"We will meet in front of the church at 6 am on Sunday morning, take a boat and hold our Easter services in a Nubian village," he said.
I laughed and muttered something to the effect that Jesus would still love us at 10 am.
As a teenager, I remember participating in sunrise services in Missouri. As the sun peeked over the horizon, we would burst forth in the "Hallelujah Chorus!" However, that tradition seemed to wane over the years as families found it more difficult to get everyone in their "Easter Best" in the wee hours.
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| Part of the group gathered at a traditional Nubian dining table. |
On this side of the pond, the tradition has continued. Though I am not exactly a morning-loving person, I do like gathering together in the crisp morning air to celebrate our Greatest Hope!
We attend a small international church established by a German organization over 100 years ago. During the cool season, we may have 60 attendees; during the hot months, maybe 20. The believers that gather are from all over the world here in our city for various reasons.
This particular Easter, John would lead worship and I would speak. I double-checked with our pastor to make sure he had the schedule correct.
"Do you know that you have scheduled me on Easter?" I asked.
"Yes, I meant to do that," he responded.
"Oh, wow. Thank you. This is an incredible honor." I was truly honored.
In my exuberance of the festivities, I had volunteered to bring cinnamon rolls and an egg casserole for the brunch that would follow the service. The pastor's wife asked, "Why are all the Americans bringing this 'egg casserole' dish? What is it?"
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| This is the first area John set up. Then he had to relocate to the other side of the room for working electricity. |
I laughed and explained that it's just an easy way to make eggs ahead of time. She said it didn't matter as long as I brought the cinnamon rolls, too.
Once I had selected the items to bring, I began to prep for it. Oh, snap! Cinnamon rolls out of the oven and ready by 5:30 am?! I realized what I had done, but it was too late. I was committed. I would have to set my alarm at dark-thirty to get them ready.
I did manage to do just that and get ready and review my sermon one more time while John had the arduous task of gelling his hair. Well, he did have to pack up his keyboard and speakers and such.
Arms loaded, we met our friends and all proceeded to the motor boat that was waiting to take us down river.
John set up his gear after locating the one plug in the building that worked and led the group in a series of beautiful Easter hymns.
As I stood in front of this group, my heart swelled. Could I have ever imagined that my life would be this? That I would be sharing Easter morning with friends from Germany, Canada, Egypt, Holland, Scotland, South Africa? We come from many different points on the globe, but we are united in Christ, our Risen Savior. Sadly for most others that surround us, it's just another day.
In a remote place on the Nile, these dear brothers and sisters bring encouragement by gathering together and declaring that Jesus is worthy for whatever He asks or wherever He leads.
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| Pam speaking... |
Life abroad can be tough, really tough. Being a "minority everything" is wearing. It can also be incredible. In the Easter season, I'm reminded that Jesus left the splendor of Heaven so that we could experience "God with us" and see the heart of God live among us. His followers, likewise, also try to demonstrate the character of Jesus to each other and those with whom we live in proximity.
Easter reminds us that the very power that raised Christ from the dead is that same power that allows us to continue the path that God puts before us. That's good news! It's not up to me to make things happen. I can rest in the fact of simple obedience and the faithfulness of Jesus to complete what He started. Hallelujah!
Following the sermon, the kids enjoyed an Easter egg hunt among the palm trees and in the sand. We sat together enjoying many types of breads (from the Germans) and lots of egg casseroles (from the Americans). Finally, we gathered our items and made our way back to the boat and onto our village.
Yes, this was a beautiful Easter, but we have another chance to celebrate here in Egypt. The Coptic Christians celebrate Easter this year on May 1. Or maybe as Christians, we challenge ourselves to live and share the knowledge and power of the resurrection all year long.
He is risen indeed!
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| On the boat! |
