Updates: My Bad....

 So I realized today that it has been two months since my last post.  Unacceptable.  For reals, my bad.  I can’t do the blame game on this one.  I didn’t have carpal tunnel, or gnarled fingers, or a broken computer.  I just forgot.  

 So here are some brief updates to get things less awkward.

*The Youth:  [We covered this a little in our newsletter this past month]  

A few months ago we talked about an opportunity to work more in depth with the youth at the Church we are attending.  Instead of asking us to help out, they said “take it, and let God guide you.”  Sweet.  We have been looking for stuff like that.

So we have a name for it- Cuatro:Doce (4:12).  It sounds a lot better in Spanish.  In English, it sounds like a gang or some type of drug reference.  However, it is actually shaped after 1 Timothy 4:12.  At first the kids thought the name was dumb.  Now they either forgot about it, or they like it, because no one is making fun of me anymore.

It has been exciting to see God’s hand in this.  We prayed for leaders to come alongside of us.  It took us awhile to understand God’s perfect time, but now we have PERFECT people.  We prayed for a direction on how to take things.  Again, it took God’s perfect time, but now we have an amazing direction.  It also took me some time to understand that each type of seed is not the same, and some take longer to grow than others.  

But now... I have a bunch of Bamboo around me [bamboo is considered to be the fastest growing plant in the world].  A side note:  this is extremely humorous if you know anything about the tattoo that is on my leg.  

*Hosting: 

We have two different types of hosting that are taking place right now.  The first is that we are going to hopefully be hosting some different short term teams this year.  We are waiting to see what God develops in that area.  However, it appears that we are also hosting individuals.

The second is hosting individuals or a couple of people. Right now we have two new friends from Switzerland, Hanna and Sarah, who are traveling the world in the name of Jesus.  We have walked around, listened to stories, and we can firmly say that Jesus Christ is not dead (we weren’t doubting).  The Holy Spirit is alive and active, and is working doing amazing things.  Literal miracles.  Now some of you may shirk at the idea of me saying that, which is cool.

But, some of the ways God has provided for us, and for them.  It’s only God.  It’s not man, and it’s not works.  Finances, physical healing when they are sick, protection from harm in places like China and India.  You guys hear the reports of the persecution that Christians experience in those areas... but God has protected them and provided for them in ways that are completely unexpected.  It is unbelievable to hear stories from different people traveling the world, on how God is moving amongst His people.  

*Cool Opportunities:  

 -The discipleship book is going slow but steady. I have never done more individual research, reading, writing, editing, and thinking in my entire life; and I am still on the rough rough draft.  However, as slow as it is going, it is taking a very beautiful shape, and I am excited to see how God might use it to train people to be and make disciples.

 -In the past few months Pastor Pepe has been working with different mayors in surrounding districts to get the Church involved with making a difference.  We are now set up to help with monthly medical campaigns, youth outreach, sports campaigns, and marriage conferences.  It is so cool to sit in a mayor’s office, tell him your ideas, and literally see his wheels turning.  

 -Rugby is also going good, and continues to be a good outlet for everything.  Sometimes when I am spending 3-4 hours of reading theology and writing, tackling people or running can be a lot of fun.  We had a beach tournament this past weekend where I played against the national Peruvian team, and national team from Ecuador.  We lost all of our games, which is always a hard pill to swallow.  However, the aches and pains make me feel like a lumberjack kind of man.  

 -Writing for Theology21.  I have been asked to be a contributing author to Theology21.  I am excited about it because I have a love/hate relationship with theology.  I love it for what it Truly is, and I hate it for what it sometimes can become.  It's a new project, and I am interested to see how it all plays out.  There are various contributing authors, and as with all theology, we won’t agree.  However, that is what excited me, because it is creating dialogue, and people are having to look at the Word of God, instead of the popular best-selling book for Christians.

 *The End: 

So as to not overwhelm you anymore, that is all for now. Amanda and I just made a deal where we have to write once a week.  So, be on the lookout for next weeks addition! 

Love you all in the name of Jesus!!!!

-Shaun

Twice in My Life

Twice in my life I have had a Spanish teacher make it a point to tell me how horrible a student I was.  I can never remember the exact words that were used, but it was to the effect of "worst student ever...".  Not to say that I didn't deserve the title, but it's definitely not one I would wish upon my progeny.

That paragraph describes one of the many platypuses in my life.  Why platypus?  Well, in Christian circles I have often heard that we know God has a sense of humor because of platypuses.  So, me being a missionary in Peru certainly qualifies as a humorous situation.  I go from worst student ever, to being completely immersed in the language.  I know, I am stating the obvious.  But I think for this story, the obvious serves a purpose.  Commencing story:

This past week of rugby was an interesting one, filled with opportunity and running.  On Tuesday I hopped in a taxi by myself for a 30 minute drive.  But before I did so, I talked for about 30 minutes with a guard that works down the street. 

I was trying to catch a cab for a few minutes and I was not having any luck.  Next thing I know, this guy Carlos, comes over and we drum up a conversation.  Carlos, my new friend, is someone I have purposefully waved to for several months.  He is a guard for San Fernando, a grocery store by our house.  He always waves back, and then gets back to guarding stuff. 

In our conversation suddenly my limited Spanish started to free itself.  After talking and talking, I finally had to break away because I was already late for practice.  However, before I left, we set up a time to get together for lunch on his only day off.

I hopped in the taxi, gave my driver Jesus an Inca Cola, and then talked to him for the entire drive.  My Spanish was getting better and better.  I know because they all understood me.  Praise Jesus, (not the driver). 

Friday Carlos called me and we went to lunch together.  However, I need you to understand the importance of the last sentence.  In almost six months in ministry, because of my language limitations, I have NEVER invited someone to lunch without a translator.  It was unbelievable.  I only understood 60% of the conversation, but he helped me out.  We joked. He told me about his family, his jobs... his beliefs on cussing.  I told him about my family, my jobs, and how sometimes I have caught myself saying a bad word or two. 

I know that God was in the middle of that conversation, even in the parts I didn't understand.  He invited me to see his family in their home, about three hours away... (I think).  I gave him my dictionary, and he is already practicing words in English.  Who knows what will happen? 

However, it got me thinking a lot.  The worst Spanish student ever, ate homemade chinese food in Lima, Peru with a person who only speaks Spanish.  Nehemiah was a cup bearer before he was a wall builder... 

Only God can orchestrate that kind of a platypus.

(I have now unofficially, officially copyrighted the term platypus.)

Shaun

Physical Therapy

My first Rugby practice was Tuesday night, and I wrote “My First Practice” on Wednesday.  Since Tuesday I have received three shots to relax my back muscles and I could barely shuffle my feet.  At this point, you may be questioning how Rugby has anything to do with “opportunity” or missions.  (When I was trying to walk... I began asking myself that too).  Let me tell you a little story that might clarify things.

 Since my senior year in high school I began having back problems off and on.  My leg muscles have always been tight, and I have never been able to touch my toes.  From my hips down I felt like a rubber band that was being stretched to the limits.  When I play any sport my back muscles were always the first to go.  Case and point: Tuesday night.

 I have always joked with Amanda that I need a professional stretcher, like Lebron James has.  Unfortunately for my legs and back, I am not a pro athlete or near billionaire.  So here I was laying in bed trying to avoid spasms.  I did not want to whine too much because I was afraid Amanda would give me the thumbs down sign.  Fortunately, God is the author of all things...and He knew I needed some help.

 We called a close friend, who is a physical therapist.  (She goes to our church, and is definitely more of a mother figure than friend.  She makes sure we are well taken care of).  She stopped over to take a look at my back, and see if she could help.  She looked at it for a little while, and told me that I needed to go to her office the following day so I could meet with her boss, a Doctor.  At this point I was up for anything that would help, (and get me back to playing rugby).

 Friday, we arrived at the Doctor’s office and waited for a little while.  After laying on the treatment bed and receiving a massage to loosen the muscles, the diagnosis began.  In two minutes the Doctor told me everything that was wrong, and even described some problems I have had in the past.  She was really good.

 They loosened my muscles again, and then stretched me out really well.  I instantly felt better.  During the therapy session, our friend told me something that blew me away.  She told me that she felt like she needed to pay for my first two treatments.  “Wow.  Um...OK.  Thank you.  Are you sure? Are you sure??? OK...”  Then she told me that she was talking to the doctor about Amanda and I; How we knew each other, etc.

 Then she told her that we were going to be in Lima for the next five years.  The Doctor asked why, and our friend said that we were missionaries.  Without any hesitation the Doctor told her, “After the first two treatments we will give him his entire treatment program for free.”

 SAY WHAT?

 Talk about mind blowing. She is not a Christian, and suddenly God put on her heart to treat me for free.  (We are talking about several MONTHS worth of weekly treatments).  She wants me to be healthy, touch my toes, and feel comfortable in her country.  We think God is working on her heart, and we feel so privileged to be a part of that.

 Needless to say, EVERY SINGLE rugby player I know is going to get her card.  

 Here I am thinking that I am going to get a free evaluation and God provides me something I have prayed for, for the last six years. God knows every one of our needs.  You never know how He will meet them, or how He will use you to meet other people’s needs. 

Night One

 It’s official.  I am currently a member of the Newton Flaming Lions Rugby Club; a professional team here in Peru.  OK, stop laughing.  I am serious.  It is a much needed outlet in a country that sometimes requires a place to express frustration.  Plus, there is something to be said for a manly sport like Rugby.   My kids will always think twice before acting, knowing that their old man is obviously a little crazy.

 Where am I writing this?  In my bed, with severe back pain.  

 Last night was my first practice, and my first time playing.  I have seen pro games on television, and I have watched a ton of clips on YouTube, but nothing really prepared me for the experience. 

 There are two men’s divisions in the league, so both teams practice together.  My guess is that there was 40-50 guys out there.  They all range in size, but I am 99% sure I am the tallest guy.  However, I am also 99% I am the skinniest guy too.  

 The position I will be playing is winger.  We are the “Glory Boys.”  Agile like gazelles, powerful, handsome...and we also do the least amount of work.  BUT, we score.  Sometimes we will have to tackle a guy, but maybe only 5-6 tackles a game.  Which is nothing considering forwards tackle at least in the 20 to 30 range.  

 My friend Wes and I met up with a new friend, Jorge.  He is a Peruvian National Rugby player, and he looks the part.  He introduced us, we said, “Hi” to the guys, and then we warmed up a little.  Once the Coach found out that we knew nothing, he sent us over with the “Rookies” and an injured guy.

 We passed the ball around a little, and got our legs warmed up. Then we moved into a drill where we pass down the line.  Then we did a drill where the outside guys on the line switch places, and they pass the ball during the switch.  Simple stuff.

 Verdict: I have to get used to taking shorter strides.  Their three strides equal one stride for me.  So even in a trot I was moving too fast.  This is a team game, so you are only as strong as the guys around you.

 Then we moved to tackling.  

 Now, if you know me...you know I am skinny.  However, I like challenges.  In games it is relatively easy for me to ignore pain.  However, I didn’t know what to expect.  The guys we were with easily have 50-60 pounds on me...minimum.  They are all muscle bound and some were even 6’3”.  Then there is Wes, who is a little cannonball, with a low center of gravity.  He also has to have at least 50 pounds on me.

 We did one on one tackles where a guy goes full speed, and you have to tackle him.  The trainer said, “OK someone get out there.”  No one went.  It was in Spanish, so it took me a minute to understand.  But when I did, I realized no one went out there.  I know why Wes didn’t, and it is probably the same reason I shouldn’t have...but I like to pretend I am tough.  

 1st Guy- Easy.  Hit him in the gut and drove him outside the lines.

 2nd Guy- Twisted him down.

 3rd Guy-  (The one I was a little worried about) He was the easiest.

 4th Guy- He got passed me, but I took him down with his leg.

 5th Guy-  Wes.  Remember how I said he has a low center of gravity?  He can also get to full speed really quickly.  I was on my heels and squared up.  Then I proceeded to get popped in the chest and run over. PANCAKE. 

 Somewhere in between the first and fifth guy I did something wrong.  I was using my back too much instead of my legs.  Now I am sitting with a pillow under my back, wishing I had some Icy Hot.  My back has spasms, and I am walking like a bent over old man.

 Was it worth it? Yes.  I know I can do it.  My mind knows I can.  My heart knows I can.  My back just hasn’t gotten the message yet.  

 Now, the ministry aspect is even more interesting.  The team I play for has a large number of players that speak English relatively fluently.  This is critical for me, because my Spanish is still not in a place where I can REALLY have deep conversations.  After getting past names, they began to ask about why we are here and what we are doing.  It is a start.  

 Additionally, in Peru, rugby is a sport for “rich people.” This is exciting for me because this environment allows me to get a feel for different economic classes.  It allows me to talk to people that are ultimately influencing the classes that we do most of our work with.  It allows me to point out some things that they may have never noticed before.  In one word, it creates “opportunity.”