The world is moving to the city and we believe in a God who is already at work in the city for the sake of life. Evangelism is bearing witness to what God has done (and continues to do) in Jesus of Nazareth. Evangelism encompasses Kingdom proclamation—talking to people about faith, hope, and love because of Jesus—and Kingdom participation—joining in the types of things we believe happen when the kingdom of God is breaking in. In the book of Acts, the Spirit of God tends to lead the followers of Jesus into shared life with the people they least expected or desired to be with. God’s Spirit creates joining.
Churches in under-resourced areas won’t look like churches in the United States, especially if you meet in homes. The ebbs and flows of church where families move away or can’t be part of things for a time are really felt when your church is only 3 or 4 families. So our last year of life as church has been life-giving. I want to take a minute to honor how a small church can be a powerhouse for mission, proclaiming the reign of God and participating in its coming.
Consider, for example: followers of Jesus are:
taking care of the elderly (Liliana and Danesa),
mentoring the motherless and fatherless (Paty, Caily, Danesa, Isa, Sarah),
visiting the incarcerated (Katie, Cata, Paty),
reading the Bible with marginalized sex workers (Katie, Paty, Sarah),
teaching young kids and their teachers (Paty, Jeremy),
seeking wellbeing for immigrants (Cata, Alexy and Solangel),
counseling those struggling with mental health (Marianely),
providing free dental care for low income patients (Paul and Flor) and
offering courses for struggling marriages (Jeremy, Manuel, Milagros) —
all in the name of Jesus and with few resources. Not to mention that two women who were part of the church have been sent out to different parts of Peru to share faith and love in their communities there (Chari in Curahuasi; Lola in Mollendo).
It may not look impressive at a Sunday gathering but Jesus multiplies our efforts for the sake of love. Praise be to God.
Twenty of our group recently got to spend a few days together in the Colca Valley for our church retreat. We’re deeply thankful for that opportunity and ask you to pray now for the life of the church as Katie and I take a 3-month leave of absence from Arequipa. May God’s Spirit continue to move toward life and growth and a deeper joining.
