“Singing a song about nothing” – a missionary moment

When I was learning the local language, my tutor taught me a song and I was so excited and decided to sing it as a special ministration in the church. The song was “Ekelempe Yesu” which means “There is none like you, Jesus.”

During my ministration, I noticed people looking at me with confused expressions. However, I continued to confidently sing “Ebeleke Yesu” until my tutor walked up behind me and reminded me of the right word. I corrected myself and then everyone started laughing and joined in the singing.

Apparently “Ebeleke” is just a nonsense word which doesn’t mean anything, so they must have wondered what language I was using!
-Nigerian missionary to Mali