I spent Saturday at the Festival of Nations, an annual event in St. Paul, which hosts several dozen artisans, food vendors and dancers from around the world.  I have always loved this event, even before learning that Steve Heckler, one of our own at Northern Light, is the coordinator.  I'm not much of shopper, but do appreciate the artisans' handiwork.  I love seeing all of the people in this mini-global village, and can't help by thinking that this is how God sees the world.  But, mostly I go for the food and especially, the dancing.

I grew up with parents who danced.  With my German/Finnish background, that meant polkas, waltzes and such.  It's great to have learned later that almost every nationality has their own folk rhythm and dance.  Some are measured, some flamboyant, some quiet, some loud, all help increase one's aerobic conditioning.  King David and Miriam, in the Bible, both danced joyfully as a way to celebrate their connection with the Almighty.  Seems to me all of us do whenever or wherever we tap our foot, clap our hands, do the Hokie-Pokie or full-out "boogie."

I've heard many people tell me about being raised in a church environment where dancing was not allowed (along with other things, like lipstick and playing cards).  What a pity.  At any church with which I am involved, it not only will be tolerated, but encouraged.  So, as the song says:  "I Hope You Dance" ... even if it only to "put your right foot in and shake it all about."  You'll be happier for doing so.

I'm happy that Northern Light Church will be partnering with Inspired Prayer Ministry, a group Kenyans who will be meeting in our building at least once a month starting in May.  I met with them at our site about two weeks ago to show them the facility and talk about schedules.  IPM is group of women and men who pray for newly immigrated Africans in their homes in the Twin Cities area.  Once a month they gather for worship together and that's where we fit in.

Being a busy pastor at two suburban churches, I was happy I could "squeeze in" a little time to talk with them about their ministry, building needs, etc.  While locking the door after we finished, one of their leaders said "we should pray about this."  I thought to myself:  "Well, of course they want to pray.  They are a PRAYER group!"  I was ready for a little perfunctory prayer and thought we would all soon be on our way.  But NOOOOO way! This is a fervent group who take their prayer seriously.  Many blessings and petitions were covered as we held hands for several minutes, including prayers for myself and NLC.

It's important to be reminded that not all people approach their spirituality alike. 

I learned my lesson, a while back, when traveling in Sierra Leone.  The driver prayed for a safe trip before we got in the van..  When we got a flat tire, way up-country, he prayed before we got out and repaired it.  Once repaired, he thanked God in prayer before we got back in the van.  And he again thanked God in prayer when we finally arrived.  Not only would have I probably not have prayed at all, but would have cussed quite a bit when the tire went down.

What if we all prayed like our Kenyan friends?  What a difference it could make.  I think I don't pray as much as I should partly because I think can often just rely on myself..  I don't think being self-confident is necessarily a bad trait, but I should probably avail myself of holy "possibilities" more often than I do.

The IPM leaders have said they will be attending our worship for time to time.  They will be meeting on Saturdays, but will sometimes join us on Sundays.   It should be interesting, because I know they like to sing a dance before the Lord in worship for extended periods of time, too.  Praise God!   Let's hold hands and do it together.