Complaining Eyes and Crocodile Tears

I don’t know how many times I have stared at my bookshelf with complaining eyes.

“I have read that book how many times now?”  “If I didn’t live in Peru I would be able to get books in English way easier.”  “Maybe I should by a Kindle.  Then I could read to my hearts content.”

Here enters the crocodile tears…

There have been times when I have picked up the Bible and flipped open to a story that I have read who knows how many times.  Instant reaction, “Boring.  Read it.”

What a whiny baby right?

It seemed natural to me.  Want more books and complain when I read the same stories of the Bible.  Everybody struggles with that kind of stuff right?

Yet, as I have been reaching out to those that I hate to say are “poor,” (because they are so rich in so many areas), I begin to understand how privileged and blessed my life has been.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to teach on worship.  So while we were worshipping, I looked around instead of closing my eyes.  I began to realize that almost half the congregation was not looking into the song book.  It dawned on me, “they can’t read.”

How difficult it must be to worship if you don’t know the songs.

As I was preaching I began to teach from the Bible.  Again it dawned on me, “these people are completely dependent on my words to learn the Word of God because they can’t read God’s love story themselves.”

What weight I felt to share with them.

At times eyes glazed over because even some of the most simple things for us Western Christians, became too much for them.  They are not stupid.  They are extremely intelligent.  They just have not had people to nurture them and grow them in the way I have.

I don’t have all the answers, but I do know something must be done about this.  I refuse to think that God designed leadership in the Church for only those that can read and write things perfectly.  I know that if any of these young babies in Christ start ministering to their people in the future, they will impact their community way more than I could ever hope to.

I can’t ever look at my Bible the same.

I can’t ever look at my book shelf the same.

It is my burden that I must do all I can in the power and name of Jesus Christ, to raise up disciples that can reach out to the nations.

What an amazing burden.

Tough BUT Good

 November 22-29

 I know the title of this may open some eyes.  It’s not what you think.  This week was good.  It was a very rewarding week.  A week that is getting me that much closer to understanding our purpose here.

 Monday night I spoke at “Champions Night” and that went well.  I forget how difficult it is to translate sport related words.  If you do not know the lingo, it makes for a long night.  It would be one thing if I was talking about Soccer, which is internationally known, unfortunately I talked about Futbol Americano.  Sandy did an amazing job of translating, and I believe the idea that I presented made sense.  I will continue to pray about God growing this night, because it is an important night to have.  People here are SPORTS CRAZY!

 Tuesday we had the Business Owner Bible Study, and that went well.  Sometimes when we don’t have a translator at Church or at a Bible Study I just open my Bible and start reading.  Thankfully they know I am not being rude, and so it is a fruitful time in His Word. 

 After our business meeting, we had the Actor’s Bible Study.  We were hoping to do it once a week, but the budget did not come through like we had hoped.  It worked out because the numbers doubled, and it was a very fruitful time.  We had a couple of singers sing and man... WOW.  The music here is very easy to become passionate about.  I can’t understand 85% of it, but it moves me.  It also helps me on my pronunciation, which I am learning is not as good as I thought it was.  I get lovingly laughed at pretty often.  

 Thanksgiving was great.  It was different because the country was not on pause for the holiday, however it was a great experience.  We did play football at the Embassy, and that was great.  Between Joe and I we had three interceptions, two touchdowns, 60 return yards, and probably close to 300 yards of offense.  It was a good day, and I have a REALLY NICE sunburn! Right around the armpits because of the cutoff shirt.  (I had to show off the guns).

 Then I had a traditional Turkey dinner with all of the trimmings.  I think that if they had Thanksgiving here, more people would be overweight.  The flavors are so much stronger because the food is so natural.  I HATE SWEET POTATOES, and I even enjoyed those.  Nate’s wife did an amazing job, and I am so grateful to have been invited.

 The tough part of the week is really understanding and seeing the youth struggle.  It is really troubling to me because of how deeply they are attacked.  I do not want to sit on the sidelines for this.  In America I can simply talk to them.  Here, I have to sit and watch.  It is getting better, and for them I could care less how broken my Spanish is.  Sometimes a hug is all they need, but it is still tough.

 Starting Saturday nights we will be having youth nights.  Guys at my house for Playstation, XBOX, and Pizza.  I am pretty sure with those three ingredients turnout will be consistent.  The young ladies will be meeting elsewhere, and I CAN’T WAIT FOR MY WIFE to be here for that.  (Actually, I can’t wait for her to be here in general).

 Yesterday was a special day.  I lacked sleep, so I was a bit sluggish.  However, Church was edifying and the worship time woke me up.  Then in the evening we went to a town to support a Pastor and the Church he has there.  It is in a dangerous, poor area, and we could all feel the pain from the get go.  

 Pepe, Pepito, Jessica, Joe and I went to this church as a team to represent CPC.  I laugh now, because it looked like such a ragtag team.  A little girl that was sleepy.  I young man that is tall, skinny, and also sleepy.  Two Americans that can barely speak Spanish, and a short bald-headed Pastor.  However, God moved last night in a mighty way.  

 Pepe’s word was well received.  The worship time was great.  No band.  No “singers.”  Just a stereo, some worship CD’s, and hearts that were yearning to worship.  Afterwards, Joe and I both talked about how great that worship time was.  I know God prepared some hearts for the words they were about to receive.  They even had a special time of dancing, where three little girls had choreographed two dances to worship music.  Praise was in the building.

 Joe gave his testimony, and he did a great job.  He is a man of few words, and what he said had meaning and an impact. I then spoke for a little while to the Church.  God was putting a lot of words of encouragement on my heart, and so I tried to be faithful in my presentation.  I am still learning, but my heart is willing.  Joe is still learning, but his heart is willing. 

 One thing that was truly special for me was seeing Pepito translate for us.  He did an AMAZING job.  He is still growing in his English, and sometimes translating can be VERY overwhelming.  However God broke down all of the walls, and even I could tell the fluency of his translation.  It is so critical to have someone translating that gets the idea of the presentation, and can express those thoughts.  He did that, and he is only 16.  That is evidence to me that God has mighty things for the youth here.  Some young people are learning English in three months.  

 I could go on and on.  It was tough, but as you can see, it was a GOOD week.  It was a God week.  It was a motivating week.  I hope these words will be motivating to you.  WE all can have tough but GOOD weeks.  Love is pouring out all over the world.  Please be a part of it!

 Blessings!

 ~Shaun

Better Later than Never

October 26 - November 1 

 Have you noticed a theme yet?  These are starting later and later into the week.  It is very easy to go with the flow of the day and go to bed having only done one thing on my  TO DO list. In reality it has been a blessing to sit back a little bit and allow God to simply work.  I am beginning to realize that my time line is being adjusted a great deal.  I believe that in the long run, although it can be difficult at times, this will be one of the greatest things for me to learn.  God has really been telling me to rest and He will take care of EVERYTHING.

 Last week was a very busy week.  Starting Monday I began my official search for an apartment.  Mafer and I drove for several hours looking for a sign with the words “Alquila” (for rent).  As soon as we saw a sign we hit the brakes and wrote down the number.  We spent most of the day doing that, and then (I think) I had basketball practice.  (Practices are a blur because they start so late in the evening).  My body is not used to practicing at 8:30 or 9:00 at night, especially after walking several miles in a day.  

 Tuesday morning was a very special morning.  We started very early because each Tuesday the church has a meeting specifically for business owners. Cesar heads up the Bible study, and at the end we have an amazing time of prayer.  Which reminds me:  I love hearing Peruvians pray.  It is music to my ears. It has it’s own melody to it.  It is almost like a chorus of prayer.  It is a very powerful experience!

 Then we went to Miraflores for a very interesting “Reunion.”  As I have said before, Pastor Pepe is somewhat of a celebrity in Peru because of his multiple awards, and championship wins in powerlifting.  This provides him the ability to minister to people that are in desperate need of ministering, but that regular people like you and I might not have access to.  Tuesday was a perfect example of that.  This meeting was for famous actors in Peru.  I had no idea whose hand I was shaking, or cheek I kissed (this is the cultural way to so “Hello” to women).  However, two days later I watched television, and there was one actor right before my eyes.

 As I observed what was going on, I was blown away with how great the need is for actors and celebrities to be reached out to.  They are required to uphold an image, and they have almost zero privacy.  Even when we held this very discrete meeting, the press showed up.  Actually, the Peruvian Bible Society set up the meeting, and I must say, they did an amazing job.  I could tell how deeply these actors needed a time of testimony, prayer, and encouragement.  The plan was a meeting a month.  By the end of this meeting, it is going to jump into once a week.  God is Awesome.

 Wednesday was pretty laid back.  I slept in a little and ate.  I tried to do some catching up with emails, and talk to my wonderful wife.  Then in the evening we played our first playoff game against San Augustine.  We lost by one in overtime, and needless to say the team was very bummed out.  However, I know why I am on this team specifically.  The guys all have an amazing heart.  They listen well, and they love basketball.  Rather than push me away, they have accepted me with open arms.  There is an obvious language barrier, but there is mutual respect that I know will carry over for the future.  I have noticed that although they are competitive, their heads hang low, even if they are winning.  God is calling me into encouragement, and high-fives.  They need to know that they are winners, and that it doesn’t matter who they play, they have to THINK they are going to win.  The “loser” mentality is difficult to overcome.  It really is amazing to me that I am playing basketball, and it is such a powerful ministry tool.  I only get 12-15 rebounds a game and 2 points, but they listen to me and they respect what I say.  (Ha, I had to get my horrible stats in there).

 Thursday was another day of searching for an apartment and furnishings.  We looked at one apartment that I was pretty excited about, and so we went to a furniture market for potential furnishings.  I wish Amanda and I moved to Peru earlier than now.  THE PRICES ARE AMAZING.  Not to mention the quality of the furnishings!!!  I gave me a perspective on how inflated the American market can be.  We buy couches made as cheaply as possible, and pay double the price.

 In the evening we had a service at church similar to a service we would have on Wednesday night in America.  It was a quiet time of worship, and the Pastor Pepe gave a message about pursuing God in rest.  Putting God first in everything we do was an important message I needed to hear! That has been a common thread on both of our hearts, resting before God.  Then we prayed, which was relaxing because I needed to talk to God.

 Friday morning I went with Pepe to a meeting of soccer coaches around Peru.  THe goal of the meeting was to put together a soccer tournament similar to the theme in Upwards.  Unlike Upwards, they will keep score.  (This is their national sport, and it is extremely competitive).  The leaders of the meeting asked Pepe to speak about being a champion of Peru.  Clearly he was qualified, and he brought a deep but simple message.  The coaches are training potential future champions.  He told them all about his awards, and accolades.  They sat there in shock, like I did when I heard the list.  Then he proceeded to explain how Christ took hold of his heart.  

 This is an extremely important message for the Peruvian people.  They need to know that they are valuable because many struggle with this fact.  Things move very unilaterally, and I can only imagine how hopeless that can be. It is even more important for them to know that God makes them champions for so much more.

 Saturday was the FIRST EVER all-star basketball game in Peru.  They held a dunk contest, three-point contest, and finally the all-star game.  I am proud to say that Joe Henderson completely wrecked the shop all day.  He won the dunk contest.  Then in the All-Star game he dunked so hard that they had to fix the shot clock.  If his team had not lost by 2 (they played more for the fun of it), then he would have been the MVP.  This is a very important testimony down the road.  He has received a lot of attention for his ability in basketball.  If he comes down next year with our basketball team, and the Peruvian fans see why he is truly a Champion, that can speak to a lot of hearts.  I am excited to see God working in this way!

 Sunday was a day of Church and rest.  Another great message, and wonderful time of worship.  God is doing some amazing things, even though sometimes I feel like I am just sitting.  I like to be constantly moving, but usually when that happens it means I am not seeing how God is moving.  He has forced me to sit and wait, and it has been amazingly rewarding.

The next post will be more about the highlights of the past two weeks.  I have been very busy, and have since forgotten the details of my days.  However, I remember the highlights! So look for something early next week!!!