I experienced church

There is no magnificent church building, no large congregation, no piano or choir, no

high pulpit that distance you from your sheep. People here pray with intensity,
repeating Amen after almost each sentence; they sing loudly with emotion, many times
with tears; they listen sitting at the edge of the chair, expecting every word of God to
speak to their sinful heart. Most of them have basic education, a few are illiterate. Their
accent is thick and I do not understand every word they say. But there is no mistaking
of their desire to worship God with deep sorrow for their sin. “I did not spend much time
studying the bible this week. I woke up at 7 this morning and missed my personal
prayer time.” There is great joy when the gospel is proclaimed that Christians are free
from sin by the saving grace of Christ. How undeserving they feel towards the gospel
and yet grace pours upon them freely. God only asks for repentance and obedience to
follow him. Righteous living is non-negotiable. It is a daily struggle with mixed victory
and fall. Brothers and sisters share how God’s word speak to their hearts after
services, sharing their success and failure. They pray asking God to sustain them by
the strength the Holy Spirit. They pray as if their lives depend on it. They pray for holy
living, the work of the Holy Spirit to convert sinners, family members, and friends, even
strangers they met on the street in the previous week when the gospel was shared.
They do not usually allow newcomers to join the worship unless the elders interview
them first. It is a spiritual discernment to admit someone into a meeting place. The
stack can be high without knowing who the newcomers are. Intervention to worship
happens from time to time around the city, near and far. Christians sometimes cannot
trust members from other churches. It takes time to build up trusting relationships and
partnership in ministry.
Christians are hungry and thirsty for righteousness. The young people with higher
education attend Tuesday bible study, Thursday prayer meeting, and Friday Saturday
fellowship singing hymns and reading God’s word together. They may not attend every
activity, but they are active in learning, taking courses to increase their understanding of
the bible, learning how to apply biblical principles in their daily living. Overseas
teachers cannot enter the country now. A lot of the teaching is based on online
resources. These activities happen both online and in person. I mean the people
gather in a family living room and study using online materials together. Group sharing
is standard after a teaching session. The adults work long hours and on Saturdays.
People who are in service business work on Sundays and holidays. They may have
Sunday off from time to time. Overburden with work and family responsibilities, many
choose to take part in the service at home. Attending worship in person is always
preferred. People share better when they see each other’s faces and sitting next to one
another. Eating is allowed when they share. People will bring various snacks and there
are many joyful conversations when they meet. They care much for one another by
praying constantly.
Since I moved here, I spend a lot of time with them. Their Christian living prompts me
to think about my church life in USA. I see how lively people are engaged in their faith
here. Faith is the breath of life. Without faith, Christians are dead. Holy Spirit is
moving among Christians as they share their experience. A verse, a passage of the
bible, or a small little voice will remind them when they need to decide upon a life event.
They learn to listen to God’s voice in their daily reading of the bible.
The leaders are intricately involved in people’s lives. They cultivate a caring culture
among believers. People care about others and they hold each other accountable,
calling a brother or sister who has not come to worship, inviting them to talk over meals,
encouraging them to set their priority right by paying attention to observe the Sabbath.
They trust the Lord will work faithfully bringing the lost sheep back.
There are many setbacks in their lives. A change of job, a child is born, elderly parents
who need attention and care, seas of examinations and tests at school, merciless
demanding supervisors who can never be satisfied, tension in marriage, spousal abuse,
addiction to screen and games, drinking and smoking are prevalent even among
Christians.
When you see they finally overcome their personal issues repenting their sins, putting
their trust in God again and return to worship, the missing sheep is now back home.
What a wonderful blessing of God. How joyful everyone over the return of the lost and
the wayward. In the end, God’s honor and name is exalted. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.
Hallelujah.
This is church. In here, the security of our faith is guaranteed by the promise of God.
“You are my God, and we are your people.” To God be the honor and praise forever.