Singing, Dancing, and Preaching at the Pentecostal Church

Chimwankhunda, Malawi

Our morning began early as we set out to attend a 7:30 a.m. service at the Living Waters Church (Pentecostal) in Chimwankhunda. This faith-based organization is one of the five religious groups in our study. Religious organizations are a large part of the lives of Malawians, and it has been an honor to witness the various church services these past three weeks.

When we arrived we found out that an earlier service had started at 6 a.m. We waited outside for the next service scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. The service activities were lively, and the service lasted for almost 3 hours! It was indeed a physical and spiritual workout. There is a lovely young adult choir that stood on its feet most of the service and a lovely women’s choir that delivered soulful songs. There is something about African a cappella singing – it’s hard to describe but the tone is deep and rich and you feel transported back to earlier times. I can just imagine my ancestors singing stories to the village community or teaching songs to young children. There was lively singing, dancing, hand clapping, speaking in tongues, and preaching – all the things I remembered about the Pentecostal services I attended as a child. Malawians are serious about their faith, and the church is a strong influential power and plays a critical role in disseminating information and education about HIV/AIDS to local members. I shall never forget this service. I had heard so much about the church and I’m glad I was able to visit.

The afternoon was spent packing and reflecting more on the past three weeks. At this time my feelings are mixed. I am ready to return home, and I am missing my new friends who I’ve met in Malawi.