Flor. Step…Berta. Step…Reina. Step…Gloria and Juanita. With each step I take on the winding road that leads me to Tumpa, I am propelled forward by the smiling faces of those who have become sons and daughters of our Father over this past week. We are literally seeing a church body form in front of our eyes. The Lord is opening doors and we are boldly making our presence known.
The ministry of presence is powerful. Present to love. Present to laugh. Present to listen. Present to play. Present to help in the fields. Present to touch. Present to eat cerviche. Present to pray. Present to share. Present to make Jesus’ presence known. His light is igniting the hearts of the town folk: the grandparents, parents, teens, children…the field workers, the mayor…men and women alike. Love does not discriminate.
Tumpa nestles itself in the quiet shade of Mount Hurascan – the highest point in the Andes (22,000ft). It is majestic. It covers the people day and night. God is glorified. Sheep graze in the fields – curious of the random white hands that probe their wet wool. God is glorified. Flowers shimmer in the dew of the morning mist displaying the intricate details of their Maker. God is glorified. Their Creator loves them all. Yet, none are the pinnacle of His creation.
Flor. Berta. Reina. Gloria and Juanita. Each live in his heart and reflect not only His glory, but His image. As they have stepped into the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ has made himself manifest in the hearts of his children. They are his ultimate creation. They are his children.
Juanita and her daughter, Reina, radiate His glory. Not only individuals, but families are coming to Christ. We stand in a dimly lit room singing “Todopoderoso” (All Powerful One”), celebrating with the angels in heaven. Both have just accepted Jesus as their personal Savior. Potatoes, squash and carrots lie in giant sacks scattered around in their storehouse/kitchen. Corn hangs from the rafters, drying. Guinea pig cooing echoes from the corner. Supper? Three sacks of veggies are sent home with us – a generous offering of thanks. But the guinea pig stays…maybe next time.
Christ’s body is being formed in Tumpa. Fellowship and unity are the glue. The truth is being absorbed like a sponge. For years their hearts have been pacified by the spirit of contentment and independence. Their souls are now hungry. Teaching and discipleship follow hand in hand. The Holy Spirit is present in Tumpa – Christ’s body is coming alive.
