Sunday, November 21, 2010

LCF - Our expat church in Lagos, Nigeria

Caleb and I have been a part of LCF since we first arrived in Lagos. This place has become like a home to us, and the people are fast becoming family. It's one of the things I love about God... he designed us to be a part of a community, to be in relationship with Him and with others... and I love that because of this, no matter where I go, I have family.  Anywhere in the world we can walk into his house, and instantly connect with the people there... we all share in the same joy and love and knowledge that we're His kids!
When we first attended LCF, I have to admit, it didn't really excite me. Being a small expat church, we didn't have our own space, and were using a really large traditional church... when you've only got 20 or 30 people there, the acoustics are terrible and you are so aware of the fact you are sitting in a big empty building. The people (and Ed's teaching!) were the main reason we kept coming back again and again.
A few weeks ago we moved into a really nice conference room in the Best Western Hotel on Bar Beach Road in Victoria Island. And wow, what a difference it makes being in a smaller room! Apart from the stunning ocean views, there's a new sense of intimacy, it's easier to connect, and people are hanging around a lot longer to socialise and chat afterwards (that could have something to do with the coffee and deepfried goodness though...).  There are more and more people coming too. It was Week 4 today, and we were scrambling to find extra chairs for everyone! There is a lot more freedom in the place too, I think God is really going to do a new thing with LCF...
Caleb and I have also signed up to lead the youth ministry... Today was our first day with them, and honestly, we're all so excited. I think it's been quite hard for these kids... Lagos is not the most liveable city in the world, and these kids just don't enjoy the same kind of freedom as kids in NZ.  There's different kinds of pressures and realities here, so it's going to be good to be able to spend some time with them and help them make the most of their lives here.
If any expats have stumbled upon our blog and want to come along to LCF, here's the website:
www.lcf-nigeria.org

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