Tree Church

In Africa, places of worship can take on many shapes and forms. While on mission in Kenya, I experienced worship in homes, small cinderblock buildings, and even under a tree. The floors were dirt or a slab of concrete and if a building had window openings at all, screens or glass rarely existed. The roofs were made of thatch, tin, or the branch of a tree or shrub. But you know, it wasn’t a matter of where these Kenyans were worshipping, it was simply a matter of worshiping The Most High God, who deserves our worship, who desires our worship.

This past May in Lusaka, Zambia, during our 40/40 cultural training; I made a new friend in Christ. His name is Mangani Lungu. He is the pastor of Kabuta Baptist Church which is located in the small compound of Berlinee. He was my interpreter, mentor, guide and friend while in Lusaka. By design we went from home to home engaging Africans while following a daily cultural assignment and never leaving without sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Many were saved! After attending his church one Sunday, he showed me where his congregation had faithfully met and worshiped for over three years prior to moving into a small building. I couldn’t believe it! They had worshiped inside a tree. Pastor Mangani then shared the amazing story of how for those three years it had never rained during a Sunday service. Even during the rainy season the service was never interrupted by rain. Also the tree church came naturally equipped J with its own air conditioner. The shade from the branches provided a cool environment from the hot Zambian sun. As the church grew in number, the tree church was expanded by propping up limbs on the inside to make room for the new members. Basically the membership grew along with the growth of the tree.

The door of the “Tree Church”.

One of Pastor Mangani’s deacons points the way to the front door.

Church pews… Where are the pads?

Pastor Mangani’s preaching point.

My new friend!

The Tree Church today - Kabuta Baptist Church - Now that’s what I call growth…

As a missionary I will need endurance and stamina as I participate in Great Commission to do my part for the Nations to come to Christ. Worshiping God on a daily basis will give me that much needed strength. I have come to understand that worshiping God must be the first and foremost priority in my life to remain strong on the mission field. If my relationship with God is weak and shallow, thus will be the harvest. The Bible says that one day; all the Nations will worship God. Missionaries will no longer be needed and ... praise the Lord ... I’ll be out of a job. Now, how many people do you know that can praise the Lord for unemployment? We will sing praises to our great God and King; singing "HOLY, HOLY, HOLY IS THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME." Let worship be the ultimate goal in your life, even if it’s inside of a tree.

Tom Melvin - Serving Him and the Basotho in the Lowlands of Lesotho