Turns out it’s not a Presbyterian college…we are staying in a non-denominational school for pastors. It is a great place for our group of 50 with boys and girls dorms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a sanctuary. I was a little nervous about going to sleep last night, because a scorpion and a baby tarantula were killed in our room. I prayed for a good night’s sleep without worry of bugs. God provided a good sound sleep with no bites or worries.
Our big group filled 4 vans and drove through the luscious green mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. A church about an hour away served as an amazing host with a service and fiesta. We were greeted by children and adults alike with smiles and friendly handshakes. I felt a little awkward at first because we stood around looking at the locals and they stood around looking at us. Communication was difficult; only a few spoke Spanish and the rest spoke a different dialect (I think it was called Chol, but I don’t know for sure). The communication gap was quickly bridged through the children picking up on high fives, making faces, and playing tag. The church service was held mainly in Spanish but was translated for some parts. There was not enough room inside the church so I sat outside under a tree. The shade and breeze kept me cool as praise songs in Spanish spilled out of the church. I thought back to my home church and how different our service and sanctuary is compared to this one. But, the cool thing is that we serve exactly the same God.
After the service the fiesta began; what is a fiesta without lots of food? We, the visitors, were served first. Our plates were filled with rice, tortillas, and beef in a sauce. I was told they used a cow for the special occasion. We were given so much it was hard to finish. “Adios. Gracias. Dios te bendiga!” we said then went back to the vans. We then headed towards a river to swim.
I expected the river to be like any other river…some rocks, trees, and water. Agua Azul turned out to be an amazing river of huge waterfalls, and little waterfalls, and pools. There is no way that man could create such an intricate stretch of river. The best part about it was that we were able to swim in the water and jump off of a portion of the falls. I played and played until I was exhausted but fulfilled. My favorite way to connect with God is through spending time in His creation.
The rest of the week we are doing more training, some ministry practice, and preparation. I am nervous about the practical ministry because we will be doing street evangelism. I have never done street evangelism so it is out of my comfort zone. I am much more of a relational person and prefer to build rapport in order to gain their trust. I was talking to one of the racers about my fear and was comforted by his comment, “Nothing we do or say will mess up the will of God. His plans are perfect.”
I need prayer to be open to seeing God in a new and different, but Biblical way. There are many styles of ministry that I have not been exposed to before, so I do not want to hinder the power of God, but I also want to stay rooted in Scripture.
Play time after church…
And Agua Azul…
