Blog entry written by Risen Life Church Team Member – Jay
One of the things that has stood out to me on the trip so far is the power of words. They are something that makes us unique as humans. We can connect with one another on multiple levels by speaking or writing them; like this blog. If there was no power in words you would not be reading these words right now. Aaron just read your comments from last night’s blog and hearing them was very encouraging. Yesterday while building the stove at the beginning the children were quiet, but after a simple “como te llamos?” they soon began playing and made a game of running between Scott and my legs; laughter is universal. Francisca was so excited after we asked how to say squirrel in Spanish after discovering her pet. She proudly showed it off and began tapping the bottom of the cage as the squirrel ran wild and she smiled back at us.
Last night when we returned we sat around the table and began to talk about life. We each had our own stories we that we were waiting to share. As the saying goes “boys will be boys,” but soon you discovered which words affect these men the most. As the only single man on the team it was a blessing just to hear these men tell about their lives. Every time Alli, Janis, Rachael, Tiffany, and Tracy were mentioned their husbands would light up and are filled with joy. I will just say that being able to spend the time with these men has been a great example.
John begins his gospel to the church by calling Jesus the Word. That’s what God has given us to reveal who he is. Both his son and his written word to promise he is always there. This morning was the day we were able to attend Iglesia Galilea and before we left we had prayed that we would have understanding even in a language we do not understand. After walking in the doors we were promptly greeted and handed radio receivers where the sermon would be translated and transmitted to us so we could understand. Worship began and the first song was one that we all recognized; this was the case for a number of the songs played. Although the words were different our God is the same. Being able to sing in English along with a congregation worshipping in Spanish but yet each of us were connecting was the same God shows just how big He is.
Tono and Merari after the service shared their vision with us for the short, medium, and long term. Just to hear them speak and how their vision was similar to Risen Life’s was a testament to God. Sean and Glen said it sounded like they were in the middle of staff meeting hearing them speak. Merari then shared how his is a living testament to how great our God is telling about his experience with cancer and how God was faithful to get him through and able to live out his vision.
This trip has been a blessing being able to see the way God is moving around the world instead of the small bubble we are accustomed to and only works to deepen our faith. And it’s only day two…
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