“The Italian writer Umberto Eco wrote a fascinating account of a trip across America titled ‘Travels in Hyper Reality’ in which he remarked on our thoroughly material outlook on life. Even American mythology takes on tangible form, he observed: the Santa Clauses enthroned in every shopping mall at Christmas time and the huge animated characters strolling through Disneyland anytime. Ancient Greeks celebrated their heroes in epic poetry recited around a campfire; modern Americans shake hands with them in fuzzy suits.

“Religious television intrigued Eco. ‘If you follow the Sunday morning religious programs on TV you come to understand that God can be experienced only as nature, flesh, energy, tangible image. And since no preacher dares show us God in the form of a bearded dummy, or as a Disneyland robot, God can only be found in the form of natural force, joy, healing, youth, health, economic increment.’ Eco concluded that Americans perceive their God in an almost tactile way. ‘Where is the MYSTERIUM TREMENDUM, Eco asked – the holy, numinous, ineffable God?’” - Philip Yancey in “Reaching for the Invisible God”.

Conversely, Africa has, on the whole, a thoroughly spiritual outlook on life. African believers pulsate with vibrant faith. Here at Rondo, in this Garden of God, permeated by the prayers of His people over many years, may you move beyond Nature to the God of Nature, encountering the Great Creator Himself. We celebrate this move from the Seen to the Unseen, from the Known to the Unknown, in the lovely words of sacred song.

The Seen: ALL THINGS BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL All things bright and beautiful, All creatures great and small, All things wise and wonderful, The Lord God made them all. Each little flower that opens, Each little bird that sings, He made their glowing colours, He made their tiny wings. The purple-headed mountain, The river running by, The sunset and the morning, That brightens up the sky. He gave us eyes to see them, And lips that we might tell, How great is God almighty, Who has done all things well. - Mrs. C.F. Alexander

The Unseen: HERE FROM THE WORLD WE TURN Here from the world we turn, Jesus to seek; Here may His loving voice Graciously speak! Jesus, our dearest Friend, While at Thy feet we bend, Oh, let Thy smile descend! ’Tis Thee we seek. Come, Holy Comforter, Presence divine, Now in our longing hearts Graciously shine! Oh, for Thy mighty power! Oh, for a blessed shower, Filling this hallowed hour With joy divine. - Fanny J. Crosby.