day 3

"This gospel of the kingdom 

shall be preached in the whole world 

as a testimony to all the nations..." 

(Jesus' promise, Matthew 24:14)

Why are we here?   

This is the question we must answer.  Certainly for ourselves, but also many times over for those we meet here.  Today our team spread out over the various areas of the village.  In a small, simple place like this, the best way to share a wide-reaching invitation is to personally visit neighbors.  Such is the way of communication here, and so we went out, family by family, with an interpreter.  Our hope was for easy introductions, an opportunity to share the reason of our visit, and chances to invite people into relationships.

Our hostess tells us that she doesn't know the neighbors very well.  She has friends in this place, to be sure, but women must work very hard at home - no dishwashers, washing machines, or other modern conveniences here.  Their time is often filled with work and family needs, so they simply wave or nod to neighbors without really getting to know them.  Men, too, are very hard working - often traveling by bus for jobs.  So, today we helped our hosts' neighbors get introduced to one another, and invited people to investigate this idea of a new church in their community.

I must admit, the day had me nervous.  Yesterday, I comfortably held a crowd while making small talk.  However, the idea of knocking on doors to help bridge a gap between neighbors carries weight.  Knowing that I will have to rely on our interpreter to do this work had my stomach in knots.  Considering my own reaction to door-to-door salespeople or political activists back home, I wondered how many folks would hide behind their tall front gates.

Our interpreter knows the culture and local community, however, and he said this is a good way to bring people together.  One of our hostess' friends also joined us in case we met some of their friends.  House by house, we were greeted with curiosity, skepticism, and sometimes outright gratitude.  Through an interpreter, we explained there would be a kids program in the plaza today, another futball game tomorrow, and other activities in the week.  When possible, we also shared that we're here to help our host family invite neighbors to their home for a bible study.  With photos of home and children beside us, introductions were quick.  We asked about their lives, their interests, and even their beliefs.  We talked about our own faith, and the faith of their neighbors who would like to host a bible study in their home.  

Sometimes, we're asked questions.  Other times, we do the asking.  The most pressing question, naturally, has to do with why a family from the US would venture into this village for work, rather than vacationing as a tourist.

Throughout the morning, I was reminded of Peter or Paul, who simply and frequently shared the gospel as they travelled.  Cocooned by the open society of the US, I often think everyone has heard this story.  So, it surprises me when we hear questions and interest to hear our faith - over and over.  When neighbors learn that our hosts will have a bible study later this week, they are curious - as if they never considered reading that or discussing its meaning.  People are especially eager to have skepticism, questions, and honesty allowed into discussions about faith.  Today reminded me that many have not heard, many do not know, yet all need to hear this story for themselves.

One of the most poignant moments overwhelmed me.  While Mr. Kenobi chatted with some young men in a doorway, our hostess' friend walked down the street to see a woman she knew.  Frankly, I was paying more attention to handing out fruit snacks to my boys than anything else.  I was a little startled to stand up and see three women in front of me.  In broken Spanish, I tried to introduce myself, but I couldn't understand what they were asking.  I greeted them politely, and looked around for our interpreter, who jumped to my aid.

"These women are asking what you believe. They heard we were here, so they came down the street to ask. They want to know why you're here, and what that has to do with God."

Can you explain what you believe?  

Do you know why you are here?  

Can you tell a stranger about the faith that brought you and your family to this place?  

When given a brief moment in history, can you explain these important things?

I always hoped I could, but that moment challenged me like no other.  It also changed at least two lives.  In the sun of an early afternoon, I gained a sister.  Not by birth or language, but through a holy adoption - a gracious, eternal gift.  Angel, a beautiful 28-year old mother of a kindergartner, received faith that none of us can ask for, demand, or earn.  I don't know what she had heard or considered before that moment, but I am eternally grateful to have seen her eyes open and her heart melt in the hands of God.  

As our conversation continued, I shared some of the things God promises.  Faithfulness... Goodness... Justice... Provision...  We are both mothers, so I vulnerably told her about God's promises to generations of those who follow him.  These promises have been gifts to my parents, then to me, and I hope my children will be blessed by the faith of their parents.  I also assured her that I was not infallible, but that I study and learn what God has to say about Himself, the world, and us.  In fact, I frequently get together with others who believe Him and want to understand the bible.  In these times, I am challenged and encouraged to grow.  

I invited her to join us the next day for a simple bible study.  This is not a new religion or way to earn favor before God.  It is simply an invitation to know scripture for herself - not rely on me or others for truth.  She nodded excitedly, and we parted with smiling cries of "hasta lluego" (see you later) - as I returned to Mr. Kenobi.

I felt like I was in a beautiful dream, but it would only get better.  Apparently, while Angel and I talked and prayed together, Mr. Kenobi had a similar experience with a young man named Ed.  As we visited on the way back, we marveled at the miracle we'd just witnessed in two people.  Then, our hostess explained another, beautiful piece of the day's tapestry: Angel is Ed's sister.  

Why are you here?