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Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Reflections on the Days Gone By
Thanks be to God for each of you and for your hearts to pray and support us on the trip. As with all things out of His hands, the trip was exceeding, abundantly beyond all we could ask or think! Each time we had an over the top, amazing, only could be thought of and orchestrated by the Creator of the Universe, experience...Bob would say , "If we did nothing else the rest of the trip, it would have been worth it."
We hope to update the blog again this week to recount the few days that we haven't yet described. Also, we hope to get some of the pictures (we took over 1000) online somehow, either through Facebook or on the blog. In the meantime, we thought we would share a few reflections on the week gone by. In no special order, just things worth sharing.
- We loved the corporate prayer of Christian brothers and sisters in Nicaragua. Always on their knees, usually out loud, and often simultaneously.
- We loved how our Christian brothers and sisters in Nicaragua greet each other. Always by the name hermano (brother) or hermana (sister) and always with La Paz de Cristo (the peace of Christ). Any believer they encounter is immediately introduced as a brother or sister in Christ.
- Anna Katherine's favorite time of the trip was our morning of teaching the children of Las Esquinas. Pastor Aburto's lovely young wife Rosa collected one or two at a time a group ragamuffin children and we took them to the church for a morning of teaching, prayer and play. Anna Katherine got to teach how to make "God's eyes" and also painted faces. Remember, none of these children speak English and she speaks little Spanish. But, God gave her a heart to serve. Who needs words?
- Elizabeth's favorite times were our trip to the beach with a group from Pastor Aburto's family and a going away party the last night we were there. We are talking about interaction with people who could not speak a word of English with a little girl who could barely speak a word of Spanish. But, God made her relational. Who needs words?
- We loved seeing the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of people in a totally different place and culture and language. Take Noe (Noah in Spanish) for example. He is bright eyed, always smiling, well dressed, well-pressed , friendly fellow, always the first one at the church and the last one to leave. If there was a job to be done, he did it. If there was a person to be greeted, he greeted them. He is a servant through and through. We later learned Noe is a new Christian, a recovering alcoholic and his home is made of plastic and corrugated tin.
- We saw the power and reality of multi-generational faithfulness. Pastor Aburto, Sr. and his wife have 9 children. Two of the sons are pastors (who also have "day jobs") and another son works two jobs, one at his local church. The entire Aburto family serves and attends three different (related) churches in the area. They are like an army deployed to serve God's kingdom in their community. The Aburto's newest grandbaby is named Shalom Janice (Janice means God is gracious). They are already praying about God's plan for her life.
- We saw a people who's life was the church. They were always there, always together. One of the men's Bible Studys was on Friday night.
- We brought a PILE of our favorite books that have been translated into Spanish. John Piper, Spurgeon, R. C. Sproul, James Dobson, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Elizabeth George. The biggest hit, by far, was Pilgrim's Progress.
- The simplicity of their church. Hope you will see the pictures. And people think Christ Church is simple!
- The Christian church in Nicaragua celebrates as a holiday the day the Bible was translated into their language. It was translated in 1569, 42 years before the King James Version.
- No matter the culture, no matter the language, no matter the surroundings, there is just nothing like being with God's people!!!
There is much more to tell, but we'll hope to have the chance to do that with each of you in person. Thanks be to God for each of you and the role you played in His work on this trip.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Nicaragua Travelogue - Granada, Nicaragua
While Rodolfo works this week, we have decided on a special treat for Rosa (Pastor Aburto's wife), Shalom, their daughter, and Elisabeth, Rodolfo's 18 year old sister. We are going to Granada! Granada is a gorgous, Spanish Colonial town, dating to the time of Coronado, the Spanish explorer, located about an hour from San Marcos. Our taxi driver will charge us $20 to get there.
We stop by Masatepe to pick Rosa up at her school at 1 and we are in Granada at our hotel by 2. After a little bit of typical Nicaraguan confusion about which rooms we were to have (we wanted to all be together) we were settled in a lovely adjoining room, with a balcony looking out towards Volcano Mombacho. It's much hotter in Granada. Bob still isn't feeling 100% so while he rests, all of the girls head to the pool. The pool is lovely, tucked in the back of the hotel. If you've ever been to the hotel in Memphis, Tennessee where they have ducks in the fountain, you would really like this place. They have ducks in the pool!
After our swim it is time for a little exploring around Granada. Grand streets lined with colonial mansions and large walkways lead to a gorgous park, complete with a gleaming colonial cathedral. We eat dinner at the Hotel Alambra, the classic old hotel located right on the square. You just have to do it! The most expensive entree on the menu is about $12 US but the service is that of a true luxury hotel. And...they have a mariachi band. They asked Bob if he would like 3 songs for $10. He said, no, how about 1 song for $5. He drives a hard bargain!! Por que no?
We enjoyed our dinner with Rosa and Elizabeth, laughing a lot and also recalling the Lord's work at the Crusade. They speak no English and we speak little Spanish, but all of us are anxious to understand each other and the Lord manages to make it work.
There was lots of music and lots of life in the square, so after dinner we walk around a bit. There is a poetry festival going on (Niccaraguans are famous for their love of poetry). There is even a performance of traditional Nicaraguan folk dancing. We're tired though, so after a little bit of walking we head back to our hotel and get some sleep. Look for lots of pictures of our time in Granada on Facebook.
We stop by Masatepe to pick Rosa up at her school at 1 and we are in Granada at our hotel by 2. After a little bit of typical Nicaraguan confusion about which rooms we were to have (we wanted to all be together) we were settled in a lovely adjoining room, with a balcony looking out towards Volcano Mombacho. It's much hotter in Granada. Bob still isn't feeling 100% so while he rests, all of the girls head to the pool. The pool is lovely, tucked in the back of the hotel. If you've ever been to the hotel in Memphis, Tennessee where they have ducks in the fountain, you would really like this place. They have ducks in the pool!
After our swim it is time for a little exploring around Granada. Grand streets lined with colonial mansions and large walkways lead to a gorgous park, complete with a gleaming colonial cathedral. We eat dinner at the Hotel Alambra, the classic old hotel located right on the square. You just have to do it! The most expensive entree on the menu is about $12 US but the service is that of a true luxury hotel. And...they have a mariachi band. They asked Bob if he would like 3 songs for $10. He said, no, how about 1 song for $5. He drives a hard bargain!! Por que no?
We enjoyed our dinner with Rosa and Elizabeth, laughing a lot and also recalling the Lord's work at the Crusade. They speak no English and we speak little Spanish, but all of us are anxious to understand each other and the Lord manages to make it work.
There was lots of music and lots of life in the square, so after dinner we walk around a bit. There is a poetry festival going on (Niccaraguans are famous for their love of poetry). There is even a performance of traditional Nicaraguan folk dancing. We're tired though, so after a little bit of walking we head back to our hotel and get some sleep. Look for lots of pictures of our time in Granada on Facebook.
A morning in Las Esquinas
Monday morning was back to business as usual in Nicaragua. By 6 am, Rosa (Pastor Aburto's wife) was on the bus headed to the elementary school where she teaches in Masatepe, the next town over. Pastor Aburto was up and at 'em and headed to his job as an IT specialist at Ave Maria College. In classic Nicaraguan hospitality style, before we were really even up, Pastor Aburto's sisters were coming in to fix breakfast for us. (Did we tell you that we are living in the Aburto's house? They have moved almost everything out of their master bedroom and daughter's room so that we can stay there. They are staying next door at Pastor Aburto's parent's house. We learned the last time that we came that no amount of persuading will keep them from hosting us this way.)
A desayuno tipica (typical breakfast) is gallo pinto (red beans and rice) and eggs and lots of fruit. Absolutely delicious. Though they wouldn't let us cook I did manage to clean up and wash the dishes really quickly before they came back. There is no hot water...just a little scrubbie thing and a solid sort of dishwashing substance.
After breakfast and a little family worship Pastor Aburto's youngest brother, Gabriel, took us on the bus into San Marcos, for a scoop of ice cream, a trip to the bank and trip to the internet cafe. When I get a chance, I am going to ask Rodolfo (Pastor Aburto) to translate a conversation with his mother. I want to ask her how she raised children who have such servants' hearts. Today is Gabriel's last day of summer, and what is he doing? Touring a group of gringos around his home town for some errands. This is a 13 year old that doesn't know the meaning of the word teenager. A real Colossians 3:23 man!
A desayuno tipica (typical breakfast) is gallo pinto (red beans and rice) and eggs and lots of fruit. Absolutely delicious. Though they wouldn't let us cook I did manage to clean up and wash the dishes really quickly before they came back. There is no hot water...just a little scrubbie thing and a solid sort of dishwashing substance.
After breakfast and a little family worship Pastor Aburto's youngest brother, Gabriel, took us on the bus into San Marcos, for a scoop of ice cream, a trip to the bank and trip to the internet cafe. When I get a chance, I am going to ask Rodolfo (Pastor Aburto) to translate a conversation with his mother. I want to ask her how she raised children who have such servants' hearts. Today is Gabriel's last day of summer, and what is he doing? Touring a group of gringos around his home town for some errands. This is a 13 year old that doesn't know the meaning of the word teenager. A real Colossians 3:23 man!
Sunday's Crusade
The Crusade Finale was powerful. There were at least 500 people packed onto this tiny dirt road. I can't even think of a South Carolina equivalent. More on this shortly! Check Facebook for pictures.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Sunday Worship at Iglesia Las Esquinas
Post by Bob)
Reflections on Sunday worship:
A dirt road no wider than a car.
Modest humble cinder block houses, most with dirt floors.
Bustling activity-dogs barking, roosters crowing, children laughing and running, ladies cooking.
The church (iglesia) is spartan--cement stage, cement floor, metal roof, plastic chairs to sit in.
Men on one side of church, women on other side.
The sound system set up--it works!
Pastor Aburto opens in prayer and singing.
He prays that the sound system will be used abundantly to spread God's Word.
If not, it will be noisy gong or clanging cymbal.
Pastor Aburto reads Matthew 7:7-20.
Concepts to focus on:
Seek the Lord, The Lord is generous,
The way is narrow, Avoid the wide path,
Be fruit inspectors, We are known by our fruit.
Pastor William called up to preach.
(Pastor William prays for Christ Church and the Daleys as Ambassadors of Christ Church and Jesus Christ)
Sermon text: Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus heals the Paralytic)
The Paralytic needed the help of four friends to carrying him to Jesus.
He needed a team to carry him.
His friends had to overcome a number of obstacles.
His friends had to be persistant.
His friends had to be precise (in lowering him through the roof).
His friends had to love him more than they cared about what people thought.
His friends had to have faith that Jesus could "heal."
When Jesus saw the faith of the four friends, He forgave the Paralytic's sins.
The real illness we need to healed of is sin.
The scribes were angry (Jesus was a threat to them!)
Jesus tells them that He had authority to forgive sins!
Only then does Jesus tell the Paralytic to rise.
Service closes in prayer and song.
Everyone exchanges the Peace of Christ with hand shakes and hugs.
Time to go back for a big meal and to rest.
The last night of the Crusade will be tonight.
Reflections on Sunday worship:
A dirt road no wider than a car.
Modest humble cinder block houses, most with dirt floors.
Bustling activity-dogs barking, roosters crowing, children laughing and running, ladies cooking.
The church (iglesia) is spartan--cement stage, cement floor, metal roof, plastic chairs to sit in.
Men on one side of church, women on other side.
The sound system set up--it works!
Pastor Aburto opens in prayer and singing.
He prays that the sound system will be used abundantly to spread God's Word.
If not, it will be noisy gong or clanging cymbal.
Pastor Aburto reads Matthew 7:7-20.
Concepts to focus on:
Seek the Lord, The Lord is generous,
The way is narrow, Avoid the wide path,
Be fruit inspectors, We are known by our fruit.
Pastor William called up to preach.
(Pastor William prays for Christ Church and the Daleys as Ambassadors of Christ Church and Jesus Christ)
Sermon text: Mark 2:1-12 (Jesus heals the Paralytic)
The Paralytic needed the help of four friends to carrying him to Jesus.
He needed a team to carry him.
His friends had to overcome a number of obstacles.
His friends had to be persistant.
His friends had to be precise (in lowering him through the roof).
His friends had to love him more than they cared about what people thought.
His friends had to have faith that Jesus could "heal."
When Jesus saw the faith of the four friends, He forgave the Paralytic's sins.
The real illness we need to healed of is sin.
The scribes were angry (Jesus was a threat to them!)
Jesus tells them that He had authority to forgive sins!
Only then does Jesus tell the Paralytic to rise.
Service closes in prayer and song.
Everyone exchanges the Peace of Christ with hand shakes and hugs.
Time to go back for a big meal and to rest.
The last night of the Crusade will be tonight.
God's Word, a Sound System and a Crusade - Part V (Sunday morning)
We awoke this morning to a breezy, sunny Sunday morning. We had slept like babies! God has already blessed us "far more abundantly than all that we can ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20) with the opportunity to see His work in another culture, in another language. One can't help but be reminded that the church here on earth is one in Christ even though there are a multitude of local congregations and denominations spread across the entire globe.
A great joy for Bob Sunday morning before church was having the opportunity to sit with 14 year old Gabriel and read a sermon in Spanish by John Piper on Romans 3:19-26--Jesus is Precious Because He Removes Our Guilt ("Jesús es Precioso Porque Elimina Nuestra Culpa"). What can be more precious than soaking in these truths:
First, all human beings are personally accountable to God for their sin (v. 19).
Second, the resulting guilt of man and righteous indignation of God can't be made right by works of the law (v. 20).
Third, God, on his own initiative, set about to accomplish our justification by grace and offer it as a free gift (vv. 21–24).
Fourth, the way he did this was by sending his Son, Jesus, to redeem us by his death and to demonstrate the righteousness of God (vv. 24–26).
Finally, this gift of justification, the removal of our guilt and God's wrath, comes only to those who trust in Jesus (vv. 22, 25–26).
After a simple breakfast (of rice and beans and fruit) and a quiet time, we made our way to Iglesia Las Esquinas for Sunday Moning services. To be continued . . .
A great joy for Bob Sunday morning before church was having the opportunity to sit with 14 year old Gabriel and read a sermon in Spanish by John Piper on Romans 3:19-26--Jesus is Precious Because He Removes Our Guilt ("Jesús es Precioso Porque Elimina Nuestra Culpa"). What can be more precious than soaking in these truths:
First, all human beings are personally accountable to God for their sin (v. 19).
Second, the resulting guilt of man and righteous indignation of God can't be made right by works of the law (v. 20).
Third, God, on his own initiative, set about to accomplish our justification by grace and offer it as a free gift (vv. 21–24).
Fourth, the way he did this was by sending his Son, Jesus, to redeem us by his death and to demonstrate the righteousness of God (vv. 24–26).
Finally, this gift of justification, the removal of our guilt and God's wrath, comes only to those who trust in Jesus (vv. 22, 25–26).
After a simple breakfast (of rice and beans and fruit) and a quiet time, we made our way to Iglesia Las Esquinas for Sunday Moning services. To be continued . . .
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