Feast In Benin City – Day 6

Monday, October 02, 2017
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
After a good night’s sleep, we are up early for services, which will start at 10:00 am. Last night was ‘Movie Night.’ We watched a bit of the movie, but called it quits early. This morning we are able to meet almost of the members that we did not meet last night at dinner.  The Nigerian church members are a humble and very dedicated people. When greeting others, we learned it is customary and a sign of respect to bow slightly and shake with your right hand while your left hand is placed on your right forearm. We are greeted in this manner and try to remember to do the same to those we greet. Of course there are those that also appreciate a hug! Many of the members come to services in traditional clothing that is ornate and brightly colored. Others wear more traditional western dress clothing. Our two oldest female members, Esther and Beatrice, pillars of faithfulness and dedication, come each day in bright and beautiful traditional dress. Beatrice is nearly blind and quite hard of hearing. If I got the story correct, she and her long-time friend Esther were actually school chum as little girls. After school they went their separate ways and years later they both came into the church, got reacquainted, and have been fast friends ever since!
One of our long-time members, Mr. Aghimien gave the sermonette and I gave the sermon. The Nigerians have recorded piano accompaniment and projected lyrics for their hymns. Special music is provided by a quartet of Bobbie Kitts and three sisters who are all daughters of Mr. Aghimien. After services, lunch is served in a dining area adjacent to where we have church services. That afternoon were had Sports Day in the sane room where we had church. A jump rope contest and a few relay races, were followed by card and table games. Here we learned to play a card game called Nigerian Gibbles. It was named this because no one seems to know what the game is called, so one was made up. Lots of smiles and laughter accented the afternoon!
After dinner was the “Talent Show” evening. Many of the members had prepared songs, jokes, riddles or dramas (skits) to perform. The children and teens performed a drama of the story of Solomon’s wisdom displayed when he was able to discern to which mother the living child belonged (1 Kings 3:16-28). Miss Beatrice also sang a song from the hymnal for all of us as did Miss Esther! A fine time was had by all. Doing enjoyable things together bring everyone closer. One of the riddles posed to us at the fun show you might like to try: (the answer will be in tomorrow’s post.) “What does a poor man have, a right man wants, and if you eat, you will die?”
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