The service is packed.

Men, women and children — well over 100 people — are sitting in plastic patio chairs and on long wood beams in an open-sided tent made of plastic tarps and branches. More people look in at every opening. And around the circumference a larger crowd is seated under any shade available.

The newly translated Keliko New Testament is read, prayers are uttered, announcements made, sermons given and worship exuberantly led by the youth and accompanied by spontaneous dance. And of course, like most churches around the world, this church takes an offering.

But what exactly do people living in this refugee settlement give to the Lord?

Everything.

When the offering begins, worship and dancing resume. People get out of their seats and dance to the front of the church. They’re smiling as they sing, and cheerfully put whatever they can into a wide, bowl-shaped basket held by a child.

According to translator Bishop Seme Nigo Abiuda, everyone in the church desires to give something: Many sell portions of their food rations or take small jobs in the host community in order to give back to the Lord.

Some who have no way to make money still come forward in the same fashion: dancing, singing and smiling. But then they do something unexpectedly beautiful — they joyfully bend toward the offering basket, stretching their empty hands into it. It’s a simple but sacred gesture that can’t be overlooked. Perhaps from the depth of their hearts these worshippers are saying, “If I had something to give, I would place it here.”

This act of selfless generosity reflects the sacrifices made to further the Good News among the Keliko: They know that the work of continuing to translate Old Testament Scriptures into their language is an investment. It’s hope in hard places. It’s a future of eternal reward.

This generosity among the Keliko believers doesn’t end with a church service or translation work. They live out a culture of hospitality for guests and each other. After church, resources are pooled and willing hands join together to provide a community-wide picnic — a love feast resembling the fellowship of the early believers in Acts 2:42-47.

Even with thousands of people in attendance at the New Testament dedication in a nearby town, resourceful Keliko leaders partnered with the local church and businesses to make sure everyone could enjoy a celebratory meal.

Whether at tea during a literacy class or a large gathering, the Keliko spread out table covers and set meals out with care. There are moments that you feel, as they’re making the best of whatever food is available, that there’s a very special guest in attendance. And there is.

The King of Kings is there among them.

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