Power in Church

Today was a good opportunity to see what "church" looks like in Zambia- not just Baptist churches. It was interesting to hear everyone's stories of experiences from various denominations , cults, and other religious institutions. During our time of debriefing and feedback there were many similarities. The charasmatic influence among the churches is huge. Aside from the dancing and praying aloud at the same time (which we also found at the Baptist churches) there was a lot of speaking in tongues, healing, wailing, and emotion.

The Pentecostal movement has made a huge impact in Africa. The idea of power, which is often central to many charasmatics, really appeals to the Africans. For a people who are suffering daily and have no power over their situations- power over the "spirits that oppress them" is greatly desired.

Many of the churches we experienced were so close to the Gospel but were still so far off! One church was almost preaching the Gospel. They drew a picture that Americans frequently use: man on one side and God on the other with a gap in between them. They drew a cross connecting the two representing Christ as the pathway. But then they took away the cross and said if you sin you will fall into the hole. It breaks my heart to see how the open hearts of the people have been led away by lies of Satan to distract them from the peace they can find in knowing God.