The Maasai hit the stage for their first performance on Sunday morning at Lighthouse Family Church in Lafayette, Louisiana. We received a warm welcome from Pastor Ty Cook and his beautiful wife Darnelle and their two children. A quick stop for fries at a Louisiana chicken joint and then it was off to the home of Pastor Shawn and Nichole Marcelle (of Crossroad Church) for dinner. Dinner proceeded into a Maasai dance party in the Marcelle’s living room, with Darnelle proving the most adept at picking up the new moves and even leading  a couple of the songs.

The Marcelles head up the Master’s Commission at Crossroads church and not only provided us with dinner and a chance to socialize with their family and some of their students, but also with a night’s accommodation at the student dorms. A shout out to Robyn who cooked us all breakfast and served it with a smile, even after sacrificing her bed to one of the Maasai ladies for the night, and to all the other students who allowed us to share their apartments for the evening.

Just two weeks out from their two year anniversary, the worship at Lighthouse Family Church was powerful and the Spirit was moving. Pastor Ty had given up his travel plans, including a pretty sure bet at a prestigious golf title, in order to host us and we are so grateful to have started our tour with such a warm and generous congregation. Photo of the day was awarded to Jeremy Stephenson for this stellar shot of Pastor Ty preaching in front of the Maasai. ‘Tai’ in Swahili means ‘eagle’ and the resemblance here is outstanding.