Monday, March 19, 2012

A New Window

There's already so much that I can/want to share. However I will restrict myself to two new windows. A window provides a new perspective from which to view God's Kingdom at work. A window is also channel through which the light of God's truth and grace enter into lives. That's how windows function.

The first window, is more like a stained glass portrait. That's what happens when you meet up with over twenty different team leaders from across Canada. Suddenly our one week trips, which are so meaningful for all of us, are placed together to reveal something of deep beauty and incredible power. Such craftsmanship can only be attributed to our amazing Creator and wonderful Potter. My hope throughout this week is to be able to hear the stories that each one of these people bring, how the Lord has impacted and changed their lives, and how the work in El Salvador continues to be an important part of the expression of their love for our Wonderful Saviour.

The second window, is by comparison an antique and ordinary window, one that has been newly discovered in an underused part of our home. This morning we attended a church in the city of San Savlador. For most of us, it was our first visit. We had met the Associate Pastor last March. Together we went into one of the poorest (yes more poverty than we have seen previously) areas of El Salvador. It is called Victoria and it is located among the mountains along the border of Honduras. It is remote, it is isolated and it is great need. The Senior Pastor, Herman, preached a message this morning about being a church on mission to the world. That world, he said, needs to start right here in our own country and among those who Jesus would serve and then he talked about how some of the people of Victoria had so little that they ate field mice on a regular basis.
He also talked about how they had sent a family to Canada, to be messengers of the Gospel, as they accepted a job transfer. How they were getting ready to send someone else to India. And how God was sending Canadians to them...all part of His Kingdom work, raising labourers for the harvest and sending them out.

It reminded me of the Spring season, when we open our windows and we again look outside at the transformational changes of creation. Yet at the same time, the inside of our homes are refreshed as the Spring air rushes in.

I'm reminded that what the Lord is doing with us at our home church, He is doing with other church families as well. I'm reminded that we don't come to bring the Kingdom of God to the people of El Salvador. I'm reminded that we come as one part of the Kingdom of God at work in our world, whether it's from Sarnia, Calgary or San Salvador. I'm reminded that we are instruments of truth and grace, mercy and compassion, hope and life, to all we meet.

Thanks for your prayer and your partnership...


Deve