Places get into the record books for all sorts of reasons.  And now I’m going to another one (with a group from the Horning Benefice), to the one in Bavaria that has become well known for a really good reason – they have kept a vow made to God over 350 years ago. That place is of course Oberammergau.

    In 1633 the plague was causing multiple deaths in the region. And one inhabitant of Oberammergau, who had been working away, came back to the village to see his new bride and brought the plague with him. Eight-four people died in that small village of 600 folk (the size of Neatishead). Those who remained, led by their priests, prayerfully pledged that they would perform a passion play every ten years if there were no more deaths. God graciously answered their prayer and they have kept their pledge down the centuries.

    Many of us have made promises to God such as:
                        O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end
                        Be thou for ever near me, my Master and my Friend
                        I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side
                        Nor wander from the parthway if thou wilt be my guide.

    Do we keep them as wholeheartedly as the folk of Oberammergau? Today the whole village, now numbering around 2500, is involved in the play is one way or another – it’s a community effort. I can’t bring a DVD back of the play itself because the villagers refuse to go down that route – they do not want their act of worship put on display in that way. But I will be able to tell you about my experiences in the next newsletter.