Ted Hong - CIP

For my cultural immersion project, there was a lot of equivocation in terms of what I should do. In discussing it with Zach and Mayowa, Mayowa suggested that we could go to the church he used to go. Zach and I accepted the suggestion and made plans to attend a service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God - Go Ye Chapel.



June 24th, a dark and stormy day it be. Zach and I agreed to go to the 1035 service. When we first walked in, I have to say it was nice not getting discriminating looks. I've been to another church and I remember getting sharp glares, so this was a nice welcome. There were separate rooms; the one we entered was adjacent to the main seating area.

We came in during the opening prayer, lead by Assistant Pastor Florence Olorunnipa, and a lot was going on for me to take in. People in their seats were taking part in verbally praying, all under their breaths, almost a hymnal chanting. Maybe it was. There were musical instruments adding to the hymnal prayer: tambourines, conga drums, a drum set, and a keyboard. Admittedly, I think if you closed your eyes and just listened, you could be swept away by the wholesome nature of their prayer worship. It was kind of cool.

Everyone was addressed as brother or sister. During most of the sermon, people would jump in adding an "amen" or "hallelujah". Zach would do so as well, almost naturally. It was something that took me a bit in figuring out the cues but whether I should partake or not was another concern as I was trying to be as respectful as possible.

Speaking of respect, I had called ahead of time to inform the pastor that Zach and I would be coming and that we would need to have some recording of such, but I could never reach them. And so, I felt really anxious pulling out my phone and documenting what I could for me and Zach.

Newcomers were asked to come to the main seating area and introduce ourselves. There, Zach and I, along with a family and two others, were given blessings from everyone. We were asked to sit in the main hall thereafter. I sat down next to the sweetest elderly woman carrying her grandchild. During parts of the sermon, we were asked to repeat messages of goodness to our neighbors and she exchanged those messages with me. I was also trying to do the same with Zach since he sat at the end so I was like... turning my head back and forth repeating the message to both.

Toward the end, the main pastor, Pastor Zacch Olorunnipa, gave his sermon. The focus of the sermon was based on the garments we wear, but not in the conventional, tangible sense. Rather, it was of the garment of service and garment of salvation. In listening, I had trouble distinguishing what was said for a bit, and even got lost once or twice because of the Yoruban accent (?) but I got most of it. These two were of the most important to ensure the way into heaven that it is through wearing the garment of service, helping others, combating the devil's influence and spreading God's word. It is through this that one wears the garments of salvation.

There were some wee lads, babies, introduced in the service and they were a part of the testimony segment showcasing God's grace - allowing the a safe, healthy delivery and with the support of everyone there. Tithes and offerings happened more than several times: to the church, to some followers, and to others in need.



There is another video that was the actual blessing given upon the babies from the pastor, but I'll leave that to be used by Zach.

The service was intended to be 2 hours, but it ended up being 3. Zach and I were starving at this point but we were kindly asked to join them for a word after the service to which Zach and I complied. We were rounded up with the other newcomers and were given goody bags (enclosed were two peanut butter cracker packs, popcorn, and a bottle of water) with a flyer welcoming us along with the service schedules and contact information.

This session we were asked some personal questions, all in regards to accepting Jesus as our savior. Zach and I gave honest answers and we were asked to stay longer. All of this was done in the nicest fashion and nothing felt overbearing. We also were not ones to disrespectfully dismiss what they had to say and just leave. The woman (I don't remember her name, unfortunately) was trying to convince us to join their church, that there were no coincidences in our being there, and that she wanted to save our souls. It's a pretty touchy subject but Zach and I handled it with finesse and respect, then we went on our way.

All in all, we spent a good 4, 4 and half hours there but nothing felt boring and nothing felt uncomfortable with our being there - aside from our stomachs' eating themselves in. It was very lively, wholesome, and warm. The was a great amount of strength given off from the praying hymnals, the chanting during prayers, and the acceptance from everyone. However, There was a bit of stereotyping in regards to who I was but it wasn't anything big, so I shrugged it off. Zach found that to be most hilarious, though.