I walk like a soldier, disciplined and armed. It´s inspection day. There´s a crease in my sheet´s; I should be alarmed! Your hand goes on my bed, I anticipate it being tipped over... Instead You straighten the sheet, gently dusting the cover.
My weapon rusty and blunt, ill prepared for action, You throw it in the furnace, neglecting my reaction. Still i drop my head in shame; disappointment. I feel Your hand pick up my chin and breathe on me an annointment.
The sharpest sword you then strap to my side, Placing a protection over me, On your wings I will glide. The fear I had of battle now replaced by courage. The promise of eternal life: you given me to encourage.
The mud in my mouth and dust, in my eyes Chokes my breathe; I crawl looking towards the sky. I see You come with a cloth soaked with grace You ring it onto my lips and wipe my face,
There´s a flag being risen and I laugh with victory. The war is over and peace reigns, as told in history! You never left me; You never let me fail, Lord, take my praises; I won because you took the nail
The reason I ask you to watch it first is that it's definitely more attractive than anything we're doing. The truth is we don't have a video. We don't really have anything that encapsulates what we're doing; what we've been doing over the last nine months. We haven't worked out statistics and in truth we don't need them; I'm sure the video alone convinces you that the church is alive and that we really are part of a generation striving, living for justice. For those of you who have never heard of Hillsong. It is a church in Australia and the band you just saw are not a pop band they are infact the amazing worship team that lead the Hillsong congregation in song and spirit every Sunday.
Unlike the band Lorna and I have never stood infront of crowds of thousands. We love the people we meet but we are yet to see the day we join with thousands of youths jumping in time to the songs on our hearts. We have never spoken under lights to fans. We don't use a great deal of equipment and (sadly) we don't have a film crew. Our footage consists of us filming each other. It is freshly amateur but equally as powerful.
Why am I making a relation between Soul Touch and Hillsong Australia? No, despite what you might be thinking, it is not to make you feel sorry for us. We would not swap our journey for all the concerts in the world. We don't even want you to make a comparison. We'd much rather you join with us in seeing the relationships and many similarities we actually share. As I watch the clip I am excited about the similarities, focusing directly on the possibility for partnership rather than furthering distance.
You may look at them and see a band. You probably recognise, as I do, their amazing talent. You see packed arenas, fields full of young people and good looking boys (well some of you might have noticed that). When you look at us what do you see? I see two girls self financing a mission’s trip around the world, wearing the same clothes they have been wearing for the past nine months (trust me, flick back though the pictures and count the times the red poco-dot top appears!). I see two girls standing infront of small congregations, talking to tiny crowds; to one or two people. Correct!? Yes. You'd be correct and we love every second of it.
I'm not going to lie there are times, like today, when we see clips such as the one above and we wonder why. We ask God: are we on the right track? Are we in the right place? Should we be doing something differently? Comparisons are easy to make when you see the "success" or obvious anointing on others. Simultaneously doubt creeps in. (Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy- the devil- prowls around you like a lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him standing firm in your faith because you know brothers throughout the earth are undergoing the same kind of suffering. 1 Peter 4:8-)
Thankfully the comparison is fleeting and we return to the comfort of knowing and recognising our job and the importance of us doing it right. Previously I spoke about the small favela church we visited in Brazil. You probably laughed imaging us waving arms and legs about trying to portray the body of Christ (the church) whilst convincing them they have a part to play in it. I mentioned how frustrating it felt when they looked back on us unphased. There is no doubt they were excited about having visitors, they were more than hospitable and fun to be with. My frustration however was stirred by the realization that they (peharps) did not look upon themselves with the unbelievable importance or relevance that I saw in them, or that God sees in them. I make that assumption because they, like us, are surrounded by people more obviously blessed, or in at least in terms of how the world measures success: numbers, money, members, designer clothes…you know the list. That particular Sunday 1 Corinthians 12 was the scripture on our hearts and the one we chose to share with the congregation gathered in the humble favela church. It's a scripture that today I am reminded of. Read it again with me:
There are different kinds of service but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working but the same God works in all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the spirit is given for the common good. 1 Cor 4-7
Thankfully this scripture reminds us that we are each made with a purpose. Notice it says "all men". That doesn't mean he left some people out without any gifts. It means he has given each one of us gifts. He has given each one of us a purpose that only we can fulfill. I repeat for those of you who have overdosed on chocolate eggs this morning and are not concentrating: God has given you a special gift, a purpose noone can fulfill except you.
I know that telling some of you this is old news you're already living, lavishing, practicing, demonstrating the gifts God has given you. Good Job! Equally there are those of you who this morning got up and immediately, instead of looking in the mirror and seeing your gifts or asking God to show you yours, you set about being annoyed at everyone else whose gifts are more immediately evident. Perhaps that's a bit harsh. Maybe you're not annoyed at them. Worse still maybe you're annoyed at God for not showing you yours. My guess is that it's infact the complete opposite. God has shown you yours and you are dissatisfied. (Be honest it's only you and God right now, well and me whose kinda gate crashed the occasion) "But that gift doesn't come with bright lights" you think subconsciously- obviously you would never share this thought with others for fear of them thinking you vain, ridiculous or ridiculously vain. "But my gift doesn't enable me to score goals or warrant any accolade from my family and friends. My gift doesn't require me to pack up my job and fly around the world. It isn't noticed by man! Aha. Sound familiar. It's ok you can agree the only reason I am able to write about such things is that I have experienced that emotion; that ridiculously vanity.
What's more I have been rescued from it. Yes, "rescued" as in plural! This worldly emotion creeps in regularly to our spirits, which would otherwise be joyful. It births its ugly, unfruitful head on occasions like today when innocently Lorna and I went to the internet to see if we had any messages or if any wee miracles had happened as we slept. We didn't and so instead of reveling in the blessings we do have: an amazing family, both here in Scotland and several who have adopted us around the world, health, each other (I won't bore you; the list is long! We set about reminding ourselves in our inadequacies.
I don't know how you are feeling right now, where you are or what makes you feel inadequate. I do know how I was feeling this morning though and how sweet Lorna felt as we prayed together: discouraged, especially as we watched the film clip. But why? Why would we be discouraged by others achievements? No not necessarily because of jealously. We want others to do well. I think it is simply because sometimes seeing others success can remind us of our lack of it.
What gives us confidence now though is knowing that the feeling of inadequacy does not come from God. It comes from the comparisons we make with ourselves and others: "But who are you, O man, to talk back to God?" Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "why did you make me like this?" Romans 9:20-20
There are plenty girls cleverer than us, prettier than us, more technically minded than us who could go around the world visiting the churches we are visiting. But what would be the point in that. That is the job God has given us. Just as he doesn't need us to be on the stage singing with Hillsong. They are doing that job and doing it wonderfully I might add!
We each have a job and as we told the children in the Favela church if we don't do our job it means that a part of the church is missing. (For we are all members of one body Ephesians 4:25)
Whether it big or whether it is small if it is incomplete that effects us all.
(Spot check: In making ourselves feel better we (we're all in this) must make sure we never put those around us down. "But never let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs." Ephesians 4:29 It's something that is sometimes so easy to do and often we do not recognise we are doing it but seriously it's dangerous game. You putting them down is stalling them completing the work they have to do for the kingdom. So in short you’re actually adding to your own misery)
This week Lorna and I visited a small house group attended by five young Bolivian men (University students), a Brazilian missionary, an Irish man (Chris Mc..., Chris is Irish, 29 years old and has been serving God in Bolivia for the past two years as short terms missions co-coordinator for Latin Link) and a beautiful English couple, Ruth and Dean who moved here six months ago, giving up their jobs (Ruth as Teacher and Dean as Interior Designer...I hope I'm correct about that) to be missionaries here in Bolivia.
We read together; some in Spanish, one in Portuguese and some in English, the story of Moses in Exodus. The story of a man famous for what he achieved. Even non Christians know him as "that man that parted the sea". Moses is not famous for the moments he spent with God asking why and how: "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The Lord did not appear to you'?" Exodos 4: 1
Nor is he famous for the moments he felt completely inadequate but that does not mean he did not go through them. Moses asked God: "Who am I, that I should go to the Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodos 3: 11
I pray that today, this Easter weekend, the day that we remember what Jesus did, that you would recognise that he did it for you too. Not just for your neighbor who you think is doing better: the woman who is coping with all her children flawlessly (she never has tomato sauce down her front, she never looks tired and she even has time to go to the gym!). Not only for the guy at your work who is serving God and managing to remain sane. Jesus did not only die for the clever girl who sits at the front of the class, surrounded by adoring boys and passes all the exams with A's or for the pastor who preaches to two thousand congregants while you faithfully disciple two hundred. Yes these are achievements. These are things that can be easily identified by the world. And so I suppose I write this as an encouragement but also as a little reminder to ourselves that God sees our efforts. He sees your efforts and that no amount of praise or accolade from man will ever be able to satisfy you the way his reward will:
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6: 9
Finally, as Lorna and I get over our wee "ridiculously vain" moment, we are able to focus on the extravagant amounts of similarities we have with the guys in the video. First off we are good looking (big joke) secondly we're all running the same race: we all crave to see justice here on earth and will not rest until it is completed (Phil 1:6) and lastly the biggest desire of all our hearts, the Auzy boys and the Soul Touchers, is that you would join us in this race and recognise how vital a part you have to play in ushering in the Kingdom of heaven. Each of us, including Moses, began our journey the same way, it started with a response: "Here I am!"
You are amazing because God made you that way. Who are we to argue!
Happy Easter to you! Many, many blessings Erica xxx
Built on what seems like a permanent gradient, Sucre stands out amongst the dusty mountains of Bolivia like chalk on a freshly dusted blackboard. Each house is coated crisply in white paint, by order of the local council/government, as are the host of ornate Catholic churches and the city´s stunning Cathedral, City Hall and University, creating a unique antique quality to the idyllic city.
Situated directly parallel to the central Plaza our school is disguised by it´s obedience to the ¨white rule¨. What marks it out is the large brightly coloured sign hanging above a brown tarnished door (not so recently painted or oiled- you actually have to kick, repeatedly, to get in) which reads Spanish Lessons with foreign abruptness. Under this sign a stream of ¨greengos¨ flood every morning at 8am. Amongst the early birds are of course the Soul Touchers!
To be honest the lessons were slightly frustrating for us both to begin with. Neither of us understanding the language very well or the teacher who insists on speaking Spanish (imagine ´n´ we´re in Bolivia too!) all the time. However, since our last post these lessons have turned out to be the highlight of our day. Apart from the thirty minute hike (we live at the bottom of the gradient!) in the crispness of each morning, we look forward to going to school. The four hours of grammar go by surprisingly quickly after which we contently descend back down the hill for lunch with our (host) family. Each day we excitedly recite what we have learned and sweetly they respond, whether they understand or not is disputable but they are too polite to correct us and they are unbelievably patient. We love them!
The family are part of the reason our time here in Bolivia has improved so distinctly . Not only do they include us in trips to the local swimming pool, involve us in every family activity and take us to church with them but last week they even took us to a local football match. Bolivian football is a real experience. Imagine firecrackers popping sporadically for no apparent reason, whether a goal is scored or not; a constant stream of candies, nuts and fizzy drinks being brought to your seat (or at least the piece of polystyrene you purchased for 20 centavos at the entrance gate to the ground) courtesy of the children (yes children) who sell these refreshments throughout the whole game.
The game itself is not nearly as entertaining as it´s spectators who shout orders incessantly at the players - who even I (admittedly I know nothing about football) notice are playing badly. As the final whistle blows (still 0-0) the really strange entertainment begins. The crowd, women, children and all, proceed to throw things at the large inflatable tunnel through which the professionals depart from the pitch. Thankfully all glass bottles are banned and confiscated at the entrance.
Outside the grounds the typically Bolivian market continues. Ladies dressed in pleated skirts (matching their neatly pleated hair which is tied mostly with pompoms) sell ice drinks. I watch, particularly engrossed at the way they crush ice under a press, spun by hand, before drenching it in colourful sweeteners and handing them out to the queue of little ones patiently waiting, coins in their cosy hands. The youngsters guzzle the cold drinks despite being dressed for winter: wearing woollen hats, gloves and jackets. Meanwhile their parents barter at stalls laden with fresh fruit and hot Chorizo (a typically Bolivian sausage, which is delicious!).
Lorna and I stick closely to Emilio- the father of our host family. An English Professor, Emilio translates everything for us. However, fortunately and unfortunately, we only have the pleasure of his company at weekends as he works in another city, Oruro, during the week (eight,very long hours,away on a bus ). I say fortunately because his absence forces us to speak Spanish with his adorable, expectant wife, (their fourth baby is due in May) Marisol and their other three angelic children. Unfortunately, because Emilio is really an amazing, generous and fun host.
While he is gone we enjoy time with Marisole and her seven siblings who all live here in Sucre with their families, all of whom visit daily. Being thrust into this busy, incredibly welcoming family has been a real blessing, despite the language difference, which I´m pleased to announce is lessening day by day!
Furthermore Cynthia, our new ¨profesora¨ is a Christian and kindly obliges in teaching us vocabulary we will need to survive the next six months working in churches around South America. She is convinced, as am I, that words such as ¨Dios¨and ¨Rey¨ (God and King) will be more useful in the months ahead than the language typically asked for by students passing through this sweet little city on their way to the popular salt mines and beautiful mountains.
So all in all we´re loving our time here. It´s intense. God continues to use and test us despite our lack of Spanish. We are learning (slowly) and last night we even attempted to watch a movie in Spanish. We really did have the best of intentions. We even entered the little ¨tienda¨ (shop) decorated with photocopies of recently released films. The only problem was that when we asked for the film the shop owner disappeared through to the back of the shop to download it. So we didn´t get to see our film in Spanish or English but were hoping it´ll be finshed downloading by tonight ´n´ we´re buying in popcorn just incase.
Life is different here but we know this is where are supposed to be. No doubt there will be lessons to learn...for us all so keep in touch!
Some of you may have guessed by my (mono)tone on the previous ¨Bolivia¨ post, yesterday wasn`t the best day for us...well me really. Despite the cold Miss Main remained her beautiful hilarious self. I, on the other hand, was a total grump. Let me explain: For those of you who know us, I´m sure most of you do by now, you´ll know we hate the cold. Well, maybe not hate that´s a bit strong but severely dislike. So when we arrived in Bolivia and found ourselves choking on the chill in the air I was slightly concerned about the prospect of us being here for the next ten weeks. One of our priorities and reasons for being in Sucre is to concentrate on our Spanish so we woke early to walk to school for an 8 o´clock start...with a teacher who speaks NO (I repeat) NO English.
The class was interesting although we were both slightly frustrated by how slow we are to speak fluent Spanish. 24 hours is 23 hours too slow. So after class we decided to go to an Internet cafe. Reading your comments and emails always brightens up a dull (baltic) day. Having recently learned how to update the photos (which I know you´re all enjoying) I placed my memory stick in the computer, enabling me to upload some images of us in our ponchos. The memory stick has all our photos on it from the last nine months as well as every article I´ve ever written on this trip (don´t stress too much I have a back up. Anyway, about half an hour later I realised my stupidity and went back to the cafe. Of course the memory stick was gone, along with all of my photographs. We kept praying but despite the situation we had an incredible sense of peace about the whole thing. For some reason we were convinced I would get it back.
Now the reason for my cheerfulness today: Well firstly the sun is shining. So much so that we have actually detached the hoods from our Inuit suits. Then today after class (we learned a song and singing always makes me smile) we went back to the Internet cafe. The lady in the cafe handed me my memory stick. Unfortunately despite another 24 hours I am still not fluent in Spanish so I don´t know the complete story but all I know is that God is incredible despite me being so not!
Thank you a million times to everyone who has emailed us (ever). Your comments make us smile and feel warm even when we´re cold on the inside and out.
Just to let everyone know we´ve arrived in Bolivia safe and sound! Arriving in La Paz in the wee small hours of Monday morning the Soul Touchers huddled together for body heat. Our first port of call was a clothes shop...to buy warm jackets. Despite reports of political unrest we still managed to buy them for about $10 each so we´re on budget! Later we met the team in Oruro, where we will be working with our WWW partners who minister in the local University, Prison, Christain Union and drug rehabilitation centre. Our stop in Oruro was short but sweet. We enjoyed meeting the team over some pizza then after a short bus journey (only about 9 hours) we arrived in Sucre, where we will be staying for the next four weeks studying Spanish and getting involved with the activities of the CU here. Sucre is beautiful but baltic; it´s a home from home! We´ll be in touch! Erica and Lorna xxx
"You have to plan this strategically!" A precious pearl of advice given to us recently by our friend and in many ways mentor Pedro Bousoño. Despite what you may be thinking Pedro wasn't talking about out trip nor planning our route from his home in Sao Paulo to our next destination, Bolivia, or even how we were getting to the airport. Pedro was simply referring to the buffet we were about to devour before we set off. Admittedly Strategic Planning is not a concept that either Lorna or I relish however, despite what many of you may think, it is something we do…from time to time.
OK so there is evidence to the contrary: a small matter of deportation (out of India) and an unfortunate incident with bleach have been the consequence of lack of planning and "strategic-mess" on our part. We acknowledge our weaknesses and recognise his strength (Thank you God) in those times. But lets (please give us the benefit of the doubt) consider the fourteen countries we have been to in the past nine months and the other seven we are in pursuit of in the days and months ahead. The reason I juxtapose our rather blonde moments with the latter is not so you acknowledge what we have done but so you might appreciate what he has accomplished despite of what we have not.
"Pedro is amazing! Pedro and Analiá are a wonderful couple. You will love Pedro and Analià, they are so committed to the church." (I´m assuming we´re all on global by now.) These were just some of the comments made by their friends (and fans) at San Andrés, Argentina. Comments that in truth excited us to meet the legendary couple (I previously described them as "ordinary"; I’ve since learned they are ordinary legends!) but that also slightly intimidated us at the thought of sharing our vision with them, given their knowledge and experience in youth ministry.
Of course as we shared with them, exchanging stories of their involvement with youth, not only in Argentina but Brazil and Spain too; listening to their personal testimonies and answers to an interrogation into how they met, how many siblings they each have and how many children they are planning on having – never let it be said that the Soul Touchers are too personal – we discovered they were anything but intimidating. Rather they were hugely welcoming, wise and as everybody said completely and wonderfully committed to the Kingdom. And so in the space of a week these two ordinary legends connected us with people- thus making them legendary.
Hardly a prolific task you may think but one that is imperative in bettering our church and ushering in the Kingdom:
Connection (relationships and partnerships) is not union. Connection is better. Connection keeps differences and appreciates their value. Connection does not shrink distances but uses distance to counterbalance parochialism (parochial attitudes). Connection seeks complementary partnerships and long term support... Connection is the way to completion. What we gain from others will increase what we have. What we give to others will elevate who we are. What we do with other will increase our impact. But how we connect with others will complete us. (Church Distributed, Dr Joel C. Hunter, 2007)
Not an entirely new way of thinking: appreciating difference, maintaining cultural sensitivity and recognising the necessity of each connector’s contribution in order to make the whole complete is what Paul taught. (1 Cor 12- The body) However, what Hunter seeks to remind us of in his book (thank you a million times Annette!) is not only the value of relationships but the necessity for them:
We are not just individual inventors of solutions anymore; the unpredictable benefit of our service together is the most important part of the solution to any world problem. It doesn't just solve the problem; it prevents many new ones from arising because we have become interdependent." (Church Distributed, Dr Joel C. Hunter, 2007)
For those of you have been following our blog you may remember that a few weeks ago I quoted someone saying to me that I would never change the world. Isn't it more exciting then to realise that I was never intended to but that we were.
For many the word "interdependence" or dependency of any sort is a frightening thought. This fear is not given from God. God gives us a spirit of confidence to depend on him (Prov 3:5) and of "timidity, power, of love and self discipline." (2 Tim 1:7). Pride is something that is taught by the world, humility is something that is demanded of us by God: (James 4:6-10 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"… "Humble yourselves before God and he will lift you up." Mathew 18: 4 "Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven") As parts of the body we must humbly accept support from the other parts whilst recognising our responsibility to partner them in their need.
Before I set off on this trip I read: "It is not the healthy that need a doctor but the sick. But go and learn what this means." (Math 9: 12) I never imagined that in going I would discover it was referring to me; to us: parts of the body who have become wounded by years of tradition, conflict caused by denominational rivalry and bigotry. I'm painting a somewhat bleak picture I know- I intend to focus on the health we have within our church (Scotland and Europe) in due course. It is simply that this week and indeed in Argentina we have learned a great deal about the importance of humility in order to strengthen one another and to be able to depend on one another, as God intended us to.
We are so blessed that we come from a church (Scotland) that not only recognises the need to partner but also seeks opportunity to do so. We want you to know that your obedience to the call for connection and your excitement for partnership is shared by many and seen by God:
For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. Our desire is not that others may be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little did not have too little."
Slowly but surely Lorna and I are learning, gaining a global perspective for what this means for the church (world wide). In each of the places we have visited there have been needs as well as identifiable areas we can see clearly where we can contribute, physically, financially and spiritually. We have also been blessed to see the abundant ways in which we can, and are, gaining spiritually. Last week we visited a small church in the centre of one of the many favelas (slums), which wash the banks of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Having walked the short distance (a hop skip and a jump) from Igreja Baptista Morumbi Church (a larger more affluent church where later we would be speak to one of the pastors and mission co-ordinates, Marcos Amado- an amazing man!) we were asked to share something with the small congregation. Trying to remain un-phased by the intense heat (despite having almost 2000 more congregants Igreja Baptista Morumbi Church is surprisingly cooler than the humble favela church.
Both however as equally as welcoming and connected in ways to numerous to recount!) and a woman who was noticeably very ill being prayed for in the corner, we talked. As we were talking, sharing a small presentation about our trip and leaving them with the message that we are all part of the same family (Eph 1:5) I got the stark impression that the twenty young (almost all of the congregation were under 25) people infront of me did not fully understand what I was saying. Reciting Corinthians 12 whilst flinging my arms and legs about, desperately trying to convey how important they really are to the kingdom and to us (the church worldwide) I could not help but think that they saw things slightly differently from me. Me, someone who comes from a house with a bathroom and one that is not shared with neighbours or the extended community. Someone who eats well (evidently) and has been educated (unfortunately not always as evident). Little did they know that the cry form my heart was that they would know their significance and that they would see how much God needs them.
And so I left slightly dissatisfied until I was reminded that God sees them. He sees their efforts and he knows their needs. What´s more he is planning the connections, not us. I was not at all surprised then some thirty minutes later (you do not want to know the details of the missing 30 minutes but rest assured it involved action songs!) to be sitting in a room with Marcos discussing the way Igreja Baptista Morumbi Church co-ordinates their missions programme, preparing (in every way possible this thing is like NASA!) missionaries before they are sent out onto the battlefield, sorry I mean mission-field. The programme definitely involved strategic planning. Needless to say Pedro and Marcos are friends.
The meeting made us thankful for so many things: the fact that there are people who actually enjoy planning and being strategic; to see there are people being prepared as we speak (well, as you read) to go out and meet some of the many needs we have seen and described over the past nine months (one of the things that can be quite daunting on this trip is the amount of work that needs to be done). We shared with Marcos how much we'd enjoyed meeting the youth group there, either through kind invitations to share at small house groups or because of the presentation we were able to give at their youth meeting on Saturday night (gatecrashing Saturday night youth meetings is becoming a habit the Soul Touchers love!). Our meetings with these young people, both in Brazil and at San Andrés in Argentina, has given us a glimpse of the many workers are getting ready for the harvest. At one of the small groups in Brazil the young people (16-28yrs so we're officially youth!) shared their thoughts on the message about Faith and Deeds in James. ( James 2: 14- 26). (A bit more than a coincidence don’t you think, that they chose this particular passage on the day two random Scottish girls stopped in to share with them the needs we've witnessed over the past nine months.)
They, like the youth in Argentina and those we were blessed to meet in Australia and New Zealand surprisingly share the same compassion. Despite being oceans apart it would seem that God is stirring something in the hearts of all nations: a responsibility to respond. To rise up and to be the salt and light he requires us to be.
What excited us more than the missions programme and even the amazing response form the young people however were the names of friends that cropped up as we shared about our trip and the work of their church. People they know that we knew. Organisations involved that we two are connected with. Congregations from the other side of the world that we have met that they two have relationships with. We even joked that were we to draw a family tree with the churches being connected at this time no book or computer programme could contains it. And so although we have learned that strategic planning is essential, in some instances, to develop the standard of excellency required of us by God and expected of us by the world, there are some things we just cannot plan but despite our efforts, big or small, they will surely come to pass:
Look at the nations and watch- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. Habakkuk 1:5
We are truly amazed and blessed to see what we have seen and we want you to know how grateful we are that you (as parts of the church) are connecting with us.
Together we are Better Love in abundance Erica x
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Igreja Baptista Tastic
It’s 12.35pm, and I just woke up 30 mins ago. Erica has tied on her sprinting shoes for a bit of ´Soul Touch Body Workout’(full details on the workout DVD will be coming to you soon) but I have barely made it to the next room. Oi, suck back in the ¨LAZY!¨ you were just about to shout out and let me explain the reason why last night has made me turn today into a ‘duvet day’ and almost turned out to be another Hoddit and Doddit fiasco.
Are you sitting comfortably?Good, lets begin.
Yesterday started out well. It really did. Analiá, Pilar (Analiá’s cutest baba!) Erica and Imade it to Igreja BaptistaMorumbiChurch and we were welcomed by our gorgeous translator of the day, Christina (nicknamed ‘Chrish’ )who has the ringliest ringlets you have ever seen, no hair tongs needed, her hair is a natural masterpiece. Ballet classes for kids from the local community was first on the agenda and we found ourselves in a room with 10 of the sweetest marshmallow dancing girls in town. Tempted to join in for a first time experience of ballet I held back in fear of the other girls showing me up. And the fact that their tutu might only fit around my ankle.
After an hour, of SwanLake with 5 year olds, Erica and I pirouetted our way into a fine luncheon some other children were having, causing our usual chaos. We had a question and answer time for the children to see who these strange looking girls were. I would just like to say now a big ‘sorry’ for devastating a wee boy when admitting neither of us knew how to play the bagpipes. We rocked the little lunchtime club with the Flintstone´s rendition of ¨God´s love is the best love¨ and left the little bairn´s in peace.
In the afternoon we visted the ´Favela´s’ also known as the ‘Slums’. We were kindly invited to two families homes where we heard stories of how life is there; how children as young as eleven were used to smuggle drugs and how they fear for their children´s future.
As we manipulated our way around thousands of houses, constructed using carboard and steel, each boxed up one upon the other we filmed 21st century children writing on chalk and slate. What made the reality of what we were seeing much worse was that the children living there weren´t oblivious to what other people have; they live side by side with their neighbours. Sao Paulo is a city where the dividing line between luxury and poverty is literally made ofthe cardboard wall from the side of the favela.
Making our way back home we were invited out by two stunnin’ chicas of Igreja for a very Sao Pauloinein night to the….Steak House! Yeah! We dug into a fine dish of ribs and fries, with our diet coke refill glasses in hand we chatted and exchanged thoughts on youth movements within our churches. We told stories of different missions that we all had been on and shared visions and desires that God had placed in our hearts. The night ended with a brownie ice creamy dessert thing, two kisses on the cheek and a farewell until Sunday!
Physically and emotionally exhausted by an amazing, yet challenging day Erica and I were ready for bed! I was all up for aeroplanin’ straight onto the mattress however there was a wee delay. Making it up to the 8th floor, Erica placed the key into the door and turned twice…the door wouldn`t open. After several attempts of doing exactly the same action I took over expecting to enter effortlessly. But nope the key was definately not opening the door! Not wanting to wake up Analiá or little baby Pilar, we went down to the security guards and asked if they could help us. So all of us ended up outside Analiá’s door. The security guard, equipped with tool kit managed to totally break the handle off the already distressed door, failing still to open it. Analiá had fallen into a deep sleep after an exhausting day with not only beautiful Pilár but the Soul Touchers too and so managed to sleep through phone calls to the house and persistent ringing of the flat bell! So in great Soul Touch style, Erica and I laughed at the fact that we were going to have to sleep in the lobby that night.
Hold on…..there is a happy ending! Analiá (finally) woke up and we were ecstatic to see her ready to take us to our comfy bed!
Oh yes… so you see, my ‘duvet day’ is well deserved.
It’s going to be another busy day tomorrow, so my duvet and I are going back to bed….Buenos noches!
¨God has a disco ball vision of the world!¨ A hilariously quirky and realistically profound statement made by Anette (Gulick) as we sat sharing té, eating torta and exchanging stories at she and Tim´s, her husbands, apartment on our last night in Argentina.
This disco ball image has spun (couldn't´t resist!) in my head all day today; as we said our final Adios to friends in Argentina; as we flew to Brazil and now more than ever, while having dinner with Pedro and Analia in Sao Paulo. Pedro shares some of his insight and passion for youth ministry here in Sao Paulo. Although we will never be able to encompass God´s multifaceted, holistic view of the world I believe that more and more he is enabling us and connecting us so that we can at least share in a fraction of the revolution that is taking place - in truth I think that its just as well as it´s about as much as we (or at least I) can handle at anyone time.
As he talks, sharing about his involvement in youth ministry and leadership training ( I say this in the broad sense of the definition in that any ministry that involves nurturing the faith of young people is a form of leadership training, as they are the leaders of tomorrow.) his words project a little light onto this disco ball image in my head, illuminating another tiny glass square in the globe shaped Mosaic.
He is sharing about his experiences in Argentina - where he and his family ( he has the most beautiful wife and baby daughter Pilar who, at 8 months old, is the only noise to interject her daddies captivating narrative, demanding his and everybody else´s attention) have come from. Her baby talk does not detract from the intensity of the story - if anything it is a innocent reminder of how real this revolution is. You see Pedro and Analía are ordinary (not in the mundane boring sense of the world - far from it, they are young, stunning and overly generous) but rather I mean they are a young couple who work hard and have a young family. However, the generosity Analiá showed us when Soul Touch landed on her door step and now hearing of their commitment to the youth and to the church (worldwide) shows how God is using them extraordinarily.
Pedro´s story skips from country to country almost as much as Soul Touch does. He describes youth, youth pastors and youth initiatives: materials used and the people involved in sharing the gospel with young people in Europe and South America. Although geographically the area he talks about is huge they become surprisingly small as he effortlessly describes how they are all connected through people within the church (stay global!).
As we chat we share stories of friends we share in Argentina and he concludes, putting Pilar to bed, ¨You´ve been given a gift from God¨. He´s referring to our journey around the world; the opportunity and privilege we have to see God at work throughout the nations. He is exactly right. W e´ve been given a gift - something we never ever want to take for granted; something we can enjoy. But as he says it I´m reminded of how freely I received this gift (¨Freely you have received, freely give.¨ Mathew 10:8) and as a consequence of this statement I´m challenged: what can I give?
Because of this gift Lorna and I have had the opportunity to see more of the squares on the disco ball than most. I´m assuming you grasped the image by now. A disco ball is made up of thousands - maybe hundreds depending on the size of the party - of little glass squares, like a Mosaic. When the disco lights shine they reflect off the glass and it is so bright everyone at the party sees it.
Now imagine the disco ball is the world. God has a holistic view of it. When he shines (pours favour upon) on a person or a church community we reflect his glory for people to see. Until now only the people near that particular light have seen it (¨Let your light shine before men, that they may see of your good works and praise your father in heaven.¨ Mathew 5:6). We believe now is the time that God has chosen for the nations to share in the good works and whats more we have the means to do it; the Internet and travel have never been so accessible.
Secondly, the disco ball is made up of tiny squares that reflect the light - it isn´t a giant piece of glass. Similarly the church its fragmented into little bits. However, like any Mosaic - each piece fits together - they are joined and without one the picture is incomplete. On a disco ball if the light shines and the glass square is missing nothing reflects back, only darkness glares. Similarly with the church - each part is connected regardless of denomination, language spoken or even distance between them. If one part is missing God cannot reflect off of us and so no light is seen.
Just as Paul describes (1 Cor 12) the church is a body made of many parts. If one part is not working properly the whole body is effected (1Cor 12:12-31). I assume he used this analogy simply because disco balls had not been invented. Paul stresses the point that: ¨the eye cannot say to the hand, Ï don´t need you!¨(verse 21) In fact he goes as far as to illustrate the importance of each member and how God intentionally ¨combined¨ them to be of equal importance despite their different purposes (v 27-31). In short they rely on each other; they need each other.
Just like the girl who created the disco ball ( I imagine it was a she and a total diva!) made it so that the whole room would be lit up and the dance floor would be a blaze of reflecting lights for all of the people to enjoy the party together! So God intended us (the church) to be connected - though fragmented physically because of oceans, mountains and even Sunday morning traffic - spiritually we must get together (1Cor 1:2) in order that his power is reflected (1Cor 2:4)
Each place we visit we see God reflecting off little pieces of the church. More exciting than the light however is seeing the way in which these little lights are all connected. And so my hearts prayer is for two things: Firstly that we´d always work together to support the parts not yet shinning, supporting with a spirit of gentleness and valuing one an-others participation in seeing this thing ( the bride, the temple) completed.
And secondly that we- Lorna and I- would be able to share this gift with you as freely as we have received it.
Lastly we must thank all of those at San Andrés and now here in Sau Paulo for allowing us to physically see how you are shinning so brightly for God. We´re connected to you, which means we need you in moments our lights begin to fade but also because God sometimes just needs you to know how awesomely you´re reflecting his good works!
Sitting in the quiet waiting area, comfortably admiring the tattered spines of old books, arranged artistically on a bookshelf above the open fire (unlit), Lorna and I admire a painting hung neatly on a crisp white wall. Within the delicate frame, two tartan shawls lie deliberately folded upon large brown leather cases marked ¨Scottish settlers´. Beside which a couple of pairs of old walking boots stand at ease although the creases across the toes suggest they have travelled far.
As we scan the painting more closely guided by Tito - a youth pastor (one of the many volunteers committed to ministering to the group of youth here which easily swells 100 young people between the ages of 15-26) our attention is brought to two ponchos hanging above, two beautifully depicted books. One is labelled Holy Bible and the other Santa Biblica. What this painting conveys and what Tito so articulately explains is the collaboration of two cultures, united becoming one church.
Here is San Andres Iglesia - St Andrews Presbyterian Church in Argentina. A Church where we have had the privilege of worshipping and sharing fellowship over the past week or so. Situated in Olivos, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes outside the centre of Buenos Aires where we are staying (or one under-ground, one train and a short walk if your travelling Soul Touch style). Founded by Scottish settlers San Andres is now occupied by a community of Argentines, many of whom have Scottish (or English) descent.
Now I daren´t go into the history of either culture or how the church has become what it is - a group of people who boast Gods goodness; a place of worship and sound teaching where family´and community merge into one. I daren´t, mainly because I fear insulting Tito and the others who have taken time to explain in detail the rich ancestry of San Andres and, at times, the tradition surrounding it. However I will say that the collaboration of those two cultures, Argentine and Scottish as so beautifully detailed by the artist whose painting we enjoyed, this church is homely yet completely foreign.
Homely, not only in the sense that the St Andrews cross is to be found upon the door but homely because of the welcome we have received. Unlike the wonderful dancers we've been entertained by on arrival to India or the floods of children we´ve embraced on arrival in Uganda, San Andres is home because it's a lot more like our church: Forward thinking yet sensitive to tradition. Changing and meeting the needs of their community yet uncompromising in their roots which are of course the gospel and the tartan clan by whom it was brought. Some may argue that the roots are Scottish and as a Scot I'd love to take credit for that however as a Christian I recognise that they were simply the vessel through which God chose to carry the word.
Lorna and I have joked however that unlike the Scots the gospel never made its way back home again. Maybe the Holy Spirit was left over here and we need to retrieve it. Of course this was said in jest. We know many of you are "holding the fort over there" and running the race with extreme determination. However we also know that within the church at home there is a longing. A longing to see an awakening. To see some umph put back into things. That doesn´t necessary mean a change of tradition. It doesn't even mean a lot of loud noise or the introduction of raising hands. Nor does it mean we need to change the building or times of service. It requires something much more frightening that stripping out pews. The change that has to occur in order to see “umph” or revival is within our hearts.
On entering San Andres, which by the way has moved from the original church building to the school hall (also founded by Scots and is called Saint Andrews Scots School) to accommodate the growing congregation, there is a sign which reads, "Gracias por traer a la Iglesia a este lugar." Translated this means: "Thank you for bringing the church into this place." Interestingly for a church who recognises and embraces its roots they are not so concentrated on protecting them that they fail to allow freedom for the branches to grow. And the exciting part for us to see is that the branches of this church bear fruit. So where do the branches reach to?
Into the community. A tree is not designed to grow into itself. Nor is it necessary to water the roots over and over again - you´ll only drown it. Structures have been set up here that enable the church to partner the school and university with which it was originally associated. I see something of a pattern emerging of what they are doing and what we are doing. We are not reinventing the wheel, nor are we laying new foundations. That´s all been done before. (1 Cor 3: 11) We´re simply reconnecting. Trying to unite the people. Recognising that together we are really better.Another reason I describe here as “homely” is because I recognise a lot of the same needs. Unlike the other places we've been the needs are not immediately obvious (I'm talking about this particular area not Argentina as a whole). Educated, articulate and immaculately dressed, the distractions for the the people here appear similar to those we see at home. For most God is unnecessary as money, family and the world satisfy their needs. This scene is familiar and for us a whole new challenge. Reaching out to people who apparently have no need for God.
Here at San Andres they neither estrange themselves from the world or become "of" it. Reaching out to some of the most intelligent and privileged children in the country the ministry of San Andres concentrates on meeting these people where they are. They go into the schools and into the universities offering support for initiatives set up, or run if you like, by the educational establishments.
They draw alongside, offering support and in doing so have experienced powerful opportunities to share the gospel through friendships. We've seen that ministering to these communities requires a level of excellency and professionalism although focus on personal relationship is never compromised. Despite polished floor boards, many meetings and incredibly high standards not one person has failed to welcome us with a kiss. Literally! everyone here kisses you on arrival and adios! So apart from the kisses it's a lot like home.
Having said all of this for Lorna and I this week has been a real struggle. I think mainly because we fail to see what we can give them. Physically and financially they don´t appear to need our support - spiritually they are wealthy too. And so amidst a lot of prayers, tears, phone calls home and confusion we continue to trust God that we were meant to be here.
We have learned so much. We've exchanged ideas with the church and testimonies with some of the young people. We've attended worship rehearsals for both the youth band and Sunday worship team and even a leaders meeting, conducted entirely in Spanish. Hence the reason I called this church foreign! We love Spanish and will endeavour to learn. Mainly because we know that the contact (friendship) we have made here goes deeper than the roots of our ancestors or any tradition depicted in a picture. The unity of nations is written in the word: All the nations gather together and the peoples assemble! Isaiah 43: 9
Even more exciting than arriving in Argentina is the news that the Church in Scotland is having a party. OK so they are not calling it that. I think it's a "conference" and that some of our friends from San Andres will be joining you all there. It´s gonna be huge! We know that the conference will be a place for people to share ideas, vision and enjoy being with other believers. We hope that our friends from Argentina will feel at home there not because of tradition or history but because of our shared vision for the future.
The best is yet to come! Love and blessings in abundance... Erica x
"Pedro is amazing! Pedro and Analiá are a wonderful couple. You will love Pedro and Analià, they are so committed to the church." (I´m assuming we´re all on global by now.) These were just some of the comments made by their friends (and fans) at San Andrés, Argentina. Comments that in truth excited us to meet the legendary couple (I previously described them as "ordinary"; I’ve since learned they are ordinary legends!) but that also slightly intimidated us at the thought of sharing our vision with them, given their knowledge and experience in youth ministry.
