Baptist Revival- Haitian Style

The local baptist church held a revival that was led by our Berea staff last night.

Usually I don't like to go to these things because I'm not a huge fan of "revivals," but this one turned out to be pretty fun.

The first thing I noticed as I sat down was the wall on the other side of the building which was lined with the school's chalkboards. Like our, and most, churches which also run schools, the same building is used for either purpose interchangeably. Only today was this a somewhat uncomfortable issue.

It wasn't that the boards were taking up too much space. The problem was that yesterday's lesson, immediately previous to the service, was one on STD's. That's right- not only did we get a great Biblical lesson from a sound preacher, but we also had wonderful reading material on the causes, symptoms and treatments of AIDS, gonorrhea and syphilis. What a well-rounded service!

The service was loads of fun. We danced to awesome music and listened to a few solos. Then we danced some more. Haitians love when white people dance. They always assume that we lack rhythm. But boy did we teach them a lesson! I cut the concrete, raised the roof, and shook my booty like no one has ever dared to do in any baptist church.

Needless to say, Haitian church services are much more fun than any I've been to in America. Nothing intimidates these people. They sing solo even though they're not the best at it. They dance in the aisles even if everyone else is in their seats. They clap whether they're supposed to or not.

I like it. A lot.

You should come enjoy a Haitian church service sometime. I promise you won't be disappointed. Whether it's by STD lessons, naked children or a contagious beat, you are sure to be surprised at one point or another.

Much love.