not. And when you run out of minutes, you still can take incoming calls! (Australia has the same brilliant system!)

Meet Christian, a produce vendor who's stand is near our house. He's always buttering me up with his toothy smile and "I have cilantro for you, Muthuh!" He's a Christian, not just in name, and he asked me if I'd like a CD of African Ministry Music -- local worship songs. He's bringing me one for 150 naira and he said I'd have to pay 500 at least but they'll give him a good deal. So, because he's so eager to help, I've asked him if there is a book that explains all of the vegetation, trees, flowers, ... After many futile words, he said, "Madame wants book witt pixure of tree and words that say 'dis is a mango tree,' yes?" So, he promises to find me one but he doesn't know the cost. We are free to take fruit from the trees on camp -- if we can reach them. Coconuts could be tough!!