Chapel Worship sans video

One of the required elements of class is chapel. Music is very much a part of the culture, but you won't find instruments anywhere, except for djembe drums or bongo-style drums. It is very interesting the mix of worship styles here. They sing traditional hymns in a very reserved manner. Then they kick it in gear during the choruses. (As soon as I can figure out how to get my videos small enough to put on flickr, I will do so.)

Why traditional hymns? Glad you asked. They come from an Anglican Church background, which is similar to Presbyterians in the US. Thus, the all have a very conservative Christian worship background. However, the Baptists and other Protestant groups have developed a music tradition that is more emotionally expressive. Due to the Colonial influence of Britain, the traditions of Baptists in Kenya are very similar to our own.

By the way, they asked me about our worship style at SHBC. I described everything to them, including our wonderful and talented leader. They were strangely humored by the earrings, and then they asked if he was married. I found out that earrings for men are a no-no in African Baptist Churches.