Monday, November 12, 2007
Visit with the church family in Bernal (Uno)
Last night, after visiting with the people of the Wilde Church, Steve and I headed over to the Bernal church meeting. This is a church in one of the tougher neighborhoods that is doing a great job of reaching young people (Jovenes). I really enjoyed meeting and talking with Jorge', Hugo and Luisa, Martin, and several other young men who are really growing in their faith and also sharing Christ with others. 
Martin is the guitar player here, and he apparently taught his sister how to play the drums. It was great to see him use his talent and passion in the form of worshiping together! As you would expect with a church that has a lot of young people, the worship was a little faster, with more clapping and such. I recognized several of the songs from other worship events, and Steve also helped me understand what the words were saying. One young man spoke about an opportunity he had to talk about Christ with his older brother. Another young man shared about how much he is learning about God through studying the Bible with a friend. After about thirty minutes of sharing and singing, one young man welcomed everyone and said, "Now we will start our more formal time."
After a few more worship songs and prayers, Steve introduced me to preach. Again I shared about Colossians 4:2-6. Paul calls Christians to be devoted to prayer. Anything worth doing in this life is going to take devotion and hard work. I talked about how devoted people here in Buenos Aires are to soccer, and they all connected with that. We should be even more committed to praying for people we know who are far from God. I talked about seizing opportunities to encourage and talk with people about Christ in the midst of their everyday conversations. You never know when God is going to give you an opportunity - for example....
This is Hugo, one of the main adult leaders in the church. He is well-respected and admired by all of the young men and women who attend there. He has had a great influence on many lives in this neighborhood. After I preached, Hugo walked to the front and basically said this - "Gary is right about being ready for an opportunity to talk about God. I just started a new job, and found out that at 9:00am, everything at work shuts down so that we can have mate (MAH-tay) and conversation. On my very first day at the job, my boss invites me to mate (MAH-tay) and says, "So, I hear you believe in God and that you're a Christian." I do not know how he knew this - but I couldn't believe that this was the first thing he knew about me! Gary is right - we must live good lives and be ready for opportunities to talk about Christ!" I was amazed at how God again brought all the things together - testimonies, prayer, music, sermon - to focus on how we should be praying and prepared to represent Christ at any moment!
Near the end of the worship time, Hugo invited the church planting team headed to the city of Corrientes to come forward and give an update about their plans. Kevin High is sharing in this picture. Please do pray for Kevin & Holly High (and their three kids - Levi, Hannah, and Amelia), and for Guggi and Cristina (and their four kids), and for Alice Peacock, and now Tatiana - as all of them prepare to move their entire lives to a new city and start a new work in Corrientes!
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Visiting Wilde Church on Sunday evening...
After snacks, mate, and great conversation with Dave & Ruth Ann, I was shuttled to Wilde Church for another big event. Wilde (prounced "WHEEL-day") is the church family of Steve & Wilma Bailey. I knew this would be a shorter visit, since I was scheduled to preach again at another church AN HOUR LATER. All in great fun and terrific ministry opportunity!
The people of Wilde were also very welcoming and easy to talk with. I recognized several from the Home Group on Thursday night - Daniel, Ricardo, Elsa, Jose, and Ophelia. How great to already have some friendly faces here! I was impressed to see so many young people involved in this church - actually, they are at every church. God is raising up a new generation of churches, young leaders, and new believers here in this part of the city, and it is nothing but terrific!
Apparently, this church has its very own Cafe 4:9. A little insider joke for my home church family - a good thing for hospitality ministry. Sweet tea hit the spot. Just like at every church - every person kisses you on the cheek. It's considered rude not to greet someone with a kiss on the cheek. This isn't just the Christian greeting, it's the Argentine greeting!
Worshiping together was great, and many of the songs are starting to sound familiar. They hand out song books with the words for each song printed out so you can read them. Lots of young adults at this gathering too!
Steve Bailey interpreted as I preached on Colossians 4 again. In some ways, I think these people could come preach that sermon to us. Many of these people are reaching out to love others because of Jesus Christ.
The people of Wilde were also very welcoming and easy to talk with. I recognized several from the Home Group on Thursday night - Daniel, Ricardo, Elsa, Jose, and Ophelia. How great to already have some friendly faces here! I was impressed to see so many young people involved in this church - actually, they are at every church. God is raising up a new generation of churches, young leaders, and new believers here in this part of the city, and it is nothing but terrific!
Apparently, this church has its very own Cafe 4:9. A little insider joke for my home church family - a good thing for hospitality ministry. Sweet tea hit the spot. Just like at every church - every person kisses you on the cheek. It's considered rude not to greet someone with a kiss on the cheek. This isn't just the Christian greeting, it's the Argentine greeting!
Worshiping together was great, and many of the songs are starting to sound familiar. They hand out song books with the words for each song printed out so you can read them. Lots of young adults at this gathering too!
Steve Bailey interpreted as I preached on Colossians 4 again. In some ways, I think these people could come preach that sermon to us. Many of these people are reaching out to love others because of Jesus Christ.
Sunday morning visit with Berazategui Church...
This was easily one of the most memorable Sundays of my life. I got to visit three church families in Buenos Aires, and experience some wonderful worship, conversation, and encouragement with brothers and sisters in Christ. Today began with a drive to Berazategui with Dave Martin. Just a few days ago, I was privileged to serve with and get to know some of the people in this wonderful church at their food and clothing outreach. That previous connection made the chance to worship together very sweet. Apparently, a group from Delaware Grace Brethren had visited this same church about three years ago! Some of the people here remember Dustyn and Robin Vanzant. Very cool!
After about thirty minutes of greetings, conversation, and yes - Mate (MAH-tay), Gary McCaman welcomed everyone and we started to sing some songs together.
The guitar player for the worship team was Pablo. You might remember him from Friday night's dinner with Alice Peacock. Pablo was the only guy involved, and there were about eight girls that led the singing together. I was able to record some of the singing, and hope to have a worship/memory CD of all the great times in Buenos Aires.
During an interview with Team Corrientes, team member Alice Peacock asked that the people of Berazategui pray for them and for opportunities to share Christ. She read Colossians 4:2-6. Ironically, that was the EXACT passage of Scripture that I had prepared to preach on this morning! Obviously, the Holy Spirit had brought different people and different moments together with a common theme and message for all of us.
After a wonderful update from Team Corrientes, I was privileged to preach on Colossians 4:2-6 - one of my favorite passages. I encouraged them to pray for their friends who are far from God. Colossians challenges us to pray and to be ready for opportunities to represent Jesus Christ to our friends and family. At the end, we prayed, and had many good conversations afterwards.
I showed many pictures of Jennie, Allie, and Luke - and I miss them very much.
The people in Berazategui have a very warm and casual gathering where people laugh and feel like they can be themselves. It is NOT a formal church - I wore jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. I did not want people to notice expensive or brand-name clothing. I wanted them to just see me and hear whatever God wanted them to hear. It was great to see Gary and Linda McCaman in their "element" - this is their church family here. Gary was the "emcee" of the worship event, telling jokes, and welcoming people and encouraging just about everyone. Linda was helping people left and right and passing around some wonderful warm mate. Good times. I will miss these wonderful people.
After about thirty minutes of greetings, conversation, and yes - Mate (MAH-tay), Gary McCaman welcomed everyone and we started to sing some songs together.
The guitar player for the worship team was Pablo. You might remember him from Friday night's dinner with Alice Peacock. Pablo was the only guy involved, and there were about eight girls that led the singing together. I was able to record some of the singing, and hope to have a worship/memory CD of all the great times in Buenos Aires.
During an interview with Team Corrientes, team member Alice Peacock asked that the people of Berazategui pray for them and for opportunities to share Christ. She read Colossians 4:2-6. Ironically, that was the EXACT passage of Scripture that I had prepared to preach on this morning! Obviously, the Holy Spirit had brought different people and different moments together with a common theme and message for all of us.
After a wonderful update from Team Corrientes, I was privileged to preach on Colossians 4:2-6 - one of my favorite passages. I encouraged them to pray for their friends who are far from God. Colossians challenges us to pray and to be ready for opportunities to represent Jesus Christ to our friends and family. At the end, we prayed, and had many good conversations afterwards.
I showed many pictures of Jennie, Allie, and Luke - and I miss them very much.
The people in Berazategui have a very warm and casual gathering where people laugh and feel like they can be themselves. It is NOT a formal church - I wore jeans and a short-sleeved shirt. I did not want people to notice expensive or brand-name clothing. I wanted them to just see me and hear whatever God wanted them to hear. It was great to see Gary and Linda McCaman in their "element" - this is their church family here. Gary was the "emcee" of the worship event, telling jokes, and welcoming people and encouraging just about everyone. Linda was helping people left and right and passing around some wonderful warm mate. Good times. I will miss these wonderful people.
Neighborhood Bible School with Jose Marmol Church!
It looks like just another building in a small village on the south side of Buenos Aires. On Saturday afternoons, it becomes much more than a building.
The sign reads "Welcome, Kids, to Bible School 2007." Around 4:00pm here, kids from all over the little "visha" (small, poor village) arrive and start to play and sing. When this ministry started, they would play soccer and volleyball outside as kids arrived. Now, they use this building, owned by one of the fathers of a girl who participates in the church at Jose Marmol. 
With the help of about a dozen adult and teenage volunteers, the Bible School fills the neighborhood building with games, singing, laughter, and all-out fun. Somehow, they roped me and several other guys into the games. They also asked me to introduce myself and say hello from the Delaware Grace Brethren Church. Most of the kids here are from families that do not attend church. Seems somewhat similar to what our church does with backyard Bible schools. 
Tito, one of the lead elders at Jose Marmol, is also on guitar and vocals for the kids' event. He has six kids, and almost all of them are involved in the ministries here - very exciting to meet many of them. You might remember his daughters Noelia and Marla from previous posts - we visited their worship service last Sunday (11/4/07) in the evening.
Retreat with Team Corrientes
The missionaries here are assembling a team to plant a church in the city of Corrientes. It is far north of Buenos Aires, but much of the training and meetings are happening now in B.A. This weekend, the team is having lots of time in prayer, discussion, and equipping for their upcoming mission. Steve Bailey and Eduardo and Gary McCaman have been working with these guys, and I was grateful to get to meet the team and hear more about their church plant in a very different city.
Front, from left - Alice Peacock, Cristina and Guggi, and Tatiana. Back, Holly and Kevin High.
Steve asked me to share something that might encourage or be relevant to this team for a few minutes on Saturday afternoon. We spent some time talking about Titus 2:6-10 and 1 Peter 2:12 - how our lifestyles might serve to gain trust and respect from others - especially when you're the new people in town. We had some prayer and some mate (MAH-tay), and I really enjoyed spending time with them again.
I did ask Cristina and Guggi and Eduardo to tell me some things about their background. Each one shared a little bit about how Christ has made the difference. I was fascinated to hear that Guggi really made a commitment to Jesus after listening to the music of Stryper back in the 1980's. Stryper is a Christian band with the kind of music Guggi really liked, but he noticed that they were much different and had faith. He started reading the Bible for himself, and the rest is history. He had no idea that God would eventually have a church-planting ministry in store for him down the road!
(From right - Gary McCaman, Eduardo, and me). Apparently, I was trying to signal something to our video tech crew, otherwise known as David Martin himself!
Front, from left - Alice Peacock, Cristina and Guggi, and Tatiana. Back, Holly and Kevin High.Steve asked me to share something that might encourage or be relevant to this team for a few minutes on Saturday afternoon. We spent some time talking about Titus 2:6-10 and 1 Peter 2:12 - how our lifestyles might serve to gain trust and respect from others - especially when you're the new people in town. We had some prayer and some mate (MAH-tay), and I really enjoyed spending time with them again.
I did ask Cristina and Guggi and Eduardo to tell me some things about their background. Each one shared a little bit about how Christ has made the difference. I was fascinated to hear that Guggi really made a commitment to Jesus after listening to the music of Stryper back in the 1980's. Stryper is a Christian band with the kind of music Guggi really liked, but he noticed that they were much different and had faith. He started reading the Bible for himself, and the rest is history. He had no idea that God would eventually have a church-planting ministry in store for him down the road!
(From right - Gary McCaman, Eduardo, and me). Apparently, I was trying to signal something to our video tech crew, otherwise known as David Martin himself!
Friday, November 9, 2007
Um, Gary, what's an "alfajores"?
Yeah - you already read my previous post, and you're wondering what this word is, and how to say it.
Alfajores.
"al-fa-HOR-ace." (when you say that, gurgle your "H" and roll your "R"
"al-fa-kkhhHORdrdrdr-ace."
Here's what you're talking about...
It's like a Twix bar, actually. Only better.
If you've been to Russia, it's like a "Napaleon." Only better.
It's like a three-nilla-wafer sandwish with caramel and chocolate in between." Only better.
It's like a hot S'more off the grille. Only better.
I'm sure you can find them on eBay.com. You won't regret it.
Tonight, at Alice Peacock's, Pablo helped me buy some of these alfajores - the "Milka" brand with chocolate filling - and we ate some unbelievable ice cream with them. Muy Rico'! (tasty)
Kudos to Alice and Pablo for helping us experience the finest in Argentine chocolate decadence.
Actually, instead of "Kudos," we might use our new word.
"Alfajores!"
Alfajores.
"al-fa-HOR-ace." (when you say that, gurgle your "H" and roll your "R"
"al-fa-kkhhHORdrdrdr-ace."
Here's what you're talking about...
It's like a Twix bar, actually. Only better.
If you've been to Russia, it's like a "Napaleon." Only better.
It's like a three-nilla-wafer sandwish with caramel and chocolate in between." Only better.
It's like a hot S'more off the grille. Only better.
I'm sure you can find them on eBay.com. You won't regret it.
Tonight, at Alice Peacock's, Pablo helped me buy some of these alfajores - the "Milka" brand with chocolate filling - and we ate some unbelievable ice cream with them. Muy Rico'! (tasty)
Kudos to Alice and Pablo for helping us experience the finest in Argentine chocolate decadence.
Actually, instead of "Kudos," we might use our new word.
"Alfajores!"
Dinner, Conversation, and Alfajores.
Tonight, Dave, Ruth Ann (Anita), and I got to have dinner at the home of Alice Peacock. We drove through Bosces on the way, the former home of Nate & Deb Dunlevy. Then, we made our way to dinner at Alice's. I was excited to meet two Argentine students who are also trying to learn English. Both of them are from the Berazategui church. Here we are after dinner...
Notice the pattern on the tapestry behind us - two peacocks! I wonder if that means anything specific.
Anyhow, we had some great conversation about American and Argentine culture, some of the challenges to being a Christian in each context, and some of our experiences with different churches.
The two students were Pablo (18 years old, the guy on the left), and Esther (23 years old - she teaches English to junior highers). I really enjoyed getting to know them better, and both of them speak English very well. We talked a little bit about Gauchito Gil and San Expedito, two mythological characters that have become something like idols or icons to the religoius people of Buenos Aires. More on Gauchito Gil to come, as apparently Ruth Ann has some good articles to share about this.
Pray for Pablo to have wisdom, courage, and compassion as he seeks to be a good Christian example to his friends at college. He is studying business, I believe. And pray for Esther to be an example to her friends too. She went on a missions trip to Kergystan a while ago. I think it was the first short-term trip to another country from these churches here in Buenos Aires.
Pablo, it was great to meet you - and thanks for helping me get the best kind of Alfajores tonight. Esther, it was great to meet you, and exciting to see pictures of your trip! (I gave them this website address, and maybe they'll be the first Argentines to post a comment and make this blog really interesting.)
Notice the pattern on the tapestry behind us - two peacocks! I wonder if that means anything specific.
Anyhow, we had some great conversation about American and Argentine culture, some of the challenges to being a Christian in each context, and some of our experiences with different churches.
The two students were Pablo (18 years old, the guy on the left), and Esther (23 years old - she teaches English to junior highers). I really enjoyed getting to know them better, and both of them speak English very well. We talked a little bit about Gauchito Gil and San Expedito, two mythological characters that have become something like idols or icons to the religoius people of Buenos Aires. More on Gauchito Gil to come, as apparently Ruth Ann has some good articles to share about this.
Pray for Pablo to have wisdom, courage, and compassion as he seeks to be a good Christian example to his friends at college. He is studying business, I believe. And pray for Esther to be an example to her friends too. She went on a missions trip to Kergystan a while ago. I think it was the first short-term trip to another country from these churches here in Buenos Aires.
Pablo, it was great to meet you - and thanks for helping me get the best kind of Alfajores tonight. Esther, it was great to meet you, and exciting to see pictures of your trip! (I gave them this website address, and maybe they'll be the first Argentines to post a comment and make this blog really interesting.)
Prayer and Hang Out at the Highs (Friday morning)
At least three mornings a week, all of the Grace Brethren missionaries meet for prayer in one of their homes. This morning, we all met at the home of Kevin & Holly High. They are both from rural Pennsylvania, and spent some time serving at Urban Hope in inner-city Philadelphia.
We prayed for an hour with the team, and then I got to spend some time relaxing and getting to know the Highs. They are both very outroing, friendly, and welcoming. They will be involved with a budding church plant opportunity in the city of Corrientes, several hours north of here. Apparently, it is a city with over 400,000 people, and no real presence by an evangelical Christian church. Here are the Highs (Kevin, Amelia, Hannah, Tatiana (friend), and Holly - with their son Levi in absentia - at school).
When you smile for a picture here, you do not say "cheese," you say "WEE-skee." But I forget what that word means.
After some great conversation and fellowship with the Highs, Kevin drove me over to the home of Steve and Wilma Bailey. Wilma made some great chicken and rice dish, and we talked a lot about the future vision and opportunities for missions in Argentina. GBIM (Grace Brethren International Missions) really wants to focus on the "least reached" people groups around the world, and focus on areas without a strong church presence. They also want to help locals become leaders in their own churches, and not be dependent on sent missionaries for their leadership. The churches here in Buenos Aires are developing young leaders, sending out short-term and long-term missionaries, and starting to network with other churches and ministries in the region.
Steve is the regional director for Grace Brethren International Missions in South America, and works with believers in ministries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and several other countries. It was great to get to know Steve and Wilma better, and also to hear their passion and strategy for developing leaders and planting churches. I got to hear more about what some of our Grace College friends (Nate & Deb Dunlevy, Brian & Tara Gornik, and Rich & Jill Elledge) are going to be doing with a brand new work in LaPlata (less than an hour from where the Martins live).
We prayed for an hour with the team, and then I got to spend some time relaxing and getting to know the Highs. They are both very outroing, friendly, and welcoming. They will be involved with a budding church plant opportunity in the city of Corrientes, several hours north of here. Apparently, it is a city with over 400,000 people, and no real presence by an evangelical Christian church. Here are the Highs (Kevin, Amelia, Hannah, Tatiana (friend), and Holly - with their son Levi in absentia - at school).
When you smile for a picture here, you do not say "cheese," you say "WEE-skee." But I forget what that word means.
After some great conversation and fellowship with the Highs, Kevin drove me over to the home of Steve and Wilma Bailey. Wilma made some great chicken and rice dish, and we talked a lot about the future vision and opportunities for missions in Argentina. GBIM (Grace Brethren International Missions) really wants to focus on the "least reached" people groups around the world, and focus on areas without a strong church presence. They also want to help locals become leaders in their own churches, and not be dependent on sent missionaries for their leadership. The churches here in Buenos Aires are developing young leaders, sending out short-term and long-term missionaries, and starting to network with other churches and ministries in the region.
Steve is the regional director for Grace Brethren International Missions in South America, and works with believers in ministries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and several other countries. It was great to get to know Steve and Wilma better, and also to hear their passion and strategy for developing leaders and planting churches. I got to hear more about what some of our Grace College friends (Nate & Deb Dunlevy, Brian & Tara Gornik, and Rich & Jill Elledge) are going to be doing with a brand new work in LaPlata (less than an hour from where the Martins live).
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Gary's Weekend Preview (If you'd like to pray ahead...)
Friday:
- In the morning, I join the missionary team for prayer at 8:00 am at the home of Kevin & Holly HIgh. I'll spend the rest of the morning with them (if they let me), and then join Steve & Wilma Bailey for lunch. To see how these events really went down, click here.
- Sometime after that, I'll head back to the Martins for a siesta and snacks. In the evening, I'm headed to dinner with Alice Peacock, and two students that she teaches English to. Don't believe we would actually get this privilege? Click here to see for yourself!
Saturday:
- At some point, I'll join the retreat with Team Corrientes (a team planning to plant a church several hundred miles north of here) to get to know each other and hear about their hopes and prayer needs.
- Some of Saturday will be spent preparing for Sunday's preaching and hopefully resting a little bit. I guess a plumber is coming to check on the Martins' house. Pray for both the preaching and the plumbing!
Sunday:
- In the morning, I preach at Berazategui Church, where Gary and Linda attend.
- In the evening, I'll preach at two churches, Bernal and Wilde. These visits to churches and the chance to meet Argentine believers and their families is an absolute blast. I love it. I am grateful to God and to our church for the opportunity to be here, to serve however I can, and to meet such sweet people.
- In the morning, I join the missionary team for prayer at 8:00 am at the home of Kevin & Holly HIgh. I'll spend the rest of the morning with them (if they let me), and then join Steve & Wilma Bailey for lunch. To see how these events really went down, click here.
- Sometime after that, I'll head back to the Martins for a siesta and snacks. In the evening, I'm headed to dinner with Alice Peacock, and two students that she teaches English to. Don't believe we would actually get this privilege? Click here to see for yourself!
Saturday:
- At some point, I'll join the retreat with Team Corrientes (a team planning to plant a church several hundred miles north of here) to get to know each other and hear about their hopes and prayer needs.
- Some of Saturday will be spent preparing for Sunday's preaching and hopefully resting a little bit. I guess a plumber is coming to check on the Martins' house. Pray for both the preaching and the plumbing!
Sunday:
- In the morning, I preach at Berazategui Church, where Gary and Linda attend.
- In the evening, I'll preach at two churches, Bernal and Wilde. These visits to churches and the chance to meet Argentine believers and their families is an absolute blast. I love it. I am grateful to God and to our church for the opportunity to be here, to serve however I can, and to meet such sweet people.
Home Group @ Wilde...
Well, here's the highlights from Thursday...
- Because Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are jam-packed with ministry and meetings, we really wanted to take it easy today and catch up on some rest and reading and such. I got to sleep in a little, work on some e-mails, and try out my new Jerva Mate mug. Have you ever had that stuff? It's supposed to be healthy. Apparently, my Mate is too big for just one person, so hopefully our Home Group and possibly our church staff will drink it with me sometime.
- For lunch, Dave Martin and I went to Quilmes and ate at the Korner Kafe' - yes, that's how they spelled it. Anyhow, I had another Lomito Supremo (which is NOT Argentine for "Taco Salad") that was very good, again. We walked around town and I got a gift for my parents.
- In the afternoon, I got to call Jennie and talk with her and with Allie and Luke. www.OneSuite.com has hooked us up with 0.03 per minute internationally. That's terrific, especially when compared with the $1.99 Sprint was going to charge me to use my celly.
- "Celly" means "Cellular Telephone."
- Tonight, I went with Steve & Wilma Bailey to a Home Group from their church. Their church is called "Wilde" (WHEEL-day), and apparently I am visiting there to preach on Sunday. Anyhow, the group met tonight at the house of Ricardo and Amelia. There were eleven of us believers there. We sang praise songs in Spanish (go figure), and the only one I recognized went like this:
Tu nombre levantare'
me deleito en alabarte;
te agradezco que en mi vide estes
que vinieras a salvarme.
Dejaste el cielo para monstrar la luz,
de lu trono a la cruz y mi deuda pagar;
de la cruz a la tumba,
de la tumba a to trono,
Tu nombre levantare'!
- The Home Group was great at making me feel welcome and asking about my family. Once we started, Steve says to me, "You've got something to share, right?" Well, I suppose! =) I led a study and discussion on Hebrews 10:19-25 - one of my favorite verses about how we (as a body of believers) are to draw near to God and encourage each other. It's a great verse to build your Home Group and your church around.
- Overall, I was very touched to meet these fellow believers. We prayed together for their church, we prayed for Joe Russell, they prayed for Jennie and our upcoming new baby. What a precious group of brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoyed meeting Jose', Amelia, Ricardo, Elsa, Ophelia, Daniel, Dora, and Guille. I also enjoyed another taste of grapefruit soda.
- Because Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are jam-packed with ministry and meetings, we really wanted to take it easy today and catch up on some rest and reading and such. I got to sleep in a little, work on some e-mails, and try out my new Jerva Mate mug. Have you ever had that stuff? It's supposed to be healthy. Apparently, my Mate is too big for just one person, so hopefully our Home Group and possibly our church staff will drink it with me sometime.
- For lunch, Dave Martin and I went to Quilmes and ate at the Korner Kafe' - yes, that's how they spelled it. Anyhow, I had another Lomito Supremo (which is NOT Argentine for "Taco Salad") that was very good, again. We walked around town and I got a gift for my parents.
- In the afternoon, I got to call Jennie and talk with her and with Allie and Luke. www.OneSuite.com has hooked us up with 0.03 per minute internationally. That's terrific, especially when compared with the $1.99 Sprint was going to charge me to use my celly.
- "Celly" means "Cellular Telephone."
- Tonight, I went with Steve & Wilma Bailey to a Home Group from their church. Their church is called "Wilde" (WHEEL-day), and apparently I am visiting there to preach on Sunday. Anyhow, the group met tonight at the house of Ricardo and Amelia. There were eleven of us believers there. We sang praise songs in Spanish (go figure), and the only one I recognized went like this:
Tu nombre levantare'
me deleito en alabarte;
te agradezco que en mi vide estes
que vinieras a salvarme.
Dejaste el cielo para monstrar la luz,
de lu trono a la cruz y mi deuda pagar;
de la cruz a la tumba,
de la tumba a to trono,
Tu nombre levantare'!
- The Home Group was great at making me feel welcome and asking about my family. Once we started, Steve says to me, "You've got something to share, right?" Well, I suppose! =) I led a study and discussion on Hebrews 10:19-25 - one of my favorite verses about how we (as a body of believers) are to draw near to God and encourage each other. It's a great verse to build your Home Group and your church around.
- Overall, I was very touched to meet these fellow believers. We prayed together for their church, we prayed for Joe Russell, they prayed for Jennie and our upcoming new baby. What a precious group of brothers and sisters in Christ. I enjoyed meeting Jose', Amelia, Ricardo, Elsa, Ophelia, Daniel, Dora, and Guille. I also enjoyed another taste of grapefruit soda.
Pray for Dave & Ruth Ann!
Please pray for Dave & Ruth Ann Martin - it has been a crazy month for them, and this week is no exception. A few things to pray about...-- For grace to persevere and honor Christ in the midst of a series of trials which have been a drain on our energy during recent weeks. (Major hassles meeting legal requirements for some very important documents needed in at least three different situations; illness; a probable major plumbing overall in the house; and our pending move to an apartment, to name a few. Several of our teammates are facing similar and related trials.)
-- For grace to reach out to and love our neighbors, contacts and disciples, and to be a support and encouragement to our teammates during this time.
-- For their neighbors, Walter and Lydia, who recently received Jesus as their Savior, and that they would grow to know and love Him more.
-- For strength as they host several guests in their home this week and weekend.
Restaurante Petutti
Lunch on Wednesday was at Restaurante Petutti, after the mission team had their weekly prayer meeting and discussion of their budget. This was casual place, and I ordered the Lomito Supremo. I'll let you Google it and see what you get.
Gary and Linda McCaman, missionaries who kidnapped me after lunch and took me back to their house. This is before the afternoon ministry that you should read about more if you scroll down the page...
Steve and Wilma Bailey, also career missionaries here in South America, and their daughter Melanie. Apparently, Melanie went to Grace College too. Small world.
Gary and Linda McCaman, missionaries who kidnapped me after lunch and took me back to their house. This is before the afternoon ministry that you should read about more if you scroll down the page...
Steve and Wilma Bailey, also career missionaries here in South America, and their daughter Melanie. Apparently, Melanie went to Grace College too. Small world.
Introducing...
This is Gary McCaman. He and his wife Linda have been missionaries here for quite a long time. I'm sure he will e-mail me about how many years they've been here and other things... All this to say, their ministry and their friends from Berazategui will not soon be forgotten. Gary, thanks for your example and the challenging thoughts, reminding me to get a larger glimpse of the world.
Sights & People from Wednesday Ministry...
Tables of clothing are set up for people to look at and pick out one or two pieces per visit. Clothing is donated by families from the church. The church is NOT a building. The church is God's people who are called together to serve His purposes in their community. These people are BEING the church as they help others in need.
Every adult who comes in to get food or clothing is also asked if they would like to have someone read the Bible with them and pray. Almost everyone says yes, because the people from this church are earning the right to be heard. Each visitor signs up with a notecard that helps the ministry volunteers keep track of how much of the Bible they have already read. They start in the book of John. I got to sit and read with several of the women volunteers, and ask people questions and pray for them through a translator. I also enjoyed sitting with several guys groups and sharing my testimony and discussing any questions they have about the Bible or faith in Christ. Some of the visitors have wound up participating in this church, and others are still seeking. There were a lot of kids, lots of single moms, lots of hungry and needy people. And this is just one neighborhood. At it's height, this ministry was helping over 400 people each Wednesday.
Did you know that there are places in this world where a bag of food and a couple of pieces of clothing can make a huge difference in someone's week? That they will wait hours to get it? That they would be open to reading the Gospel of John and praying with you each week? That they would start asking questions and seeing God for themselves if they saw Christ in you?
Imagine the world-wide potential of God's Church if we all started caring more about feeding people than we do about "being fed."
You see, God's idea of church is NOT about what we can get out of it. It's about what we all have to GIVE as a part of it.
I got to meet these guys with Gary McCaman (front, far right) and share my faith in Christ. Incidentally, the guy next to Gary in the front row was the first Argentine person to ask me if I had heard of Manu Ginobili. We had some great conversation. The guy in the back-left has been a Christian for years and was excited to meet me and wished me well. All of these guys are in their eighties and have benefited from this ministry in their neighborhood. I told them that my wife's name was "Jennifer," and one of them goes, "Jennifer Lopez?" 
Gary's wife, Linda, introduced me to this lady visitor who is very well dressed. Can you read the front of her shirt? I couldn't believe that, of all the days to wear that shirt, she wore it on Wednesday! What are the odds of that?
These girls were helping their mother volunteer. Of course I showed them a picture of Allie and gave them some jelly beans. I am learning a little bit of Spanish every day.
Helping Hands of Hope...
On Wednesday afternoon, I had pretty much the highlight of the trip. I got to go with Gary and Linda McCaman to a church in Berazategui (a barrio or neighborhood here), and participate in their Wednesday afternoon ministry to the poor. For about ten years, this ministry has opened its doors weekly or bi-weekly to anyone in need - offering food, clothing, and prayer. Here's a picture of the building...
Open your eyes, America...
Gary McCaman, one of the missionaries down here, has kindly corrected me whenever I've mentioned that I'm from "America." You see, "South America" is also "America" to its residents.
The next few sights opened our eyes as Jennie and I have been here.
We have seen countless upstart villages, known as "Villas" or pronounced (VEE-shas) - a phrase commonly used to refer to a "miserable village." A place where the impoverished people of the city live in all-too-close, all-too-dirty, all-too-rough conditions. They dig through the trash of the city to find things that are useful in building their own living spaces, and then build them on top of each other, next to each other, however it works.
Open your eyes, Christian.
Many churches are finally starting to wake up to the serious poverty around the world, and finally starting to wake up to the great amount of scripture where God himself calls us to serve the poor. In suburban, materialistic, middle-class America, it's easy to close our eyes - or just not to go looking - when it comes to the reality of those who suffer in our world.
Open your eyes, Christian. Here is a glimpse of one small section of Buenos Aires.
These people need more than a Bible. More than a sermon. More than a prayer.
These people - and millions like them around the world - they need us to be Jesus Christ in 2007 and care for their immediate needs too.
Jesus fed the poor, healed the sick, dined with sinners, and crossed whatever culture or boundary was needed. He had no place to rest His head.
Open your eyes, United States of America. We will be called to account for how we have used our wealth. Scary.
The next few sights opened our eyes as Jennie and I have been here.
We have seen countless upstart villages, known as "Villas" or pronounced (VEE-shas) - a phrase commonly used to refer to a "miserable village." A place where the impoverished people of the city live in all-too-close, all-too-dirty, all-too-rough conditions. They dig through the trash of the city to find things that are useful in building their own living spaces, and then build them on top of each other, next to each other, however it works.
Open your eyes, Christian.
Many churches are finally starting to wake up to the serious poverty around the world, and finally starting to wake up to the great amount of scripture where God himself calls us to serve the poor. In suburban, materialistic, middle-class America, it's easy to close our eyes - or just not to go looking - when it comes to the reality of those who suffer in our world.
Open your eyes, Christian. Here is a glimpse of one small section of Buenos Aires.
These people need more than a Bible. More than a sermon. More than a prayer.
These people - and millions like them around the world - they need us to be Jesus Christ in 2007 and care for their immediate needs too.
Jesus fed the poor, healed the sick, dined with sinners, and crossed whatever culture or boundary was needed. He had no place to rest His head.
Open your eyes, United States of America. We will be called to account for how we have used our wealth. Scary.
Cute Kids in Argentina?
Here's a picture of the absolute cutest boy I've seen all week! I miss you, Luke!
More from Tuesday's lunch...
Yikes - I realize that I am more than two days behind on my posts, and you think all we do is eat down here! Well, here's a last dose of journaling our eating experiences in Buenos Aires, at least for today. I hope to get somewhat caught up tonight and share some prayer requests for a strong finish here - three very busy days ahead!
First, here's a picture from Comer, a great buffet place. This was a buffet with all kinds of food, and I'm still trying to somehow eat healthy...
Fish would be a healthy option. I got pretty interested in what seemed to be a fish-bar where you could ask the guy behind the counter to make you some sort of fish stir fry or whatever. However, I do not know the Argentine words for "fish" or "stir fry". However, I asked Ruth Ann Martin to help translate what I'd like to have them make...
Here's a picture of the guy who made me his special spicy version of "salmon blanco" (white salmon). After trying to ask about specific ingredients, I just said, "Ask if he'll make it the way he likes it." Ruth Ann told me that he said yes, and wanted to know if I'd like it spicy. What do you think I said?
This word is pronounce pa-REE-sha, and refers to the way they grill things here. A parilla (pa-REE-sha) often has grilled meat, cow, pig, sausage, and a variety of other things. It reminds me a little of Mongolian BBQ.
Some of the tasty meat still dangles in front of the window, apparently trying to tempt customers to come in and be filled.
I had a piece of "cho-REE-so" (sausage), and it was fantastico. This was also Jennie's last formal meal in Buenos Aires. Again, the price was way cheap - somewhere around $8 a person for the full buffet, desert, soft drinks, and table service. Not exactly like Mongolian BBQ...
First, here's a picture from Comer, a great buffet place. This was a buffet with all kinds of food, and I'm still trying to somehow eat healthy...
Fish would be a healthy option. I got pretty interested in what seemed to be a fish-bar where you could ask the guy behind the counter to make you some sort of fish stir fry or whatever. However, I do not know the Argentine words for "fish" or "stir fry". However, I asked Ruth Ann Martin to help translate what I'd like to have them make...
Here's a picture of the guy who made me his special spicy version of "salmon blanco" (white salmon). After trying to ask about specific ingredients, I just said, "Ask if he'll make it the way he likes it." Ruth Ann told me that he said yes, and wanted to know if I'd like it spicy. What do you think I said?
This word is pronounce pa-REE-sha, and refers to the way they grill things here. A parilla (pa-REE-sha) often has grilled meat, cow, pig, sausage, and a variety of other things. It reminds me a little of Mongolian BBQ.
Some of the tasty meat still dangles in front of the window, apparently trying to tempt customers to come in and be filled.
I had a piece of "cho-REE-so" (sausage), and it was fantastico. This was also Jennie's last formal meal in Buenos Aires. Again, the price was way cheap - somewhere around $8 a person for the full buffet, desert, soft drinks, and table service. Not exactly like Mongolian BBQ...
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