Final Thoughts and Reflections Upon Returning Home

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Random Thoughts and Obervations Regarding Life in Chile

50 degrees in Chile is colder than 50 degrees in the US; I think it’s because no one has central heat

The 2 warmest places in Chile are your heated car or a bed with tons of blankets and one electric one

If you try to Google in Chile, you’ll probably Google in Spanish

Chilean restaurants don’t put black pepper on the table, just lots of salt and vinegar

Chilean bread is the best

If you want to get through customs and immigration easily, look scared; however if you look scared and vulnerable at other places, you may come across as a gullible gringo

Save your work on the computer frequently; an unexpected power surge may result in the loss of a whole day’s work. It happened to me today.

Chilean grocery stores and workers are cleaner than many in the US

Chileans use instant coffee and make it with milk instead of water; it’s really quite tasty

Don’t try to respond to an invitation in church that has been given in Spanish even when everyone else does; you need to know what you’re promising God

Even though jelly and juice concentrate come in identical packages, they are not the same. You need to read the words; juice cannot be made out of jelly

Chilean dogs are not overly fond of gringos

Perplexed looks when you don’t understand Spanish seem to frustrate Chileans, because they really want to accommodate and to be your friend

Chilean church ushers will track you down to retrieve the visitor’s card

Chilean believers with little means will find ways of giving to their church. I saw a lady cutting hair in the back “foyer” of the church. She had a can for donations from those whose hair she had cut. All donations went to the church building fund. What a rebuke for we who have so much.

My Arrival

• I arrived in Chile amidst a very cold downpour, and my initial thoughts were those of Dorothy when she landed in Oz, “Well, Toto, we’re certainly not in Kansas anymore.” The overnight flight meant that I had basically fallen asleep in the US and had awakened in Chile. It was close to 90 degrees when I left and I disembarked to 40 degree. It seemed as though the flight attendants had spent the night going up and down the aisles offering us water, and, of course, I was awake each time. I was a bit slow disembarking and did not have a clue where to go. I finally got in the wrong line and attempted to clear immigration before I paid my entrance fee. They weren’t exactly happy with me. I quickly learned that an appearance of fright and vulnerability will earn sympathy and help. I paid the fee, got my passport stamped and moved onto baggage claim and from there to customs. I think it’s easier to get into Chile than to get out of the US. Bob and Becky were there to meet me as soon as I cleared customs and we proceeded to SCA.
  Despite being tired, I really wanted to see the place. Therefore, after we had carried all my stuff to the apartment, we looked around the compound. It is walled and carefully manned by a guard and a less than ferocious watch dog. The library is in desperate need of help and my initial response was one of being overwhelmed. After a quick perusal of the campus and library, I was took my first shopping trip in Chile. The stores are super-clean and the workers ultimately polite. After a short nap, I attended a baby shower at a small tea room, where we partook of Once, the Chilean evening meal.
  Thursday morning fortified with a good nights sleep and breakfast, I decided to tackle the library. While Bob was finishing setting up the computer program, I devoted my time to sorting boxes of books that had been donated. I also read a story to first and second graders and promised a visit by Douglas the Dragon to other classes next week. Thursday afternoon, I had solicited help in the form of students serving detention. It’s busy, but I am happy and content. Friday was only a half-day, because there was an ABWE ladies’ retreat which I was privileged to attend.
  I really like Chile, despite being cold. The apartments are not heated; we use gas space heaters and tons of blankets on our beds since it is not safe to run the heaters while we are sleeping. We also dress in many layers to ward off feelings of being cold. I am learning contentment in the will of God despite the differences, knowing that he has called me here for this time. I am certain that the feelings of unease and uncertainty will fade as I bond with the people and my environment. I rest in the fact that God has called me here and that He is good all the time.

Preparing My Heart to Go

In preparing for this trip, I felt that the Lord would have me choose I Thessalonians 5:16-24 to frame my ministry and to guide His work in my life during this time. Little did I know that His refining work would begin while I was still stateside. On Wednesday, May 21, I made what I thought would be the last visit to my doctor before departure, just to be certain I had all the prescriptions I needed. When she learned of my plans, she began to give a list of vaccinations that she thought was necessary and that I obviously had not had. This news sent me into panic mode and set off a flurry of phone calls and emails to the mission board and to Chile. Granted, the CDC has recommendations, which are not requirements, but somehow in all my preparations, I had missed this. I finally decided to get the at least get smallest amount of one vaccine and scheduled the appointment, but when I went for the shot, the nurses informed me that they had just administered the last dose to another person; a clerical error had led to the lack of availability for me. I was clearly displeased; I had traveled across town expecting my vaccination to be there and it wasn’t. My words did not covey my frustration as much as my posture and facial expression. I fumed and panicked for awhile until God reminded me that my frustration was a form of sinful anger, because my needs went unmet and my desires were unfulfilled. The verses in I Thessalonians 5:16-24 presents a much more viable alternative to my initial response. Paul enjoins his readers to “Rejoice always” (v. 16). Such rejoicing does not entail blithely denying one’s circumstances, but rather choosing to refuse to give into a bad attitude, believing that God is sovereignly directing those circumstances. Such a posture is attained and maintained by observing the directive of the second verse to “pray without ceasing” (v.17), i.e. to be in constant communion with God, whereby He can remind you of His loving sovereign control. Then, finally, the knowledge that God is faithful and He will preserve you in every way so that His will may be accomplished in and through the life of each believer. Applying this truth to the situation I recently experienced, I should have trusted the situation to the loving hand of my Heavenly Father rather than entering into panic mode and my subsequent attitudinal issues. Second, when such things occur and they most certainly will, I must pray rather than panic. Third, the knowledge that God is inherently faithful even in the midst of circumstances spinning out of control, should remind me it is He who is truly directing my life.
It’s been a stressful week, but if I can depart for Chile with at least this measure if wisdom and assurance, it’s been worth it.

Why I Am Going

I was reared in an aura of missions teaching and continually confronted with the need to commit one’s life for missionary service, and stood with my youth group on numerous occasions, signifying my willingness to go should the Lord so lead. However, it seemed as though the Lord indicated that my life would be better spent here in a sending role. In the ensuing years and in many ways, I closed my heart even to short term endeavors, despite the remnant of a faint desire for such an engagement. Then during Missions Conference 2007, the Lord began to move once again. On the closing night of the conference, Pastor Wilburn asked, “Is this the year?” My heart began to resonate with an unequivocal YES! I began to believe that this was the year for such a pursuit and to move in the direction I sensed the Lord was leading.

After prayer and consultation with my pastor and various missionaries, it seemed as though my gifts, abilities, and interests aligned themselves most closely with the needs of the ABWE work at Santiago Christian Academy in Chile, South America. Therefore, I will be going there to assist with their work from June 3-July2, 2008. At this point, plans are for me to be involved with their library, working with cataloging as well as with the students who are using the library for varying purposes. I hope to attend and experience a Spanish-speaking church and to minister to nationals as the need arises and the Lord allows. I would like to leave you with several prayer requests.
• Health and safety in travel; traveling alone is somewhat daunting
• My ministry with those at Santiago Christian Academy and in Chile, more specifically that I would
– Share the love of Christ effectively as I step out of my comfort zone
– Connect in spiritual and eternal relationships with missionaries, those at SCA and with national believers
– Serve those the Lord places in my way in His enablement as He affords the opportunity
• That my own walk with the Lord would be deepened
• That my eyes would be further opened to the vast needs of men, women, and children without Christ, regardless of their culture
• Above all that the Lord would be glorified in my life and through my ministry during this endeavor