HOMESICK

(picture taken at local volcano, has nothing to do with story.)

I’ve been very homesick lately. don’t get me wrong, it is amazing to be here, the privilege to be among God’s people in the developing world learning, being shaped and dreaming about our next phase of ministry, does not escape me for a moment. The people are amazing and I hope to become more like them in the ways I’m deficient. The thing is…well, there are no black people here. like none. Ok, I’ve seen two, but really there’s none to speak of. No Black American culture, no black music, no SOUL food…none. African- American Gospel music hasn’t even made it here. I’ve come to realize almost everyday of my life for the past 5 years I’ve done ministry with or to Black folk. The ministry of InterVarsity has become very diverse with people of many different cultures (now including Latinos and a growing Asian ministry). I live in a predominantly black and latino neighborhood, so when I come here and find none of the “normality of diversity” of my life…it makes me sick for home.
This is serious. I hate awards shows, never watch them, don’t care about them, but recently I watched the Grammy’s. I loved it, was glued to it, couldn’t get enough…there were black people again, showing off, being awarded, performing. It makes me realize how special it is to have a ministry that is made up of different people, that the US has a gift in its diversity. Not only of black and white but Latino, Asian, immigrants from everywhere. We have the opportunity like no other to show the kingdom of God to the nations. When reconciliation is brought to people who traditionally have been at odds, the aroma of Christ permeates the atmosphere. It has been the air I’ve breathed for years now and I miss it. My commitment to racial reconciliation is renewed, reforged if not for theological reasons as least for personal need. I’m addicted to a diverse crowd, different faces, various hews of color, assorted foods and diverging cultures. It is worth the struggle. For the gospel and for personal gain. The kingdom of God on earth, life abundance now, with each other through the peace only Christ can give.

PLANNING & HOPE

We went for an overnight trip to plan the next year of ministry in the Sauyo Area. It was incredible to see the team come together with vision, passion and goals. From beginning youth ministry, livelihood programs and weekly services we are going for it this next year. Being in an indirect culture has been a strain for me at times, being very American and very male, so I felt at home when they hung up a chart to organize areas of needs, goals, who’s responsible, and timeline. I love charts.
Last night Pastor Ramon had a Bible study with two families. We met these families during our community survey last December and have since held 3 lessons on the gospel basics. Within these families there are strained relationships and unforgiveness tearing the them apart. This was not known to Pastor Ramon when he brought a Bible study on the hope and reconciliation God brings through Jesus. During the lesson people began to break down, crying over their hopelessness and pain due to the broken family relationships. They did not think there was hope. They did not know God could provide a way for forgiveness between people. God showed up in that crowded house and the kingdom of God invaded the darkness of those families last night. Continue to pray for them and Pastor Ramon as he guides them to the forgiveness of Jesus that allows us to forgive others.

EVERYDAY EVENTS

(the picture has nothing to do with the story!)

This might be a bit gross. I’m going back and forth with being sick. Yesterday I was at a prayer retreat with the pastors I’m working with in the area. There was 12 of us staying in a 4 bedroom 2 bath house…it was nice. anyways, my anal sphincter was ready to blow after eating something not right when I discovered the water was turned off. Not cool. I was about to make a big nasty mess and there was no way to flush. To make matters worse, others were experiencing the same symptoms. (all kinds of nasty) I waited and clenched as long as possible before scrambling to the bathroom, what a nightmare. As I was about to “release” when I heard the most glorious sound in the world…running water! It came on just at the right time without a second to spare. All was fluid after that.
To continue the gross factor: Isaiah woke us up early today caked with dried vomit. Cool. Then later Miya woke up and puked in my shoe and on the floor…all I heard was this splattering sound near the stairs. Then Ezra woke up so I went into the boys room to find him smeared in poop, his bed is covered and the smell of vomit and poop mixing to degrees that should be illegal. We had not yet cleaned up Isaiah’s puke so Ezra could sleep more so there it was a small cow patty looking pile of last nights dinner. I of course got sick twice this morning too. I wanted to bleach the whole house. All this action before 8am.

PLANTING PT2

Well, Ate Milen held on for her second Bible study and brought her 13 year old son along for the ride. Pastor Jojo went over what sin is, how it affects our relationship with God. In her house we discussed family, troubles and how it feels like prayer is affected by our sin. I understand a few words. (The rooster crowing outside the door was a cool element.)
After our study Pastor Jojo casually suggested Ate Milen invite other friends next week. I guess she thought it was a good idea because she immediately forced us to follow her to a friends house so we could invite them too. Our small family Bible study went from two people to four maybe even six by next week. We started with 2 Bible studies in the area three weeks ago and now we have a total of 8. At this rate by March we will have the whole community looking at the Word.
Thought you should know.

PLANTING A NEW MOVEMENT

This week we will have our first Bible study in Sauyo! Two families have said yes and want to have a Bible study in their homes. Pastor Bobut is like a child in a candy store whenever we talk about having Bible study in the community. It’s hilarious to watch him come to life, eyes expanding to capacity and he becomes animated as we talk about who wants a Bible study. He lives for it. This is an awesome privilege to witness and participate in the birthing of a new community of believers where none was found before. Praise God!
Sauyo community has no pharmacy, no school, most have no steady work, but they do have two community organizations ready to organize the community towards cooperative projects. That’s where we come in as a church. MMP is offering the community a cooperative pharmacy allowing for 40% discounts on over the counter drugs. It will be community run and operated with the potential to grow in breadth of medications. At another MMP church plant the pharmacy eventually grew where they sponsored TB medication for free to the entire community. Healthier (and happier) families, a healthier community and the respect of the leaders come through this program. Through this cooperative our church leaders will evangelize the community leaders. Much of the success is dependant on the receptivity of community leaders so please pray that we can begin this program within the next month.