One of the major needs is for
buildings so people can get together to develop social and spiritual
activities. In the meantime, people gather in different houses.
One building is almost finished, and another project under consideration
would build two more houses in order to accommodate new converts
and to facilitate the activities of a Christian community that
is rapidly growing.
New conversions have been talking place through the activities
of the local Christian community. It’s amazing to see the
faith, boldness, and initiative that this mission team has despite
its limited resources. They have accomplished a lot in ministering
to communities in the drought areas.
For Vanessa, her participation in these mission trips has been
a learning process. “It has not been easy” she says,
“to adjust to a lifestyle totally different from the city.”
In some areas of these communities there is no running water,
electricity, toilets, or kitchens. These mission trips have molded
Vanessa’s spiritual growth, and she now perceives that being
a missionary, even if the ministry is local, is not an easy task.
“To be a missionary,” she said, “there is a
price to be paid.” I asked Vanessa about what she learned
through her experience? Without hesitation she responded, “Humility
and stewardship.”
Though she recognizes that her contribution—especially
compared to the needs of the community—is small, the work
of the whole team has had an impact within the community. Her
solidarity with the poor is her greatest satisfaction.
“How pleasant it is,” she says, “to have the
opportunity to chat with a pregnant 17-year-old girl and to share
with her the good news of the gospel. And how pleasant it isto
celebrate life with kids, playing different games, studying the
Bible, cooking together, living together, sharing stories, and
being in community.”
According to the Gospel of Mark, Jesus first called the disciples
to be in community: “And he went up to the mountain and
summoned those whom He himself wanted, and they came to him”
(Mark 3:13).
To be with Christ or to follow Christ means to be in community
with other disciples: to share experiences, stories, and food,
to give thanks and to sing alleluia. Vanessa’s understanding
of the gospel shows she understands the simplicity of the gospel
preached by the simple and humble man called Jesus, the Christ.
May we all be involved in the mission of Jesus Christ in simple
ways that make a profound impact on our communities and also on
the communities to which we are called by God to be his instruments
by preaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God bless you and keep you!
Ricardo and Reina Green
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
45 |
