Saturday Post -- 11/02/12

The missionary life, at times, is one of great challenges. Living by faith, so far from loved ones, certainly has its ups-and-downs. And these are exacerbated by our decision to live in such foreign contexts.

Cultural barriers to the gospel’s spread arise at every turn in our world. From the language of ‘tolerance’ and atheism’s resurgence in the West, to Sharia law and unrelenting persecution in the so-called 10/40 window, one does not have to look very far before coming up against opposition. Here in Bolivia, our efforts can be frustrated by people’s clinging to weird mystic traditions (which are heavily promoted throughout society by the government) and the Catholic church’s strong (if diminished) cultural influence and works-based theology. Our problem here is not so much that people reject salvation – it’s their mistaken belief that they have already ‘attained’ it.

However, when I compare our lot with the constant opposition missionaries face all over the world (an area in which our home countries are, regrettably, increasingly non-exempt), I am reminded of just how privileged we are, and what a marvellous opportunity the Lord has so graciously provided us here to proclaim his name (I say ‘privileged’ and not ‘blessed’ as there is, self-evidently, extraordinary blessing in persecution).

This week we’ve seen just such an example of that. On Monday, the first day of the new school year, the Foundation received a letter from the local secondary school (where I taught English to a couple of classes last year) requesting more English input this year. The head teacher, to be fair, should really have borne in mind our conversation at the end of last year, when I expressed my desire to take R.E. classes this year rather than English. Nonetheless, an opening.

So I popped my head round the door on Wednesday morning to see if we could reach agreement. The head teacher had no problem with me switching subjects (it had been difficult for me to develop any kind of progressive learning process last year in English due to continual interruptions). I then went on to explain what I planned to use as my primary resource: a no-holds-barred evangelistic textbook based on the gospel of John (which we will read in its fullness alongside the textbook). I even went so far as to say “I’m a missionary, and my goal here is not merely to educate, but to lead people to Christ.” Can you imagine that conversation in your local head teacher’s office?

Pleasingly, the head teacher gave my plans the school’s full endorsement, and, from Tuesday the 28^th of February, I can look forward to essentially preaching the gospel to over 100 teenagers every week – at the state’s invitation! There is, indeed, plenty of confusion and resistance in this cultural context, but we have opportunities many missionaries can only dream of, and for this we give thanks to our merciful God.

One other important development this week was a meeting with our fellow missionaries, Kenny and KC, to establish a network of personal spiritual counselling in the Foundation. In the coming weeks, we are each hoping to start meeting with individual staff members on a regular basis, to pray and offer spiritual support where needed. With significantly more women than men working in the Foundation, it has to be said that Amanda and KC’s burden is significantly heavier than that of Kenny and myself. The women will, then, probably aim to meet every few weeks, while Kenny and I can probably meet once a week with our respective colleagues. We look forward to forming deeper relationships with staff members and ministering to their needs – and we pray that several may make some important life decisions in the process.

Prayer

• On Thursday, a 6-year-old regular at church and the community classes, Nicole, was trampled on by some horses that were running loose (yes, you read that correctly, Trinidad really is that provincial). Mercifully, her injuries were minimal (even the initial diagnosis of a broken clavicle proved not to be the case) and we were able to visit her and her family in hospital yesterday, and pray with them. We later found out that the horses’ owners has paid Nicole’s medical fees by way of an apology, which is great news. Pray for a full recovery for Nicole.
• For the youth committee as we plan next Saturday’s annual Carnaval weekend event, which will be like a regular meeting, but with food, water-fights and an 8-hour running time! I’m going to be taking charge of the main teaching slot, and I’ve opted to go with Psalm 1, a pretty appropriate passage for Carnaval time, when many of the youth will be wondering why we don’t go for it as believers. Please pray for my preparation this week.

Praise

• For the most encouraging developments on the R.E. classes front.
• For a good first week at the Foundation for Mayerlin (volunteer nurse) and Elisabet (part-time worker in education/sports). Readers may remember their names from previous posts as being young believers in the church. It’s great to strengthen the Christian witness at the Foundation and to be able to encourage these young women as they set out on their career paths.

¡Que Dios les bendiga!

Craig & Amanda