8.19.2007

Sundays in Jos

Churches here are more ubiquitous than Starbucks in New York. At least half a dozen per block, with every other street sign bearing names far more creative than any church you've ever seen in the states: Christ Lives in Our Midst Church, Redeemed People of God, Living Word of our Lord Congregation... Some are huge and pack hundreds into their sanctuaries on Sunday mornings, with dozens more spilling out and listening from the parking lot. Some are small house churches, meeting in a living room or back room of a store.

This morning we went to Blessing's church with her, called Christ Embassy. It's a small satellite of a charismatic megachurch based in Lagos. The service lasted about two and a half hours, complete with loud music (which was great!), screaming, swooning and speaking in tongues. Quite an interesting experience. The main pastor of the megachurch is this guy named Pastor Chris, who dresses in all white (think P. Diddy) and believes he has the gift of healing. He holds giant "Atmosphere for Miracles" conference-type things, where he "cures" people of such ailments as TB, cancer, blindness and paralysis. He also preaches that anyone who has accepted the Holy Spirit will become impervious to any disease or infirmity.

One of the doctors on staff at Faith Alive told Dad that this is a big problem here- pastors and other religious figures telling people they are cured of their diseases, and causing HIV positive patients to stop taking their ARVs, which in turn builds resistance in their HIV strain and makes it even more difficult to treat, requiring the last resort seond-line drugs (that is, if they make it back to medical treatment on time).

My favorite part about the morning was the fashion show. Everyone comes dressed in these amazing outfits, brightest colors and wildest shapes. Women wear matching skirts, tops, and headwraps (and sometimes a wrap to carry a baby in). Gives a whole new meaning to "Sunday best".

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