Lots of Spanish today. Four hours of class, and more than double that in homework. I get excited about the thought of being able to converse in Spanish. Pray God I will have the aptitude to speak enough to ministry to Spanish speakers soon.
Other than that, I think the family has finally adjusted. It's a little cold at night, but nothing a few extra blankets can't take care of. It gets daylight about 5:30 am; so, the temerature is usally warm enough for t-shirts and shorts by breakfast time.
Also be praying for Sindy tomorrow. She'll be going to meet her potential disciple, Daysi. Pray for her safety as she commutes back and forth.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Day 2
Early in the morning I experienced my first earthquake! Everyone was sleeping, except me, and the earth just started moving. The epicenter was a good distance away from us; so, it wasn't much to talk about for the locals. No damage here. No injuries. Just a unique feeling for me.
Went to a pastor's meeting with Jeremy today. Very interesting to see the group of 20+ pastors maintain close relationships. All of these guys went to the Bible College, and are now doing the work of the Lord as leaders of independent Baptist churches. This meeting was sort of a continuing leadership training they do once per month. The teacher is well respected, and spoke extensively on the characteristics they should possess as leaders. It was yet another good event for me to meet people, and to tune my ear to the language.
Spent some time with some guys here at the Bible College also. They're eager to share testimonies, and seem to always drive the conversation to spiritual things. They ask what my favorite verse, what I'm currently studying, etc. I guess you would expect that from students at a Bible College, but it's still inspiring. I definitely need to converse about spiritual matters more often.
Lastly, Monday is the day off around here at the Bible College. So, I'll actually wasn't in language school today. It'll be Tuesday through Saturday.
Went to a pastor's meeting with Jeremy today. Very interesting to see the group of 20+ pastors maintain close relationships. All of these guys went to the Bible College, and are now doing the work of the Lord as leaders of independent Baptist churches. This meeting was sort of a continuing leadership training they do once per month. The teacher is well respected, and spoke extensively on the characteristics they should possess as leaders. It was yet another good event for me to meet people, and to tune my ear to the language.
Spent some time with some guys here at the Bible College also. They're eager to share testimonies, and seem to always drive the conversation to spiritual things. They ask what my favorite verse, what I'm currently studying, etc. I guess you would expect that from students at a Bible College, but it's still inspiring. I definitely need to converse about spiritual matters more often.
Lastly, Monday is the day off around here at the Bible College. So, I'll actually wasn't in language school today. It'll be Tuesday through Saturday.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Day 1
Worshipping with Omega Baptist church was a very encouraging experience. I knew half of the songs, and Pastor Jeremy Hall delivered an inspiring message out of 1 Samuel about Hannah. I was able to understand portions, and Sindy translated some for me. I'm reminded of our disciples Adrian and Veronica. The worship at OHBC was so inspiring, that even though they didn't fully understand the language, they saw how powerful and sincere the worship was. I saw this same thing today. I was trying to sing, but I couldn't keep up on a few songs. As I observed others I couldn't help but notice the Holy Spirit power and presence. After the service the church had some unique ways to honor the mothers with gifts and kind words.
After a nice Mother's Day lunch we hung out, and returned for the evening service. This service is dedicated to leaders-in-training and they do the worship and teaching. Great peek at how this church movement trains leaders by giving them opportunities to practice ministry.
It was a privilege to meet several brothers and sisters in Christ. As expected, Sindy was a big hit. No matter where we go people seem to like me more because of her. I guess she fulfills the expression "better half". We interacted with both young and aged. A couple of guys named Victor and Alvaro helped us grocery shop, and they live here at the Bible college. They are amongst several that shared their testimonies with me.
Honestly, today was long and tiring. The kids are not adjusted, and especially Bubba is giving us a hard time. We'll work through it though. I'm anxious to start language school tomorrow. Also, Sindy will go to meet the people she will be discipling. They are cousins. One is named Daisy. She is saved, has been baptized, but needs help building the necessary foundation to be an integral part of the church. She is only fifteen so pray that she will be receptive, and that the four short weeks here will be enough to pique her interest in more spiritual growth. I do not know her cousins name, but she is 29 and unsaved. Pray God will use Sindy to clearly present the gospel to her.
After a nice Mother's Day lunch we hung out, and returned for the evening service. This service is dedicated to leaders-in-training and they do the worship and teaching. Great peek at how this church movement trains leaders by giving them opportunities to practice ministry.
It was a privilege to meet several brothers and sisters in Christ. As expected, Sindy was a big hit. No matter where we go people seem to like me more because of her. I guess she fulfills the expression "better half". We interacted with both young and aged. A couple of guys named Victor and Alvaro helped us grocery shop, and they live here at the Bible college. They are amongst several that shared their testimonies with me.
Honestly, today was long and tiring. The kids are not adjusted, and especially Bubba is giving us a hard time. We'll work through it though. I'm anxious to start language school tomorrow. Also, Sindy will go to meet the people she will be discipling. They are cousins. One is named Daisy. She is saved, has been baptized, but needs help building the necessary foundation to be an integral part of the church. She is only fifteen so pray that she will be receptive, and that the four short weeks here will be enough to pique her interest in more spiritual growth. I do not know her cousins name, but she is 29 and unsaved. Pray God will use Sindy to clearly present the gospel to her.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Day Zero
Well, this is painful to type. Our Peru trip is delayed, and could potentially be changed. Sindy and I were unaware that, as a Salvadorean citizen, she is required to have a visa to enter Peru. On top of that, Delta failed to ensure we had these documents at check in. So, we enjoyed a seven hour plane ride to Lima, then an hour later, put back on the same plane headed back to Atlanta. We'll follow up with Sindy's visa on Monday when the Peru Consulate office opens. Let's review the adjectives that describes our state of mind as Peruvian officials informed us we would not be staying in Peru: sad, frustrated, speechless, clueless, ashamed, disappointed embarrassed, and best of all, humbled.
My friend, Blaine Greeson reminded me that the enemy attacks when there is something good worth attacking. You know the principle that Satan is NOT hanging out in pubs or Buddhist temples; instead, he's in our churches trying to break down anything that advances the kingdom of God. This principle gives us affirmation something good is in the works.
Another principle that applies comes out of the book of John, which we're studying at OHBC. This week in chapter one we'll see where Jesus asks his followers, "why are you following me?" The question here is to ask, when ministry becomes challenging, will we still follow Jesus? Things just got difficult for us, and time will tell our response.
I'm also reminded of the storm in Mark 4: 35-41, in this passage the storm came up quickly. The disciples weren't expecting it, and they didn't have a chance to prepare. That is exactly our prediciment. This visa issue came out of nowhere, and gave no time to prepare. Next, notice that the disciples feared the storm so much that they thought they were about to die! Where was Jesus? Asleep on a pillow. The storm didn't awake Jesus, His saints did! They asked him if he cared about them. lol. Of course He cared about them (1 Peter 5:7). The problem was they had little faith, and Jesus wanted to refocus their attention on Him. Notice, the purpose of the storm was fulfilled as they took their focus off nature and on to the Saviour. Now here's a nice analogy, stay in the boat where Jesus is during a storm. Why does our flesh desire for us to hide when we're embarrased. Honest to God, Sindy and I pondered staying at home instead of going to church tomorrow. I'm not proud to admit that, but it's worth mentioning that staying in God's Word, and in fellowship with His people is important. I've seen it before where a brother or sister in Christ doesn't show up for church for a few weeks, and when you see them you ask, "where have you been?" The response indicates they were going through a storm, and instead of staying in the boat and focusing on the Saviour, they jump shipped and focused on the storm. I've been praying the past 24 hours that God will give me the wisdom to apply the principle to stay in the boat through this storm.
My friend, Blaine Greeson reminded me that the enemy attacks when there is something good worth attacking. You know the principle that Satan is NOT hanging out in pubs or Buddhist temples; instead, he's in our churches trying to break down anything that advances the kingdom of God. This principle gives us affirmation something good is in the works.
Another principle that applies comes out of the book of John, which we're studying at OHBC. This week in chapter one we'll see where Jesus asks his followers, "why are you following me?" The question here is to ask, when ministry becomes challenging, will we still follow Jesus? Things just got difficult for us, and time will tell our response.
I'm also reminded of the storm in Mark 4: 35-41, in this passage the storm came up quickly. The disciples weren't expecting it, and they didn't have a chance to prepare. That is exactly our prediciment. This visa issue came out of nowhere, and gave no time to prepare. Next, notice that the disciples feared the storm so much that they thought they were about to die! Where was Jesus? Asleep on a pillow. The storm didn't awake Jesus, His saints did! They asked him if he cared about them. lol. Of course He cared about them (1 Peter 5:7). The problem was they had little faith, and Jesus wanted to refocus their attention on Him. Notice, the purpose of the storm was fulfilled as they took their focus off nature and on to the Saviour. Now here's a nice analogy, stay in the boat where Jesus is during a storm. Why does our flesh desire for us to hide when we're embarrased. Honest to God, Sindy and I pondered staying at home instead of going to church tomorrow. I'm not proud to admit that, but it's worth mentioning that staying in God's Word, and in fellowship with His people is important. I've seen it before where a brother or sister in Christ doesn't show up for church for a few weeks, and when you see them you ask, "where have you been?" The response indicates they were going through a storm, and instead of staying in the boat and focusing on the Saviour, they jump shipped and focused on the storm. I've been praying the past 24 hours that God will give me the wisdom to apply the principle to stay in the boat through this storm.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thoughts Before I leave
God has used our trip preparations to teach me a few things.
Aunt Joy explained to me when Mawmaw was ill that one of grandma's faults in life was not allowing others to help her. God would send people to help her in a time of need, and in her humbleness she would not allow the helper to help. I know that doesn't sound like a character flaw, being too humble. However, there is certainly an element of fellowship, and sharing in ministries that is spiritually healthy. Sometimes I see myself like Mawmaw, not wanting to inconvenience anyone with the burdens God has laid on my heart. So, I've had to learn to overcome this. In short, God has instructed all of His children to be stewards of the gospel, and specific to me He has burdened Sindy and I to do this to Spanish speakers. This is God's will, and He has established the church to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 > Act 13:1-3) If this ministry is going to happen as God wishes then it will be because my fellow brothers and sisters at OHBC are supporting us! So, here are the tidbits God showed me as prayers were answered and financial support started rolling in:
Aunt Joy explained to me when Mawmaw was ill that one of grandma's faults in life was not allowing others to help her. God would send people to help her in a time of need, and in her humbleness she would not allow the helper to help. I know that doesn't sound like a character flaw, being too humble. However, there is certainly an element of fellowship, and sharing in ministries that is spiritually healthy. Sometimes I see myself like Mawmaw, not wanting to inconvenience anyone with the burdens God has laid on my heart. So, I've had to learn to overcome this. In short, God has instructed all of His children to be stewards of the gospel, and specific to me He has burdened Sindy and I to do this to Spanish speakers. This is God's will, and He has established the church to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20 > Act 13:1-3) If this ministry is going to happen as God wishes then it will be because my fellow brothers and sisters at OHBC are supporting us! So, here are the tidbits God showed me as prayers were answered and financial support started rolling in:
- When people provide their time and treasure, it is an INVESTMENT not a DONATION. I desire to be the fruit producer God has called me to be, and any fruit I can produce will be fruit abounding in the accounts of those investing their lives into me. (Philippians 4:17)
- Accountability. What if three years from now I have no fruit to show? The investments will have been in vain! Not too long ago I weighed thirty pounds less, and was about twice as strong. I was going to the gym regularly, and I had a work out partner. Half of the reason I went to the gym was because I wanted to look good, the other half was because I was accountable to my partner. If I didn't show up then he wouldn't be able to get in the workout he desired. I needed to spot him, and push him to do more. I still desire to look good, but when there is no accountability then there is no motivation. Likewise, I'm motivated for ministry more than I ever imagined I could be, becasuse I'm accountable to many who have invested lots of time and money into me. (1 Corinthians 4: 1-2)
- Encouragement when you're down is great, and encouragement when you're not down is equally great! I've been down plenty of times, and God has used a wide variety of people to encourage me. However, as of late I've been excited about what God is doing at OHBC, and with my family. One might be led to believe that encouragement is not effective when you're on top of the mountain. However, I've found that God is still using people to encourage me, and instead of pulling me out of a valley it's helping me to see that there are mountain peeks even higher than where I stand now! As we go to Peru I'm asking God to increase and clarify the vision for the new ministry. Maybe God really does want to use me to reach the WORLD.
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