Writing again from my favorite place, today looking out to the east over the trees to the mountain beyond, I hear prayerful singing coming from some unknown place. A hint of the sweet smell of incense passes by, unfamiliar to me, except in church. The mystery quickly solves itself as Pere Kesner emerges from his room, music amplified when he opens the door allowing the incense to escape on to the veranda.
Music is the heart of prayer here at Ste. Marie Madeleine. Last night at Evening Prayer the church overflowed with people joyfully singing, arms waving in the air, accompanied by the computerized beat of rhythm set by music director, Jon Kensi, on a donated Yamaha electric keyboard. Worshippers clapped and danced as they sang, some seeming to be in an ecstatic trance.
Smiles appeared on the young people's faces at this morning's children's bible study when I began singing "Jesus Loves Me" in Creole. The kids all joined in, raising their hands in the air as we sung the chorus, "Oui, Jezi renmen". A young boy sang a children's hymn in perfect tune and rhythm. Children, like their parents, have naturally beautiful singing voices, which they use in prayer, praising God.
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