Early this year, Pastor Santiago Rodriguez of Gloria Dei at Providence, RI talked to Pastor Robert Waworuntu of Imanuel Indonesian and invited the congregation to attend their annual International Night on Saturday, September 17, 2011. Almost 40 of us came.
Pastor Rick Kremer and Pastor Santiago Rodriguez opened the program with prayer in English and Spanish. Then, the MCs, who also speak English and Spanish, asked the audience from different country to shout out where they were from and there were probably around 12 countries from all continents (except Antarctica and Australia, I think) were introduced.
We are expected to come with potluck from our country. So, there was a long table lining up with various yummy foods. A plate couldn’t fit all of them. Plenty of food for almost 200 people came.
Several countries also had tables displaying arts, décor and information about the country.
The programs start with dances that were performed by a young couple from Dominican Republic and some girls from different part of South America. We also enjoyed music by teenage boys from Columbia. He played an instrument like flutes/harmonica. Imanuel Indonesia also used their instrument, Angklung, played by the kids and ladies. A dance like “line dance” called “Poco Poco” with Indonesian music were participated by audiences – the dance floor was packed.
The event was ended with a fashion show from different country – participated from a baby with his mom wearing the same costume to a professional designer/model.
A thought of having to expand the International Night to involve all congregations in NE Synod was raised. Would year of 2013 possible?
Ade Monareh
Imanuel Indonesian
(More photos)
