Lord’s Supper elements
I have a Baptist friend who is in a missionary role in Tamale, northern Ghana. The people there do not have many material possessions, and simple amenities that we take for granted are considered a "big deal." Recently my friend posted a picture of one of the villages in that area celebrating Communion. Instead of wine, they were using Coca-Cola because that is all the people had available to use. Doctrinal differences over the Lord's Supper aside, I was still a bit shocked by this and questioned my friend about it. She repeated to me that the soda was all they had to use, so they "make do." This situation got me thinking about our WELS missions in Africa and other remote areas. Do we run into this situation? How do we handle it? I assume that to remain confessional we make sure that the sacraments are administered correctly, even if that means we need to provide the earthly elements when/if the congregations or peoples are not able to themselves. Can you provide some insight? Thanks!
Our mission partners are taught that the “fruit of the vine” is essential for the Lord’s Supper. Coca-Cola would not substitute for it.
You ask an interesting question about how our missions in Africa have the needed supplies for their celebration of the sacrament. One way of meeting that need is through the national church “bookstore” in Malawi. It offers Communion wine for those who live in areas where they might not otherwise be able to obtain it. The location is convenient—especially for those who attend pastoral conferences at the central Bible institute. They are then able to take the supplies back with them for use in their Holy Communion services. (We can take much for granted in our stateside congregations, can’t we?)
Whether in Africa or the United States, the crucified and risen Lord is present in, with and under the bread and wine (the fruit of the vine) in his holy supper to offer and give the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation. What a blessing!