It is a cold, rainy, dreary morning - a gray, winter Louisville day. Driving through the cold, wet, colorless neighborhoods, few are stirring this Sunday morning. A few soaked dogs hover under eaves. (No doubt, Reba will have a morsel for one or two of we are them.) We pull up in front of Valentin Alsina (the smaller of the two churches)with whom we are working. Pablo is standing in front; his welcoming smile warms me. We enter the tiny sanctuary, this tiny house of God. And God is present. He is present in the warmth of the small heaters, in the warmth of the hugs, in the warmth of the words that are shared. Mostly, He is present in the music. I sing along because I can read the Spanish words and anticipate the melody; I have no clue what I am singing. And it is magical! Pablo talks about, in spite of our differences (e.g., languages, experiences), we are all one, together. Chris talks about the importance of moments in our lives and how God is capable of doing so much more than we can ever imagine. (I hope he brings this sermon home.) Across the baptismal glass, "Dios es Amor." God is Love.... He sure is!
That evening the bright windows of Lanus Este greet us for evening service. More hugs, more kisses, more words of welcome. "Blessings!" "Your being here brings my heart such joy." Of course, these are translated later to me. However, the messages and touches transcend the need for language. More praise band. These people SING for God with pure and unrestrained voices. I sing along, having no clue what I am singing! No matter. God is here and happy! The Spirit moves freely in this church.
A small group of 8 is commissioned for an upcoming mission trip. They have collected books and toys and clothes; they have hand-made toys and gifts for the children. Their level of giving and generosity and offering of themselves to the service of others exceeds the boundaries of my heart; my tears flow freely.... You have to understand, the economy is tough here and many of these people do not even own a car. They have little materialistically, and yet, they gladly share what they have as if they are the richest people in the world. Perhaps they are. I think this is how Jesus wants us to be. The Face of Christ is truly here. We are blessed.
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