an easter celebration like no other

It was another busy weekend here at Sunbury, upwards of 250 Zionist. It was a family affair. We had a fellowship of Zion Churches here to celebrate what Christ has done for us. As you will see in the pictures they wear blue and white robes.  I'm not completely familiar with the meaning of the robes, but it does have to do with their ties to C.C.C. Zion USA. Even the children wear the robes.  It is a sight to behold.

They began arriving on Thursday and continued to arrive even as late as Saturday morning. There were many meetings and much joyous singing.  Not as much eating as we do but it didn't seem to be a focal point. One meal on Friday and two on Saturday I'm not sure what kind of a turn out we'd have if people knew the eating schedule :/

They baptized about a dozen or so people, a triune baptism, straight down three times and as they left the pool there were pastors that prayed with each of them.   Oh, yes and there was music, always music.  Two ladies on the drums and harmony like you have never heard.


After the baptism there was another meeting. Then they march!   Everyone marched young and old alike it- was so cool.  I spoke with Pastor Shebede about it, here is his explanation:

"We march as they marched to the cross behind our Lord and when people ask what we are  we are doing we tell them about our Lord." 


And of course they sing.  Sorry I didn't get a picture of the first march :(

After another meeting  the ladies march.  Only the ladies- and again to the sound of the drums and music. Why you may ask?   Well, they are going to the tomb to anoint Christ,  but HE is not there.  So to the sound of the drum and their melodic singing the march back to tell the disciples, "HE IS RISEN !!"

Of course the disciples are amazed and in disbelief they march to see for themselves.  Their song is joyous, "Christ has paid the highest price for His bride".  That is what one of the ladies told me the words meant in English.   It is  interesting to me, as I think of relating to the lives of these people, that In this culture they themselves have to pay a price to have a bride and it may take twenty years for them to be able to get the bride price together.  They are familiar with the concept...but CHRIST has paid the HIGHEST price, and praise God
these people know it.


Please remember to pray for the ongoing ministry here at Sunbury, so many more may know the  Savior in a personal and might way in their lives.

We hope your celebration of our Lords sacrifice for our redemption was one that honored HIM.