Swahili Baptist Church in Des Moines celebrated Christmas Day with a special service and meal. Pastor Faustin Alobo shared that it is usual for congregations in Africa to gather together for holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. Services for the Swahili congregation average about 50 people each week, but they planned for much more on Christmas Sunday. Invitations were sent out to 75 people, inviting them to worship and fellowship on Christmas Day. Twenty-two people responded to the invitation, bringing their attendance to 72. Children were quizzed about Jesus birth following the teaching time and were given gifts when they could answer correctly. Cash to fuel the guest’s cars was given away, and all who attended joined together for a traditional African meal.