Anniverary Service at Las Pacayas

On Friday night David traveled to the village of Las Pacayas for an anniversary service.  The anniversary services are usually a three day event.  They really put a lot in to these services.  They invite all of their fellow leaders and pastors, as well as inviting all of the neighboring churches (from all denominations).  In addition to being their anniversary, the services are also similar to revival services we have in the States.  At the beginning of the celebration (usually on Friday night) they have a processional to kick off the event.  They march into the church all of their flags and the Bible.  They have many flags.  They have the Guatemala flag, the Christian flag, flags for the men, women, youth, and children. It is a big display.  At the end of the weekend they will have another processional to march these things out.  Here are a few photos and videos from the service-

They play a different song as each of these are coming in.  When it is time to march in the Guatemala flag they play the national anthem.  Guatemala's national anthem is very long!  Here is a short video of it. You can click on the link above to hear the entire song.

They usually receive big offerings during these services as well.  Here is a video of some of them taking their

offering down. 

We get invited to many of these special services.  They are usually very long, but we always enjoy being with the people and sharing in their excitement.