what bible study taught me about celebration

Every Sunday since being here in the Dominican, two teams from the squad have gotten to serve in a Haitian church alongside some of our translators to host a bible study for people in the community. This has looked like deep dives in scripture, relationship building, worship, and more. 

For the first time, I had the opportunity of joining in. 

I’ve heard stories and seen pictures and even knew some people’s names. But wow, what a joy it was to experience it first hand!

People flowed through the doors and into chairs as we opened our bibles to Isaiah 43. Only a few verses sent us into deep conversation about evangelism and being effective witnesses for Christ. 

“‘You are my witnesses’, declares the Lord, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.” – Isaiah 43:10

Kaylin was quickly volunteered (maybe volun-told?) to lead the group in worship so we danced between English and Creole and universal words like ‘Yahweh’. Just simple praise. 

As we awkwardly glanced at each other, wondering what song to sing next, Kaylin began to share her heart for celebration. How worship can be rejoicing and dancing and laughter and new songs. It could be your own song. Your own language. 

You give me joy

Down deep in my soul

Down deep in my soul

Down deep in my soul 

I’ve never been so free

Caught in your love for me

I’ve never been more secure

Knowing your heart, Lord

We started out with a familiar song, ‘Joy’, and slowly got into it. We all swayed and stared at each other for a bit until Reggie, a translator and member of the church, wandered to the other side of the room to dance! 

Everyone quickly joined in and shared their best (or worst?) dance moves. We laughed and jumped and clapped and sang out loud. We saw the shy come out of their shells and the bold share their joy. 

The rest of the night suddenly became more comfortable. More relaxed. Way less awkward. We played more games and got to know the people more. 

We piled into the bus afterwards with smiles up to our eyes and full hearts. 

So, what did I learn?

Worship is simple. 

It’s no this complicated, performance-based thing. 

We get to just dance and sing in the presence of our God. 

And so quickly, His joy just fills us up and overflows into the people around us. 

Thanks God for Sunday night bible study, see ya next week 🙂