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By Harold and Jane Amstutz*
T HE first sound we hear on Christ mas morning is the thud of a drum. It is only three o’clock in the morning but it is real music to our ears, soon followed by a group of our African Christians singing, “Bamalaika ayembi, Ilisa na Mokonzi” (“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing, Glory to the new born King.” ) We thought that possibly they would over-sleep this morning, be cause the contests and games of the previous day had been strenuous and tiring. But, no, there they are again and this time just outside our bedroom window, a choir, not angelic in sound or appearance, but enthusiastic and sincere as they sing, “Kusika asirakumi” (“Joy to the World, the Lord is come!” ) We are really happy to be awakened by these joyful melodies, reminding us of the birthday of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We could have been aroused from sleep by the weird notes of the death-dance in the village near by, or the blood-curdling screams of a mother whose child had just died. After several more songs such as, “ Jesus My Saviour to Bethlehem Came” and “ Silent Night, Holy Night” (for they know many of the songs in their new hymnbook and some can even read the notes), we exchange Christmas greet ings. Flowers and palm branches are placed at our doors and windows, and then the choir moves on to awaken other households on the station. We begin thinking of the day ahead of us, for it will be a very busy one. We must get ready for the morning prayer service, which will be held in the church building at the rising of the sun, six o’clock. We think again that prob ably the crowd will be small, for they did have a big day running and com peting for old ties, old clothes, tin cans, soap; and if one was very good and hit the bull’s eye with his arrow, he won a brand-new Testament or songbook. But to our surprise, when the six o’clock drum beats, calling the people to serv ice, we enter the church to find it al ready filled. The African pastor gives a short mes sage on some phase of the Christmas story, bringing an application that causes all of our hearts to rejoice and be thankful for “ Immanuel,” “ God with * For sixteen years missionaries under the Africa Inland Mission, in the Bel gian Congo. BIOLA Alumni.
The African choir is always ready to sing, even though they are hoarse from the itinerary of the early morning hours, but they mean well and the noise is joyful. Then the missionary in charge gives a heart-to-heart talk, after which the pastor again closes the service with an invitation to anyone who perhaps has come to play games, see friends, or to run in a race to win an old shirt, but would now accept as a free gift, a robe of righteousness, which can be obtained only through faith in the Lord Jesus. Our hearts are warmed by the earnest ness of the appeal and the consideration given by the crowd as some express a desire to receive Him. At the two-o’clock service we have a guest speaker from a neighboring station adding his voice to the Christmas Story, recalling the first coming of the Lord Christ, looking ahead to His second coming in power and great glory. After this service the pastor announces that there will be a short session for the church members only, for there is some business to discuss and a problem con cerning one of the members. His conduct has not been fitting as a Christian and he must be disciplined. The pastor asks that all members come and pray that the Lord’s will be done in the decisions that must be made. It is now around five o’clock in the
us.” Our hearts are stirred by the prayers that are offered in thanksgiving for the great message of love that has been proclaimed through the birth of
Drummer boys delight to start Christmas Day at three o’clock in the morning with their “music.” The drums no longer roll for heathen festivities. our wonderful Lord, “Mokonzi na bisu.” After one of the brethren has prayed at some length, the pastor brings the pray er meeting to a close with a meaningful prayer: “ It is sufficient, our Father, that we do not be like a sieve today as we receive the Word of God. Tie all the holes in the sieve with pitch, thus the Word will not run out to no avail; the Word will stay in our hearts and will only help us. Also, our Father, can it be that we may obtain today the good smell of Christ. When people are at the beer drinks, we hear the smell of them. When people put on the perfumes that they buy in bottles, we hear them; thus, it is sufficient that after this conference, others may hear, see, and smell in us the odor of Christ.” The crowd is dismissed for a two-hour recess and all are urged to return for the hour of the Word. The next service is a long one, start ing at nine and sometimes ending at noon, but it is varied and the interest is held. The church building, holding over 1800 people, is filled and overflowing. After a few familiar songs and perhaps a new one too, we have several special numbers by the girls’ and boys’ choirs, for they have been practicing for this event for weeks in advance. Then a stirring message is given by one of the evangelists. Perhaps there may be some question as to his homiletics, but no question as to the sincerity of the testi mony.
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v Fetish-bound and fearful, but friendly, Kaliko woman attends Christmas Con ference.
D E C E M B E R , 1 9 5 2
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