Tuesday night we attend the service at a Church of God in a small, poor village nearby. It turns out to be, most likely, the highlight of our trip. The church is full, 50-60 people, but our van is only the 2nd vehicle there. No one else can afford a car; they walk everywhere. We are told in advance that we will be expected to sing for them, we sing 3 songs. After a 2-hour sermon and prayers, we are asked to come to the front of the church for a special prayer. The pastor prays for each of us individually while our host, John, translates. (The pastor occasionally speaks in tongues)The pastor anoints each of us with oil while the entire congregation gathers around us and lays hands on us. The tables have been turned, we came here to minister and instead, have been ministered to!! What a powerful and humbling experience, one that we'll never forget.
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