Today, I found Jesus. Well, maybe not really, but I definitely was convinced that I had.
We traveled to a Pentecostal church in Negril, just several minutes away from the Whistling Bird (our first destination). We arrived, and at first I thought we had stopped at the wrong place. Half of the structure was still under construction; I couldn't imagine that this place was safe enough for people to be in, let alone pray in! However, a completed room that served as the church stood atop of the concrete, and it was a full house that morning! After waiting several minutes, our group walked in and Khay led us to the two back pews.
It was a service unlike any other. I come from a Jewish family, and at a typical Shabbat service, seldom would I hear shouting and clapping. The moment I walked into the church, I could feel the power resonating from the pastor's strong sermon. I could feel the men and women's devotion to God pouring out of their lips as they cried "Hallelujah" and "Praise God!" repeatedly throughout the sermon. It was an experience that was new, but not uncomfortable. I found it so comforting to know that these people trusted each other with their prayers; one woman openly spoke about her son and how even though he was ill, he knew God was going to help him heal. It's these moments that help give me insight into a new culture. Church here (which we were told lasts all day) is filled with song, praise, and joy, which sparked my interest and kept me clapping the entire time we were there.
One of the women welcomed "all visitors" who had come to church that day, and requested that we give a loud "Hallelujah." I did, humbled that we had been given such a gracious welcoming.
Being Jewish, I don't typically "Praise Jesus" at a Sunday mass. But today I did. And it was wonderful.
--Olivia
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