Church around the world

"Church" is a convenient word to label a group of people following Jesus.  What did we learn about church from our travels?
Friday, April 22 - Good Friday in Kuwait
The National Evangelical Church of Kuwait is celebrating 100 years.  It meets in what used to be a mission hospital compound.  With various congregations speaking various languages, it's a microcosm of the church around the world.

Entering the compound.

The English-speaking congregation is called "The Lighthouse."

A relatively small room means that English-speaking congregants choose from several services.

The Malayalam (a South Indian language) congregation is also overflowing.

Bibles and other Christian books are available in many languages.

Leaving the compound.

Sunday, April 24 - Easter in Oman
Work goes on as usual.  A small group gathers for a celebratory lunch. 

Sunday, May 1 - Dushanbe, Tajikistan
A small group gathers at a home in the afternoon.

Sunday, May 8 - Pingliang, China
A small group gathers at a home in the morning.

Sunday, May 15 - Zhangjiajie, China
We worship our awesome creator in the national park.

Sunday, May 22 -Hanoi, Vietnam
We join Hanoi International Fellowship on Sunday morning.
http://hifvn.org/

HIF is another wonderful international group.

Questions we're asking:
--The international churches in places like Kuwait and Hanoi are for people holding foreign passports.  What about local folk who want to follow Jesus?  Where will they be able to meet and feel at home?
--We're used to lots of church choices.  Don't like the pastor/music/people of one? Find another nearby.  In these places the choices are limited: English-speaking congregation or none at all, Catholic or Protestant.  What difference does that make in terms of our experience?
--Small groups, meeting in homes, have been the norm for centuries.  What about the future? Evidence shows that meeting in small groups is a great way to make disciples, whether a larger group is available or not.