Part 1: Church in Arequipa
When we talk about ecclesiology (our understanding of the church), there are two levels to consider. The first is the abstract, presumably universal level at which we think about what the church is. The second is the practical level at which which we think about how a local church must embody that essence. One problem that has affected many churches is the assumption that the second level, that of application, is just as universal as the first. This belief leads some to the conclusion that the forms, styles, practices, and traditions of the church universal should be pretty much uniform in the church local. The expectation that the New Testament will provide those forms bolsters the assumption.
Missionary Mom: Can I Get a Witness?
I don’t know if it has occurred to any of you back home, but this month marks three years that we have been in Arequipa. ¡Feliz Aniversario! That is unbelievable to me. When I use the word “unbelievable” it’s not so much that I can’t believe we have been living in Peru for that period of time but what God has been able to do in that period. I step back from all of it, and I really am overwhelmed with thankfulness for you all back home.
The Apprentice: Birthdays and Bible Classes
As most of you know, I teach two bible classes to children each Sunday, for children between the ages of three and thirteen. One of the challenges that has accompanied that task is finding or creating materials and lessons, particularly visual aids. Any one who has taught a bible class for young children will know just how essential good visual aids are. As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and I can tell you from experience young children have a hard time sitting still and listening to a thousand words uninterrupted.
Missionary Mom: The Family of God
Many doubted our strategy of starting house churches when we were fundraising. A major reason is that it has never been done in churches of Christ successfully here in Latin America. We are blessed to be supported by Cedar Lane and Shiloh Road in our work here, because they decided to take a step of faith in hiring us and in investing in this model. I believe we still have a long way to go to see evidence that it is working. Only time will tell. But I have really enjoyed seeing our little house church develop over time and slowly seeing relationships deepen between the body of believers.
Missionary Mom: Have You Heard?
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. God is definitely at work in this world whether we are on board with it or not, and the Holy Spirit is preparing lives to be “sons of God.” Our work here is all about spreading God’s kingdom. I have learned in the almost 2 years that we have lived here that God provides the increase, and there is a big reason that patience is one of the fruits of the Spirit.
A Word on Unity
There is no doubt that unity is God’s will for his people. There is no doubt that the church has found unity to be among the most difficult aspects of its life in Christ. Though there is always so much to say on this subject when it comes down to brass tacks, I just want to celebrate with a simple word of praise the fact that we have unity with other Christians in Arequipa.
The Responsibility to Evangelize
Our method is sometimes referred to as “friendship evangelism”. That just means that we don’t spend our time recruiting in more direct ways, like knocking on doors, holding large meetings, or advertising. Rather, we have chosen to step into the lives of the people around us, walking alongside them, learning from them, and watching for opportunities to guide them to the life found in Jesus Christ. It’s slower than other methods, but we prefer to grow depth rather than breadth and leave behind a movement that can carry itself and will no longer rely on us.
Bapteezy
We’ve enjoyed the girls’ experience of our first baptism. On the way to the water, Shaye was very curious about Jose Luis getting “babertized.” Most often since that day, when Ana prays she thanks God for “Jose Luis and bapteezy in the water.” The ritual made quite an impression on the kids—and on us as well.
Relationships
I often think about the words of Dr. Cox, who was very influential in my formation at Harding. He tells of a lesson he learned as a young missionary in Africa prone to focusing on sermon preparation and delivery. He came to realize that his priorities were slightly misaligned and posted a written reminder for himself: 20% of what you do is sermon preparation and delivery, 80% of what you do is about being in the lives of people. I’m sure he’ll forgive me if my quote isn’t exact; the essence is right at least.