When I said yes to the Lord regarding short term service last October, I had no idea that I was in for the ride of my life. At times it seemed as though the devil was in the details, and that my plans might come unraveled, but learning to exercise faith through those difficulties became the first lesson in a new level of trust. Yes, I made it to Chile, but in retrospect, I don't think what happened there was so much what the Lord did through me as what He did in me. The beginnings remind me of Psalm 126:1, “When the Lord restored again the captivity of Babylon, we were like them that dream . . .” For sometime I has desired to make such a trip, but was held captive by the spirit of “no-can-do.” As I began to embrace my freedom in Christ – freedom to be all He wanted me to be, I began to climb to new heights. and the joy of freedom in service filled my heart. So, what happened in Chile?
My primary purpose in going was to establish a computerized catalog for the library at SCA (Santiago Christian Academy). Despite initial challenges, I was able to get around 20% of the existing library done and to train others to to continue the work once I left. Also in connection, with the library, I provided library story time for the elementary classes, as the teachers desired. The Lord provided opportunity for me to teach elementary chapel twice. It was a joy so be involved with children at this international Christian school. On the weekends, I experienced Children's church Chilean style, which doesn't differ all that much from North American children's church. In these experiences, I saw that regardless of their location, language or ethnicity, children need to be taught and that they have a right to hear the Word of God at their level of understanding.
In addition to the missionaries and other short termers, I met some incredible people. Clara is a national Chilean. She and her husband serve there as support staff. Clara showed me the ropes of getting my hot coffee (instant) every morning. Additionally, she keeps the school building s sparkling clean. It was a joy to meet her every morning and hear, “Como estas?” I usually replied “tengo mucho frio,” because I was always cold. Tia Lucy is the wife of a national pastor and a lady in her seventies who prepares hot lunches and sells them at her kiosk between the two school buildings. Her food is better than any school food that I have had. Then, the Lord brought a special friend into my life, Ann Garcia. She is a Canadian married to a Bolivian, who works in copper. All three of their children attend the academy. Incidentally, both she and her husband were saved through the ministry of an Alliance Church in Canada, Vancouver, I think. A little girl, Isabel, daughter of one the missionary families has mild cerebral palsy. She recently got braces for her legs to aid in her walking, She was happy with them and told me all about them. She was thrilled, because now she “could walk better” Her parents have several other children, all added to the family by adoption, some trans-racial. I observed as the Wrights were ending their ministry, turning it over to national leadership. It seemed analogous to birthing a baby and watching it grow from infancy to being able to stand and survive alone. I watched MK's as they said goodbye to their friends going their separate ways, knowing that electronic contact is never quite the same. These last two gave new meaning to the song “Friends” by Michael W. Smith. On a lighter note, I must mention the two resident dogs, Rufus and Contuplin who stuck near me when loose. Of course, the treats I smuggled them most likely had something to do with their proximity.
As I was out and about certain sites in the city, I felt provocation much as Paul did when in Athens, we saw “the city given over to idols.” As I walked through Plaza de Armas, I witnessed the occultism, as tarot card readers, outside the Catholic Cathedral, sought to give people a measure of hope that they had not found within the church. Within the cathedral itself, I saw a statue of Mary that each Catholic church apparently has. The tombs beneath held the remains of various saints. The Mariolatry that permeates Chilean religion is heartbreaking as Mary is exalted and Christ is diminished. This is evidenced by the the statues at San Cristobal, to say nothing of the twisting of Scripture as it is Mary who steps on the head of the serpent in the statue residing there, contrary to the teaching of Scripture in Genesis 3:15.
Despite these gross errors, I witnessed God at work through the ABWE field team and at SCA. If you will indulge a prayer request. SCA has recently become an international school, and a young man of the Buddhist religion has recently come. He was admitted, because when Duane, the principal, was going over the doctrinal statement, when they got to key statements about Jesus, he said, 'I need that.” Duane told him that if he sent his son, they would teach him who in turn could impart the knowledge to his father. They are yet unsaved. Please pray for the salvation of the Wang family in Chile. I also saw the Faculdad, the Bible institute for the training of national leader and those who work so diligently there. I witnessed the church planters as they diligently work to establish paradigms of Biblical ministry. Then, I saw the work with deaf, an often neglected segment of Chilean society. And in my own heart was reignited a passion for the cause of Christ worldwide. I say with the Psalmist in Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us and we are glad” (NKJV).
Perhaps one day in God's timing and leading, I can return to Chile and SCA where I definitely left a piece of my heart
Friday, August 8, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Random Thoughts and Observations #7
Many Chileans are isolationists . . . They sit on the Metro tuned in to their ipods or engrossed in a book
Its as if they are shutting out the pain of life . . . How like the rest of the world . . . aching hearts unaware of the pain with no where to turn
I still say the Santiago Metro is the cheapest and possibly safest thrill ride available.
The reason the air in Santiago is so bad is because, the city is in a bowl surrounded by two mountain ranges: the Andes and the “Coastal Range.” The bad air gets trapped and the residents of the city have to breathe it. Now I know why I have struggled with asthma (apart from the dusty books).
It is not safe to go to Plaza de Armas at night, but I survived the adventure. I really did not know until I got home.
There are many sites in Santiago dedicated to deep doctrinal error. I went to San Cristobal today where there is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city. This seems to be common in many Latin American countries. This particular statue shows her stepping on the head of the serpent (yes in opposition to Genesis 3:15; that position belongs to the Lord Jesus). Off to her right is a statue of the crucified Christ. I wonder at the significance of that. The Bible tells me that Christ is alive at the right hand of God, but this statue, which portrays Him as dead at the right hand of Mary, seems to imply that Mary is exalted above Christ, since He is at her right hand. How sad that that many Chileans live and die in the error of Catholicism and then spend eternity apart from the God they have worked so hard to appease.
Its as if they are shutting out the pain of life . . . How like the rest of the world . . . aching hearts unaware of the pain with no where to turn
I still say the Santiago Metro is the cheapest and possibly safest thrill ride available.
The reason the air in Santiago is so bad is because, the city is in a bowl surrounded by two mountain ranges: the Andes and the “Coastal Range.” The bad air gets trapped and the residents of the city have to breathe it. Now I know why I have struggled with asthma (apart from the dusty books).
It is not safe to go to Plaza de Armas at night, but I survived the adventure. I really did not know until I got home.
There are many sites in Santiago dedicated to deep doctrinal error. I went to San Cristobal today where there is a huge statue of the Virgin Mary overlooking the city. This seems to be common in many Latin American countries. This particular statue shows her stepping on the head of the serpent (yes in opposition to Genesis 3:15; that position belongs to the Lord Jesus). Off to her right is a statue of the crucified Christ. I wonder at the significance of that. The Bible tells me that Christ is alive at the right hand of God, but this statue, which portrays Him as dead at the right hand of Mary, seems to imply that Mary is exalted above Christ, since He is at her right hand. How sad that that many Chileans live and die in the error of Catholicism and then spend eternity apart from the God they have worked so hard to appease.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Random Thoughts and Observations Take 6
It's a lot of fun to watch inter-mural football games at SCA in Chile, against the backdrop of the mighty snow-capped Andes. Yes, I was wrapped in a blanket. Even the old missionary guys play (I can say that because they're all younger than I am). The only thing is that there is no hot chocolate, no popcorn, and no hot dogs for munching.
The air quality is horrible here. I am grateful for my inhaler.
If you want to be warm at church in Chile, then help with the really little kids. They have a heater in their room.
Chilean children like to goof in Children's Church, just like they do in the States. On 6/15, I used the word “donde” while assisting with a “feliz dia papa” card. This week 6/22, all I needed was the word, “No.”
In Chilean Children's church ( at Nueva Vida), you get a snack every week, but don't tell the kids at Salem.
Church starts at 10, gets out at 12 and then there's Sunday school. So it all winds up at about 1:30.
Ipods can used with a sound system for projection.
Quotes on Facebook can be uplifting and edifying. Here's one from a Chilean missionary friend, Amanda Essenmacher
"Clean out, O God, the inner stream of my life: all the duplicity, all the avarice, all the falsity.
Search out, O Lord, the hidden motives of my life: all the conceit, all the anger, all the fear.
Root out, divine Master, the destructive actions of my life: all the manipulation, all the scheming, all the
guile. May the operations of faith, hope and love increase in everything I am and in everything I do."
-Richard Foster
The air quality is horrible here. I am grateful for my inhaler.
If you want to be warm at church in Chile, then help with the really little kids. They have a heater in their room.
Chilean children like to goof in Children's Church, just like they do in the States. On 6/15, I used the word “donde” while assisting with a “feliz dia papa” card. This week 6/22, all I needed was the word, “No.”
In Chilean Children's church ( at Nueva Vida), you get a snack every week, but don't tell the kids at Salem.
Church starts at 10, gets out at 12 and then there's Sunday school. So it all winds up at about 1:30.
Ipods can used with a sound system for projection.
Quotes on Facebook can be uplifting and edifying. Here's one from a Chilean missionary friend, Amanda Essenmacher
"Clean out, O God, the inner stream of my life: all the duplicity, all the avarice, all the falsity.
Search out, O Lord, the hidden motives of my life: all the conceit, all the anger, all the fear.
Root out, divine Master, the destructive actions of my life: all the manipulation, all the scheming, all the
guile. May the operations of faith, hope and love increase in everything I am and in everything I do."
-Richard Foster
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Random thoughts and Observations Take 5
I think Chile is somewhat like Narnia .., It's always winter and never Christmas. Then Christmas comes with the dawning of Spring.
Many Chileans live behind gates and/or in gated communities. Most of the gated communities even have guards.
Most Chilean businesses have guard dogs that appear relatively harmless. They seem to be more interested in escaping the cold and wet than in protecting the property. As one passes by on the street the noses of the dogs are visible from under the gate. If one gets too close, s/he is met with a barrage of barking.
The music in the Chilean churches I have attended is very praiseworthy. I keep picking up the words Christ and light. I don't understand much more, but I sense that the cadence of the music itself worships. There is tasteful and discrete outward expression. Overall, I am comfortable, I just wish I understood more.
Chilean children don't like yellow Starbursts. I don't blame them. Neither do I.
Over 8,000,000 people live in Santiago and the outlying areas. That's about half the population of Chile. The task of reaching them is overwhelming. Many of the churches reach out to the lower and middle classes, where there is some spiritual hunger. The upper class and wealthy see little need of the God of the Bible since they are so enmeshed in Catholicism and in the system of the Catholic Church. Pray for the people of Chile.
Many Chileans live behind gates and/or in gated communities. Most of the gated communities even have guards.
Most Chilean businesses have guard dogs that appear relatively harmless. They seem to be more interested in escaping the cold and wet than in protecting the property. As one passes by on the street the noses of the dogs are visible from under the gate. If one gets too close, s/he is met with a barrage of barking.
The music in the Chilean churches I have attended is very praiseworthy. I keep picking up the words Christ and light. I don't understand much more, but I sense that the cadence of the music itself worships. There is tasteful and discrete outward expression. Overall, I am comfortable, I just wish I understood more.
Chilean children don't like yellow Starbursts. I don't blame them. Neither do I.
Over 8,000,000 people live in Santiago and the outlying areas. That's about half the population of Chile. The task of reaching them is overwhelming. Many of the churches reach out to the lower and middle classes, where there is some spiritual hunger. The upper class and wealthy see little need of the God of the Bible since they are so enmeshed in Catholicism and in the system of the Catholic Church. Pray for the people of Chile.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Random Thougnts and Observations # 4
I had an authentic Chilean lunch today. (Tuesday) Tia Lucy made Charizpan and served it with pebre (Chilean salsa). It was very hot, considering I went heavy on the pebre, but it was delicious. I also had a Penguino, a Chilean twinkie. I was no more impressed with it than I was with Hostess twinkies.
Using technology in a foreign country can be very challenging. I used Power Point in chapel today (Tuesday). It was tough going for awhile, but the Lord sent a missionary well versed in technology to assist me. He always sends help when it is most needed. He’s seldom early, but never late.
Chile has tremors. I experienced one yesterday afternoon. Apparently, I slept through the first one last week.
I think that on the field and on a personal level that missionaries establish many filial relationships that transcend doctrinal convictions and other preferences. Filial relationships differ from ministry cooperation because they are held on a personal level. I think they may be needed for survival in a foreign culture.
On a rainy Wednesday, Tia Lucy provided a stew, carbonata and homemade bread. It was warm and filling. Such a blessing on a rainy day.
Tia Lucy made sopaipillas for snack on Thursday. Hers are made from pumpkin. Most people eat them with powdered sugar. I like them heavy on the pebre.
I experienced my third form of Chilean public transportation – the taxi. The drivers are safer than the NY drivers. I think I’ll pass on the collectivo.
Chilean homes have floors made of tile on cement. They are very hard and hurt when one falls. (Don’t ask me how I know).
After two days of rain, the snow on the Andes is evident. I guess it could be colder.
The SCA Junior-Senior lasted for 5 hours. It was so cold in the banquet hall that I wore my coat most of the evening.
Existing in a foreign culture demands a new level of trust in the Lord, and the constant realization that He is good all the time.
Using technology in a foreign country can be very challenging. I used Power Point in chapel today (Tuesday). It was tough going for awhile, but the Lord sent a missionary well versed in technology to assist me. He always sends help when it is most needed. He’s seldom early, but never late.
Chile has tremors. I experienced one yesterday afternoon. Apparently, I slept through the first one last week.
I think that on the field and on a personal level that missionaries establish many filial relationships that transcend doctrinal convictions and other preferences. Filial relationships differ from ministry cooperation because they are held on a personal level. I think they may be needed for survival in a foreign culture.
On a rainy Wednesday, Tia Lucy provided a stew, carbonata and homemade bread. It was warm and filling. Such a blessing on a rainy day.
Tia Lucy made sopaipillas for snack on Thursday. Hers are made from pumpkin. Most people eat them with powdered sugar. I like them heavy on the pebre.
I experienced my third form of Chilean public transportation – the taxi. The drivers are safer than the NY drivers. I think I’ll pass on the collectivo.
Chilean homes have floors made of tile on cement. They are very hard and hurt when one falls. (Don’t ask me how I know).
After two days of rain, the snow on the Andes is evident. I guess it could be colder.
The SCA Junior-Senior lasted for 5 hours. It was so cold in the banquet hall that I wore my coat most of the evening.
Existing in a foreign culture demands a new level of trust in the Lord, and the constant realization that He is good all the time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Random Thoughts and Observations About Life in Chile Take 3
You shouldn’t talk to Chilean dogs in English, even though they just bark “in dog” They don’t have clue what you’re saying. Maybe, it’s southern English that’s the barrier. A friend told me that they train dogs in Spanish, German, and English, which ever command is shorter. Food and petting transcend all languages.
Dogs are like children. If you feed them, they’ll follow you. I just chased the two that I fed one puppy treat through my apartment and had to call for reinforcements.
Missionaries help each other, especially the clueless short-termers. It’s like we’re all in this together and we’re family.
Chilean Spanish is actually its own dialect, somewhat analogous to Pidgin English. No wonder no one understands me when I speak Spanish.
I’ve been told that it’s not a good idea to make eye-contact with strangers in Chile.
One may dab at his/her nose in public, but s/he should never blow it. That goes for sniffing as well.
Police cars and ambulances always drive with their lights on. Drivers only have to pull over if they have their sirens going.
Grocery shopping when you don’t know the language is a maze of confusion. Many brands are named in English, but the rest is in Spanish. I tried to buy produce and did not understand I was to weigh it. At the check out counter I couldn’t buy it.
The Latin concept of “manana” while keeping anything from starting on time definitely affords more patience with waiting and inconveniences. The less hurried people are, the
rude they are unless they’re driving. Noting rudeness, the guards here request that we get out of cars and ring the buzzer. They say honking the horn is rude.
Chilean Italian restaurants are better than Olive Garden.
The standard greeting is church is a hug and a kiss. Actually you hug, brush the cheek of the other person and kiss the air. Women exchange this greeting with women; men exchange this greeting with women, but men never exchange this greeting with other men.
Church is a lot more meaningful and enjoyable if you are involved in something, even if you can’t communicate very well. I was able to help in children’s church this morning. The only word I needed was “Donde” as I inquired of a child where to post stickers on the “feliz dia papa” card he made for his father.
The mighty Andes reflect the glory of God. At times they are severely obscured by the smog of the city, as they are today. In the same way, sin obscures the glory of God in our lives.
Dogs are like children. If you feed them, they’ll follow you. I just chased the two that I fed one puppy treat through my apartment and had to call for reinforcements.
Missionaries help each other, especially the clueless short-termers. It’s like we’re all in this together and we’re family.
Chilean Spanish is actually its own dialect, somewhat analogous to Pidgin English. No wonder no one understands me when I speak Spanish.
I’ve been told that it’s not a good idea to make eye-contact with strangers in Chile.
One may dab at his/her nose in public, but s/he should never blow it. That goes for sniffing as well.
Police cars and ambulances always drive with their lights on. Drivers only have to pull over if they have their sirens going.
Grocery shopping when you don’t know the language is a maze of confusion. Many brands are named in English, but the rest is in Spanish. I tried to buy produce and did not understand I was to weigh it. At the check out counter I couldn’t buy it.
The Latin concept of “manana” while keeping anything from starting on time definitely affords more patience with waiting and inconveniences. The less hurried people are, the
rude they are unless they’re driving. Noting rudeness, the guards here request that we get out of cars and ring the buzzer. They say honking the horn is rude.
Chilean Italian restaurants are better than Olive Garden.
The standard greeting is church is a hug and a kiss. Actually you hug, brush the cheek of the other person and kiss the air. Women exchange this greeting with women; men exchange this greeting with women, but men never exchange this greeting with other men.
Church is a lot more meaningful and enjoyable if you are involved in something, even if you can’t communicate very well. I was able to help in children’s church this morning. The only word I needed was “Donde” as I inquired of a child where to post stickers on the “feliz dia papa” card he made for his father.
The mighty Andes reflect the glory of God. At times they are severely obscured by the smog of the city, as they are today. In the same way, sin obscures the glory of God in our lives.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Random Thoughts and Observations Take 2
The wildest and possibly cheapest thrill rides I have ever been on is the Santiago Metro and the Santiago buses
Shopping without a firm grasp on the language is like taking a leap in the dark – one that is not analogous to faith. You see with faith, you have some knowledge of the object in which you are placing your trust
Empanadas with meat can be best describes as a cross between calzones and tacos, but they are a whole lot blander than either of the former.
Someone told that wearing denim in Chile is a sign of wealth.
Dogs in Chile are allowed to run loose; apparently there are no leash laws, but I’m told that veterinary medicine is cheap here; so most of them have there shots. I don’t mess with any of them beyond a simple “Hola, perro,’ because it would be my misfortune to encounter one who hadn’t.
Pet dogs are well kept in Chile; some even wear coats. However, the smile evidenced by the wagging of their tails never quite reaches their eyes.
I think that in many ways Chileans are like their dogs. Unbelieving Chileans, in their western attire and with their semi-western ways are hurting at their core. Held in bondage by the Catholic Church and by varying secular philosophies, their outward niceties and politeness belie hurting hearts and their deep sense of spiritual bankruptcy. With almost half of the population of Chile living in Santiago, the need can be overwhelming at times. “Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.” May we see You first and foremost and may our hearts be quickened to respond to the needs of lost and dying world.
Shopping without a firm grasp on the language is like taking a leap in the dark – one that is not analogous to faith. You see with faith, you have some knowledge of the object in which you are placing your trust
Empanadas with meat can be best describes as a cross between calzones and tacos, but they are a whole lot blander than either of the former.
Someone told that wearing denim in Chile is a sign of wealth.
Dogs in Chile are allowed to run loose; apparently there are no leash laws, but I’m told that veterinary medicine is cheap here; so most of them have there shots. I don’t mess with any of them beyond a simple “Hola, perro,’ because it would be my misfortune to encounter one who hadn’t.
Pet dogs are well kept in Chile; some even wear coats. However, the smile evidenced by the wagging of their tails never quite reaches their eyes.
I think that in many ways Chileans are like their dogs. Unbelieving Chileans, in their western attire and with their semi-western ways are hurting at their core. Held in bondage by the Catholic Church and by varying secular philosophies, their outward niceties and politeness belie hurting hearts and their deep sense of spiritual bankruptcy. With almost half of the population of Chile living in Santiago, the need can be overwhelming at times. “Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.” May we see You first and foremost and may our hearts be quickened to respond to the needs of lost and dying world.
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