Somewhere in the depths of my mind is this idea that missionaries bring "the Christian life" to those who have never heard of Jesus, the Bible, Moses, Jonah, or Ehud.
The problem is, these folks live "the Christian life" way better than I do. Even as Iīm writing this, thereīs a prayer meeting going on next door. Everyone at the church is participating in a 40 day fast, and they get together each day at 1 and at 7 to worship and pray.
And these Christians know their Bible backwards and forwards. They know the law, their responsibilities to God and their neighbor, and they work at living "the Christian life."
I think that they think I'm a bad Christian. I don't go to church as much as they do, and my hair is touching my ears.
It is a different sort of feeling for me. Back in the U.S., everybody thought I was pretty good. Working in the inner-city, helping widows, going to be a missionary overseas - everybody thought that that was pretty special.
But over here, missionaries are a dime a dozen. I read that in a nearby city here in Honduras, there is one missionary for every 90 people. There is no excitement over a couple more, just a polite smile and then back to the prayer meeting.
And who can blame them? What can I say that will add to their knowledge of the Christian life when they're already spending every waking hour in church?
I don't always know. I'm learning more and more that my worth is in Jesus, and not in how I rank on the Christian-life-o-meter. It's not in praying the correct amount each day, or in fasting or going to church enough.
Pray for us. We want to love our neighbors by pointing to the salvation and security that we have in Jesus. Pray for our neighbors, and rejoice in their knowledge of Christ. Pray that they too would see more and more their freedom from the law, and their salvation in Christ. Pray that this gift would overflow in all of our lives and fill us with love so that we long to worship our awesome God both day and night.
Wow! Jose y Raquel,
It's profound to read your postings. I love you guys and I believe that the Lord will bless your work and provide fruits in His own time.
Your description of Guatamalan believers reminds me of the dedication that African Christians living in Africa have for "the work of God." Just like the Guatamalans, regular prayer meetings, Bible studies, and fellowship form the web of activities that occupy their time. But you know, believers from the West also have a lot of insights to offer. Often times, a wide variety of truths that may not be so obvious to your new found brothers and sisters.
As I currently have a handful of Guatamalan patients here in Southern California, please know that my heart will go out to you as often as I meet another amigo de Guatamala.
Love and Blessings, The Yleah
Posted by: The Yleah at October 19, 2003 02:26 AMDavid Yleah! Its good to hear from you. And thanks for the encouragement. If there is anyone who knows of cross-cultural adjustment, it is you.
Posted by: stavenj at October 19, 2003 08:33 PMMy life is revolving around the blogs now. :p anyway it is very, very good to hear from y'all. say "hi" to Mrs. Staven for me.
Posted by: Jonathan Sacci at October 20, 2003 11:04 AMJoe & Rachel: I would like your mailing address to list for our congregation to send Christmas cards. Also, so we can resume sending you the bulletin. Thank you.
Renee Kuipers
Church Secretary
seventhrfk@triton.net
Hi Joe and Rachel,
Just wanted to say hi and tell you we have a "rain aplenty" here too !! But, maybe you have some heat with yours. Just to keep you up to snuff on stuff, Beth got a deer with a bow and arrow. It was just a doe, but she did a good job. Mike got an 8 pt. buck. It is different having 2 people going out this year. But, double the stories.
Jose Y Raquel,
It is very beneficial for me to read your thoughts. Having just returned to the US from the UK I am noticing things about myself and this culture that were not as noticable previously. Chrissy has found returning to the US surprisingly difficult.
I would love to know how your experience in Honduras effects your grasp of a few things. I'll state them as questions. What is the vocation of the Church - corporately? What is God's purpose for the whole creation? Are all of our vocations callings? Or could they be? What is the connection between God's purpose for the world, my vocation, and the corporate vocation of the Church. If a Dutch Covenant grad can't answer these questions...WHO CAN?!!! Not to mention a pastor's daughter!
I would also love to "hear" Tom and Kelly's thoughts.
Auf Weiderschreiben,
Robby