The first time I visited Chapananga church I was escorted into a small mud brick structure with a sparsely thatched grass roof. The whole pulpit and surrounding sitting area had been sculpted out of mud. Even the pews had been sculpted from mud. A really organic church! I have always enjoyed visiting Chapananga, whether to preach or visit our Home Based program, the people have always been very welcoming.

On 10 January 2010, I was asked to come again to Chapananga and preach at the dedication of their new church building. The local church members have worked hard over the last few years to build the church. SIM and a visiting short term team helped with the roof. Now it was time to celebrate the culmination of the work and dedicate it to God.

The ceremony began with walking around the church three times singing hymns and then cutting the ribbon at the entry of the church. Inside, decorations made from colored paper and colored posters filled the church. Outside, banana plants had been transplanted around the church to add color, and rocks and trees had been painted with whitewash to decorate the area.

Once inside, we sat down and began a normal church service, but special speeches were added to the announcements and extra singing was added to the time for choirs. The pastors, missionaries, special visitors, and four chiefs were all seated up front. I enjoy the singing in the churches here. The songs that the choirs write and sing are a pleasure to listen to—this day was no exception. As the youth sang and danced some church leaders and members of the audience joined them at the front (a way of showing that you like and support the music). A special drum set complete with bottle caps and a bicycle bell accompanied the music.

	Watch a short clip featuring the special drum set.

As I sat listening to the music, I reflected on the significance of the day. While we all know that a church is not the building, but the people—a building gives the church a sense of permanence in the community. A building says, "We are serious about being here and have plans to stay."

Pray

Thank God with us for the completion of this church building. Pray that God will continue to grow the body of believers that meets here and that he will be glorified as a result.

Give

If you would like to be part of helping a church like Chapananga put a roof on their building, you can send a donation to SIM for project MW 96357. There are about ten churches in need of roofs right now.

Go

Check out the opportunities to serve Malawians through SIM

Thank you for your partnership!