A great question

Last evening, following supper, someone asked me this question: "What would you consider it means to be a good Christian?" ...

Before I share my response let me also capture a little bit of a conversation that I had with Pastor Amilcar, the new pastor in San Vicente. He and I were doodling and sharing verses to bridge the language barrier about what the church (people of God) are to do and our responsibility as pastors. We shared verses like: Matt. 16:18; Matt 28:18-20; Acts 1:8. Though limited by language our excitement was evident as we recognized that God has given us a shared view of our roles: to equip and encourage people to "go" and share the grace and truth of Christ; and secondly allow Christ to build the church. Too often we reverse those eternal truths for our own convenience and sense of accomplishment. 

So back to my evening conversation, my reply was (not surprisingly), "why do you ask that question?" Then we were able to talk about past hurts he'd experienced and a view that many churches and church leaders are only interested in attendance figures and budgets, throw in a few baptisms and you have a good year and that's how you determine who the good Christians are. Like earlier in the day, we came to the realization that many churches have reversed Jesus' instructions to us. The road back is long and twisted because so much needs be unlearned and confessed but it is possible through a long term commitment according to the impulse of Jesus. 

By the way, my answer, " I wouldn't refer ti myself or others that way; I prefer the term 'follower of Jesus' because it reminds me that in my imperfection He is working in and through me and that my objective is to keep His example and truth as my own. There is no goodness apart from Him and there is no Christian without Christ."

Our conversation isn't done yet, I'd welcome your input, how would you respond?

Learning to Lead

Today was the first day of our AGM (Annual General Meeting). Most years we have a guest speaker to share in one or more of our sessions. This provides some necessary reminders, some equipping and usually a challenge that relates to the privilege of being called to lead these short-term teams. This year we invited Tyler Pelke to be our guest speaker.  As a fourteen year old he endured incredible suffering, which almost took his life and left him with 25% of his body covered in 3rd degree burns. The short version is he faced several choices over the next number of years, either to remain a victim of his past circumstances or courageously make choices in spite of those circumstances. He continually chooses the latter and that's part of the message he shares: know your purpose, be quick to forgive, adapt-ability. With the God as His helper Tyler provided an inspirational message that speaks encouragement into the often confusing world that we live in as leaders of these teams, as well as speaking hope into the lives of those among whom we serve in El Salvador. We don't have to remain a victim, we don't have to just survive, but by knowing our purpose we can actually thrive no matter what our circumstances may bring.

Every house has a story

Today we built six houses. The first family my build team built for was for a man named Gustavo, his wife, Rena, and their son. Both Gustavo and Rena had been abandoned at a young age by their parents. Their parents moved to the United States, keeping contact for the first few months but that soon stopped. Gustavo and Rena have heard through friends that Rena's parents have separated and have new families. During our interview with the family, one of the questions asked to them was, if they could go anywhere in the world where would it be? The response, they each want to go to the United States so they can tell their parents how much they love them. Crazy. 

The second family my team built for had a great grandma who was 92 years old, grandparents around 50 years old, and a 6 year old grandson. You could tell that this family was truly loving and caring, which is something so rare to find here. The little boy, Joseph, was so energetic and intelligent, another rare finding. When he found out the Canadians were coming, he made his grandma buy him a book in English so he could learn to speak it. He hopes to become a doctor one day due to an experience he had at the hospital where no one was available to help him. 

It was hot today, but nonetheless I love building and hearing the stories of families. 

Aynsley