Though funerals are not the most cheerful of topics, Christians always find hope in the risen Savior. Here at St. John's Lutheran, the father and husband of some of our members fell asleep in Christ the day before Easter. The funeral was this past Monday. What a cultural experience!
The funerals in Antigua are rather unique. Because Antigua is such a small island with so many churches, many denominations come together at many times. In order to avoid fellowship issues, many churches have a time for tributes. The tributes for this funeral started at 2 (well, 2:20.... island time, you know). The church was packed, though the funeral did not start til 3. Friends, family, and coworkers came forward and sang songs, told stories, recounted inspiring events. Then at 3:10, the family came in the the casket. The service was full of songs, readings, a sermon, and a eulogy. The staff of the school sang a song, and the church choir sang as well. The service ran over an hour and a half. Perhaps the most striking difference happened right when we walked in the church. Each person who entered was given a pin to wear. The pin had a ribbon on it with the gentleman's name and the dates of his life.
What was the same? The sweet comfort of the gospel. No matter the language, no matter the customs, the message of the resurrection rings loud and strong to comfort all Christians.
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