tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28533462688729348082024-03-05T09:11:01.646-08:00Vayan por todo el mundo...Daniel and Meganhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01876409715828742170noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-72899674482511611812013-02-12T10:47:00.001-08:002013-02-12T10:47:41.729-08:00It has been a while... So much time has passed since we left Buenos Aires. We have learned a lot, laughed a lot, cried a lot, depended on God a lot, missed Spanish a lot, thanked God for English and understanding a lot, and eaten Argentine food a lot. =) That is life as a returned missionary.<br />
<br />
I want to spend a little time reflecting on what we've learned since we've been home, as well as some prayers for the future. Ultimately, I hope to let you know some ways that you can continue lifting up the work in Argentina (and around the world), as well as some possibilities for the future. Be in prayer! I'll write more soon!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-44483452335779972612012-07-25T21:30:00.000-07:002012-07-25T21:30:04.534-07:00Home Sweet Home? (Cultured People, part 2)As we begin to wind down our time here in Buenos Aires, a lot of people ask us, "Are you excited to go home?"<br />
<br />
Well, yes and no. We are excited to see our families. We can't wait to be with our friends. We are excited to worship in English, where we understand all of the nuances of the words we are singing or sharing. We will eat familiar foods and restaurants. We will turn on the TV and watch almost everything in English. Daniel can go to the gym. We can drive our own car. There are a lot of exciting things about returning that we can't wait for!<br />
<br />
Sure, we will miss our friends and family here. We will miss speaking Spanish every day, needing to operate in a foreign language in order to survive and thrive. We will miss the public transportation, the beautiful old buildings, going to the grocery store every day, going to Spanish class, etc. We will miss our friends most of all... We are sad to leave, but excited to go back to the States.<br />
<br />
Yet what we also realize is that we aren't going home. Not really. Sure, we love the United States, and we are proud to be from there. We aren't Argentines, although we love Argentina. We wouldn't really even be considered truly third cultured, having only been out of the US for a short time.<br />
<br />
However, in some ways the US won't really feel like our home.<br />
1. We aren't returning to the same circumstances that we left before: new jobs, new ministry, new city, new state...<br />
2. We have missed a year's worth of culture. Sure, we have watched a few TV shows from the US. We have heard a few songs. We watched some movies from the US. (Actually, we saw more movies here than we probably would have watched in America since we had buy-one-get-one-free coupons!) However, we won't know all the cultural references. We won't know some new slang. There will be new songs on the radio, new shows on television, new references to pop culture that simply don't click with us yet.<br />
3. Some things seem uncomfortable to us: being able to understand all of the conversations going on around us; everyone eating fast food or running from one event to the next; not taking a long time with friends over coffee or a meal; etc.<br />
4. People have moved on with their lives, and so have we. We are not returning as the same people who left. We have grown and changed. We are different than we were before, and we won't be the same. We have been shaped by our experiences here in Buenos Aires, and we won't be certain how to explain it if you bother to ask.<br />
<br />
Home Sweet Home? The return will be sweet, but a little bitter. We will realize, in those first few weeks, just how different life is from this moment on. It will be a transition, and it will take time to adjust to our new lives there. With the help of our friends and family, we will be able to transition back and make the States our home again. But this will take time and prayer...<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, I will share some of the things that you should and shouldn't say/do to returning missionaries.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-17392346879982853392012-07-24T19:32:00.001-07:002012-07-24T19:38:32.602-07:00Culture(d) People, Part 1Yesterday, I tried to describe Argentine culture to one of the LST members here. I was struck with the problems and the joys of the people. That is the trick of culture... It just is.<br />
<br />
Anthropologists argue that culture is inherently neutral. I doubt that is the case. There is beauty in every culture. In Argentina, we find a number of things beautiful.<br />
1. The greetings people give to one another. Everyone greets everyone else. To not do so is considered an insult, unless it is physically impossible to get around to everyone in the room.<br />
2. The hospitality that friends show. You are truly invited into the lives for life. We are blessed with some truly amazing friendships.<br />
3. The passion that people feel for things they truly believe in. Sometimes this manifests itself in being an <i>hincha</i> of a particular football club (¡VAMOS, RIVER!) Other times, it manifests itself politically, socially, through service, through opinions, through relationships, through beliefs... Yet people are passionate.<br />
4. People keep their friends for life. While it can be hard to build friendships, they are truly loyal to their friends. (Also, see #2.) People here are friends with many of the same people that they went to elementary school with. I would be hard-pressed to name five people I went to elementary school with, yet these are friends that they take on vacation! <br />
5. Some people are earnestly seeking God, which is a blessing.<br />
<br />
Are there problems? Of course! We can easily list some. But we won't! (At least, not online! And probably not in conversation either...) We don't wear <i>celeste</i> colored glasses when it comes to Argentina, but we have grown to love the people and enjoy the place. (<i>Celeste</i> is the national color of Argentina, by the way.) We are blessed.<br />
<br />
Culture is NOT inherently neutral. Some things are GREAT. Some things are TERRIBLE. Anyone who tells you differently is trying to sell you something. (Or is an anthropologist.)<br />
<br />
What do you love about the culture where you are? What do you dislike? How is God working through the culture? Or in spite of the culture? Or around the culture?<br />
<br />
We all have a culture. Parts are inherently beautiful; others are difficult or different, terrible or tricky. But we all have it.<br />
<br />
One of the challenges that we face is realizing that we are not longer part of our American culture; at least, not entirely. More on this in the next few days.<br />
<br />
God bless you, and may you all see your culture through God's eyes.Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-85145909013168280112012-07-17T20:35:00.001-07:002012-07-17T20:35:06.787-07:00God is good! More to come tomorrow! However, we just celebrated a lovely dinner with our friends Oscar and Viviana... Thank goodness for these blessings in our lives!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-89019129787124805202012-07-16T19:42:00.003-07:002012-07-16T19:42:57.451-07:00Transitions<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Where do we go from here?</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is an
important question in the life of every person. When I (Daniel) was working in
campus ministry, this was the question he dealt with most often. What am I
going to be when I grow up? What will I do if I fail this class? Now that my
relationship with someone has ended, what will I do now? Now that I am
graduating, do I have to grow up? And how do I do that? During times of change,
it is natural to ask, “Where do I go from here?”</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This question has
been really important for us as we begin to wrap up our ministry here in Buenos
Aires. We have been blessed by eleven months of great ministry. It has been
full of joys and challenges, happiness and disappointment. We have watched some
readers grow closer to the LORD; we’ve seen others take steps back or
dis-appear entirely. We’ve developed great friendships with people here at the
church and within our ministry, yet we also know it is possible that we won’t
see any of them again. Where do we go from here? How do we proceed?</div>
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<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the most
important things to us is telling people that we are thankful for them.
Recently, our Sunday Morning English class studied the passage of the ten
leprous men. All ten had been healed, all ten had their lives changed and were
infinitely thankful. But only one returned to tell Jesus he was thankful. We
were challenged to let people know that we were thankful for them and to be
specific. We are so thankful for each of our friends and readers. Each one has
taught us so much spiritually, culturally, and personally, and we are truly
blessed by our time together. </div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our friends at
church have been our second family, accepting us in, inviting us for meals,
celebrating Christmas and birthdays with us, traveling with us, laughing with
us. They put up with our bad Spanish, and they encourage us when our Spanish
improves. They listen as we ramble in a second language and fumble for words.
They build us up and encourage us daily. We are blessed by such an amazing
family of God. </div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have also been
blessed by the Youth Group here at church. (Youth are anywhere from 14 to 35,
depending!) We have developed some amazing friendships, and it will be hard to
not see these individuals every week (or sometimes every day!) We have
traveled with these people, around the city and around the country. We’ve
laughed and cried together, encouraged them and been encouraged by them, prayed
with them and prayed for them. We’ve watched them grow in their faith, and
we’ve rejoiced as some of them have chosen to follow Christ this year.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, where do we
go from here? As we pack up and head home in two and a half weeks, how do we
build on what we already have? How do we continue to help our friends, brothers
and sisters, and readers continue to grow from afar? How do we continue growing
in our Spanish? How do we keep blessing the church, and being blessed, when we
return to the US?</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have some
plans on all of those things. (Check out stories on page 2 about upcoming
transitions.) We don’t know what God has in store, but we plan on facing our
future with the joy brought on by our present and past. Thanks be to God for
our time here in Argentina, and blessings on our future.</div>
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<br /></div>
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(Published from our Missions Bulletin, June 2012)</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-48934675471465237622012-07-14T19:32:00.002-07:002012-07-14T19:32:54.007-07:00Tonight we sat at merienda with our friend (Bibiana) and her family, as well as her parents from Colombia. We are blessed with so many great relationships here, and we are sad that our current time in Buenos Aires is drawing to a close. We were blessed with so many people that we have been ministering to (and, in turn, blessed by.)<br />
<br />
Please continue to pray for our readers. Some of their names you know, some you don't. We'll be posting pictures of them in weeks to come. Remember to think of them often; pray for their growth. Pray that God will continue to open their hearts and draw their souls closer to himself.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your prayers...<br />
<br />
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<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-36351685132130543522012-07-14T10:12:00.000-07:002012-07-14T10:12:28.564-07:00The city across the river: MontevideoSo, I've been falling behind on my initiative. It's been difficult to do with end meetings, spending time with readers, enjoying our last few weeks, helping LST teams, and holding LST parties. BUt, God is doing amazing things...<br />
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Recently, we took a trip with Megan's mom and sister to Montevideo, Uruguay. Montevideo is like Buenos Aires, but on a smaller scale. As friends there tell us, Uruguay built it first (their obelisk, their bookstore, etc), but Buenos Aires builds it bigger and more lavishly.<br />
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Uruguay, however, has a hometown feel. The city has about 1.5 million people, but it seems much smaller. The city is built around a natural bay where the Rio de la Plata meets the Atlantic Ocean. It has a number of beaches, and we were able to sit and watch the sun go down over the city.<br />
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The cab drivers were all willing to practice their spanish with us, the vendors were very kind and helpful (not at all frustrated by foreigners like they can be in Buenos Aires), and the city exudes a quite charm. If you like the fast-paced, hustle and bustle of large city life, Montevideo is not for you. However, if you like a charming mix of modern and colonial architecture, beautiful artwork, and an unpretentious charming "small town" with all the advantages of a large city, then Montevideo is for you! We enjoyed our time there.<br />
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Uruguay is an interesting place. Politically, they tend to be a little more stable. They value democracy, and tend to shy away from radical changes. They intentionally built the separation of church and state into their political ideologies. Interesting, Uruguay is the most atheistic country in South America (and in many places in the world.) Only 60-65% of the people believe in God; many people simply don't worry about God or see how he plays into their daily lives. Soccer is more of a religion than anything else! (The first World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930 in a stadium in the center of Montevideo.)<br />
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Montevideo is in need of more churches. There are a few Churches of Christ in the city, but they tend to not work together or have much relationship together. (We didn't want to dig too deeply into the story.) Most of the churches (like in many place) seem content to just do church and not to be overly involved with their community.<br />
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What plans might God have in store for the people of Uruguay? What might God be doing in the city in the future? What stores are waiting to be told?<br />
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That is how we want to look at these fields. There is so much work to be done here in South America. Although the statistics claim that "most of the people are Christian," most do not truly know the saving power of Jesus or understand who he is and what difference he can make in their lives. So many are simply caught up in the rituals of baptism/confirmation/eucharist/etc, but rarely (and we do mean RARELY) do they go to mass; confession is rare; men hardly ever step into the church building except when getting married or buried (or when family members are doing the same.) We need to look for ways to connect men to church and make a difference in our community.<br />
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I truly believe the fields here are ripe for the harvest. We meet a number of people who are hungering for something more (here is often tends to be later in their young adult life, late-twenties or early thirties.) God does amazing things here, and it has been great to see how God is working.<br />
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Pray for those who are working in these fields. Get connected to Great Cities Ministry (formerly Continent of Great Cities, http://www.greatcities.org/, Missions Resource Network (http://www.mrnet.org/). Ask Great Cities for a prayer guide for their missionaries. Or we can give you a list of people that we know are working in South America. Keep these wonderful, beautiful efforts and amazing people in your prayers. Pray for the churches of South America, and pray for those who don't yet know the salvific grace of Jesus.<br />
<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-52655747934606455612012-07-09T20:57:00.001-07:002012-07-09T20:57:15.781-07:00Feliz Día de IndependenciaToday was Argentine Independence Day. (Actually, there are two: Revolution Day on the 25th of May, and Independence Day on the 9th of July.) We celebrated by joining our friends who live in Zarate for a great day together. We were blessed to spend the day with Cinthia and Giovanni, our friends from church.<br />
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Tonight, I was working on our Hebrews booklet for our students who have finished all of the LST books, when I was struck with a thought: How amazing is it that we can celebrate our Independence every day? We are liberated from sin; we are free from guilt. Jesus took our sins upon himself, and gave us independence in God's Kingdom. How amazing is God?<br />
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Thanks be to God for his deliverance!<br />
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More tomorrow! God bless you!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-71109661064900515642012-07-05T20:21:00.001-07:002012-07-05T20:21:16.168-07:00The Beauty of God's CreationOn our second full day at Iguazu National Park, we were blessed by the opportunity to take a long walk to an obscure waterfall.<br />
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The Sendero Macuco is a 7 kilometer round-trip hike that starts close to the entrance of the Park. We were the first people to travel on the trail that day, and only encountered 10 people total on our way back to the entrance.<br />
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As we began, we hiked in the relative cool of the morning. We were surrounded by the calls of the birds, the sounds of nature, and (sadly) the buzzing of mosquitoes. (Thank goodness for OFF repellent!) We instantly fell in love with the forest and our surroundings.<br />
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The area is beautiful, and comprises a 7 kilometer, leisurely walk to a beautiful waterfall. The forest surrounds us throughout the whole journey, and we are amazed by the beauty of the simple scenery. We ran across a number of smaller animals on our trip and a number of beautiful birds. However, Daniel didn't get the opportunity to see a toucan. (Sigh)<br />
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If we had quickly walked the trail, we could have finished it in about one hour. However, we practiced "slowing," and spent over two hours enjoying the beauty, watching the waterfall, and taking pictures. We were inspired by the beauty of God's creation. We made friends with a couple of beautiful butterflies as well, who became slightly enamored with our waterbottle!<br />
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As we turned back from the beautiful waterfall, we encountered a troop of monkeys hanging out in the trees! Megan was awed, and we spent more than 20 minutes watching the monkeys jumping through the trees, eating, and playing. One even thought we got too close and started gnashing his teeth at Megan!<br />
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The beauty of God is all around us. We are amazed at the glory of his creation.<br />
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<span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Ps-19-1">Los cielos cuentan la gloria de Dios,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-1">el firmamento proclama la obra de sus manos. </span></span><span class="text Ps-19-2" id="es-NVI-14149"></span><span class="text Ps-19-2" id="es-NVI-14149"> </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-19-2" id="es-NVI-14149">Un día comparte al otro la noticia,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-2">una noche a la otra se lo hace saber.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-2"></span></span><span class="text Ps-19-3" id="es-NVI-14150"><sup class="versenum"></sup>Sin palabras, sin lenguaje,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-3">sin una voz perceptible, </span></span><span class="text Ps-19-4" id="es-NVI-14151"> </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-19-4" id="es-NVI-14151">por toda la tierra resuena su eco,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-4">¡sus palabras llegan hasta los confines del mundo!</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-4">Dios ha plantado en los cielos</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-4">un pabellón para el sol. </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-19-5" id="es-NVI-14152"><sup class="versenum"></sup>Y éste, como novio que sale de la cámara nupcial,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-5">se apresta, cual atleta, a recorrer el camino. </span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-19-6" id="es-NVI-14153"><sup class="versenum"></sup>Sale de un extremo de los cielos</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-6">y, en su recorrido, llega al otro extremo,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-6">sin que nada se libre de su calor. </span></span><br />
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-6">(Salmo 19) </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-19-1">The heavens declare the glory of God; </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-1">the skies proclaim the work of his hands.</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-1"></span></span><span class="text Ps-19-2" id="en-NIV1984-14171">Day after day they pour forth speech;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-2">night after night they display knowledge. </span></span><span class="text Ps-19-3" id="en-NIV1984-14172"></span><span class="text Ps-19-3" id="en-NIV1984-14172"> </span><br />
<span class="text Ps-19-3" id="en-NIV1984-14172">There is no speech or language</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-3">where their voice is not heard.<sup class="footnote" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV1984-14172a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]"></sup></span></span><span class="text Ps-19-4" id="en-NIV1984-14173"></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-19-4" id="en-NIV1984-14173"><sup class="versenum"></sup>Their voice goes out into all the earth,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-4">their words to the ends of the world. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Ps-19-4">In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-5" id="en-NIV1984-14174"> <span class="indent-1-breaks"></span>which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, </span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-5">like a champion rejoicing to run his course<sup>.</sup></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-19-5"><sup> </sup></span></span><span class="text Ps-19-6" id="en-NIV1984-14175">It rises at one end of the heavens </span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-6">and makes its circuit to the other; </span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-6">nothing is hidden from its heat.</span></span></div>
</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-37180405518807507252012-07-04T16:11:00.001-07:002012-07-04T16:11:16.936-07:00This is the video from the Sermon on Sunday. We talked about allowing God to fill us instead of filling our lives with the things of the world.<br />
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Let me know what you think!<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThwPCxc1c9s&feature=youtu.be">Cómo vos querés</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/ThwPCxc1c9s?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-9336586047444375672012-07-03T20:35:00.001-07:002012-07-03T20:35:12.260-07:00The boat ventured deeper into the waterfall, and I wondered, "Is this what it is like to be overwhelmed by the presence of God?"<br />
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One of my students, Gabriel, told me, "You have to take the boat trip at Iguazu! It's the best thing I ever did." We took him at his word, and we signed up as soon as we walked into the park. At 1.45, we gathered with our group for our excursion. We took a long ride through the rainforest as one of the guides gave us a lesson in plants, history, horticulture, and conservation. We arrived at a dock on the river and readied ourselves for the upcoming experience.<br />
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The guide told us there were two parts to the excursion. First, the boat would sit outside of both sets of waterfalls to allow us to take pictures. Next, the boats would enter the waterfalls, and we might get "a little wet." (That was the biggest understatement of the year!) As we approached the falls, we were overwhelmed by the sound of the roaring water and the "fog" rolling off of the falls. There was a different perspective from being on top just a few hours before to being underneath the falls now. One was a little more detached: we were awed by the beauty, but we stood at a distance. Now we were truly experiencing the rush, the awesome majesty, and the overpowering wonder of it all. As we entered into the waterfall, we were drenched with water. Megan and I were both wearing our raincoats, yet it made no difference... Regardless of our preparation, we were caught up in the deluge. The falls poured down on top of us, sweeping over the boat and the people within, catching us in their grip before continuing down the river. As we withdrew from the falls, a seeming eternity later (but more realistically only three or so minutes), we couldn't stop smiling and gushing about the experience we had just undertaken.<br />
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I wonder if heaven will be kind of like that: caught up in the overwhelming rush of the glory of God. When we stand at a distance from God, we can still be overwhelmed by the beauty and majesty of it all, but we haven't truly experienced God until we get into the midst of him. When we are drenched by his goodness, inundated by his love, swept away by his mercy. When we stand in the midst of God, I think an eternity will only feel like three or four minutes, and we won't be able to stop smiling or gushing about what we are experiencing.<br />
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How amazing will it be to stand (or more likely kneel) in the presence
of God, overwhelmed by his presence? May we long for that day! <br />
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<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-50537223557486072502012-07-02T19:52:00.001-07:002012-07-02T19:52:41.347-07:00Saying goodbye...<br />
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I've never been good at it. I hate saying goodbye, ending a chapter and beginning the next one.<br />
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Today we began saying goodbye to our students. We are informing them that we will finish our reading sessions on July 13th. Although we will still be having times of coffee, fellowship, and relationship building, our official work with LST will be drawing to a close.<br />
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Our goal is to end well, to build continuity between us and the other teams coming for our readers, and between our readers and the church. We want to leave a legacy of people who have drawn closer to God through their time in Bible study.<br />
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God has done some amazing things here, and we are sad to be leaving it behind. We want to build a sense of finality with our readers, yet also keeping the expectation of returning. We pray that God will allow us to remain involved in the lives and faith journeys of our friends here.<br />
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<br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-5835948263606876642012-06-30T19:50:00.000-07:002012-06-30T19:50:04.264-07:00A few nights ago, I took a quick detour on the way home from work. All of my students actually canceled or didn't show up (which is incredibly rare), so I was able to head home around 6pm. I took a nice leisurely stroll from the church towards the house. I was able to stop in a bookstore for a few minutes, window shop, and walk slowly down the street...<br />
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One of my favorite buildings is on the way home. It is a BEAUTIFUL church building that stands on the corner two blocks away from the house. The church, Basilica Auxiliadora (Church of our Helper, aka Mary), is a beautiful masterpiece renowned in the city for its beauty.<br />
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I don't have any pictures of the church, because (a) it is rarely open, and (b) it is always filled with people praying, confessing, or worshiping. (I always feel bad taking pictures of people while they worship.)<br />
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The church is absolutely beautiful. The columns are beautifully painted in stripes. The confessionals and woodworking are beautifully crafted of walnut with a gorgeous finish. The holy water vessels are marble statues of angels proffering the libations in seashells. The chapels are tastefully done; not overpowering, like in many churches. And there is actually a statue of Jesus alive, not just the crucified Jesus on the cross, another Pieta, or the Jesus of the Sacred Heart.<br />
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As I stepped into the church, I was awed by the sense of grandeur that was there. (No, I have no desire to become Catholic.) Yet as I sat in the back row, taking in the scene around me, I realized that this church evoked the same feelings and energy that the Gothic cathedrals of Europe inspire. These basilicas were built to remind the worshiper of the majesty and mystery of God. The nave draws the worshiper's eyes up towards heaven. The columns reminde them of the stability of God. The echoes seemed to wait in eager anticipation for the sounds of worship. The congregants join with hundreds and thousands throughout the generations who had thronged together in those same halls for countless years.<br />
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As I drank in the scene before me, I was struck by the majesty of God. I watched as a dozen people (mostly older, but of all generations) entered and left the church. Some came for confession. Others came for prayer. Some stayed for hours, while others entered and left within the length of a "Hail Mary, full of gace, the Lord is with thee..." Yet each person comes for an encounter with God.<br />
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Often I find myself caught up in the monotonous cycle of life. I run from home to work, work to home, with class thrown in between, along with odd trips to the store, errands in the area, occasional soccer games, and coffees with <i>compañeros. </i>Yet I rarely take time out and just stop: stop to process, stop to pray, stop to encounter, stop to listen to a message from God.<br />
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I rarely feel overwhelmed by the majesty of God. Yet any time that I stop and process, I recognize the beautiful majesty and holiness of the God of the Heavens.<br />
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God is amazing; sometimes it takes long walks home and detours to beautiful basilicas to help me stop and recognize the mystery of God.<br />
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May we keep our eyes open for chance encounters with God! May we worship with all abandon. May we sit in silence or sing with all our hearts, praising the God who was, who is, and who is to come. <br />Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-89578354627032344682012-06-29T19:41:00.001-07:002012-06-29T19:41:13.130-07:00On the edge of the waterfall, in the midst of God's glory!Nos quedan 31 días hasta regresaman a los EEUU. (31 days until we return to the US...)<br />
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This is a joy and a deep sadness. It carries deep significance for the two of us, for we are leaving behind wonderful friends, a beautiful family of Christ, a great church, and a lot of work to be done. God has done amazing things here in Buenos Aires. We are sad to be leaving such amazing people, but we are also glad to return to the US, start a new ministry, and look at starting life again in the US...<br />
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For the next 31 days I want to blog once per day. I might fail at this endeavor. I might blog twice a day! Who knows what will happen! However, God bless this endeavor, and I hope you enjoy reading about our adventures and what God is doing here in BsAs...<br />
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God is good! As I stood on the edge of the precipice, looking into the edge of the roaring abyss, I couldn't help but be awed and humbled by the scene before me.<br />
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Two weeks ago, Megan and I traveled to Iguazu Falls. Recently named one of the New Wonders of the World, Iguazu Falls stands on the border of Brazil and Argentina. (In fact, the line of demarcation runs directly through the river and the falls, and Paraguay is just a stone's throw away...) We spent two days in the park. The first day we arrived INCREDIBLY early (around 8), and walked directly to la Garganta del Diablo.<br />
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For those of you who have been blessed to be there, it is the most poorly named feature anywhere. As we walked down the walkway, we walked above the rushing waters of the Rio Uruguay. We saw beautiful birds nesting in the trees. Turtles lazed in the sunshine. Swifts flew overhead. And the sound of the rushing waters grew larger as we got closer. As you step up to the waterfall, all I could think was, "WOW! Isn't God amazing!?!? This isn't the Devil's Throat (the meaning of Garganta del Diablo); this is the glory of an amazing God who creates beauty all around us. God is an artist whose sculptures, paintings, and masterpieces exist all around us.<br />
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Las obras de Dios... God's Masterpiece... THAT is a more appropriate description. God does amazing work!<br />
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Tomorrow we will share the experience of entering into the depths of the waterfalls and being overwhelmed by the rush of it all! God is good!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-32467569453519479552012-06-19T19:17:00.002-07:002012-06-19T19:18:04.990-07:00The Ministry of Emptying<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmc_5rgrjsbLIkQLW7t0jkHdfYdr4deNuQVdG1yD_S72Cnx61EOS9bb46k01CAR2x_oqgvkDL29Zb4UgVxXeOX8KNo4oQI5BMS57o56cMP8k9xlVTQyXrnggWaTxlIss_3DXN6D3dBXc/s1600/Mom+and+Dad%27s+Visit+%2876%29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmc_5rgrjsbLIkQLW7t0jkHdfYdr4deNuQVdG1yD_S72Cnx61EOS9bb46k01CAR2x_oqgvkDL29Zb4UgVxXeOX8KNo4oQI5BMS57o56cMP8k9xlVTQyXrnggWaTxlIss_3DXN6D3dBXc/s320/Mom+and+Dad%27s+Visit+%2876%29.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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“And the Word
became flesh and dwelled among us…” I had never
thought about how difficult this was until recently. I mean, I (Daniel) have
lived away from home a number of times. I spent a semester in Greece, a summer
in Germany, another summer in Papua New Guinea, and visits to Peru, Honduras,
and Belize on mission trips, as well as the blessing to travel. But I’ve never
experienced a culture in-depth like I have here in Buenos Aires.</div>
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We’ve built
amazing friendships in the church. We’ve been taken into people’s homes and
lives. We’ve laughed, cried, shared, joked, and loved over a meal together or a coffee. We’ve opened up about our faith, taught about
God, learned about culture, and shared our lives with others.</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText">
We’ve also
experienced the struggles of expressing ourselves in a new language, learning
how to get food at the super-market, and buy cell phones. We’ve wrestled with
making ourselves understood. We’ve cried over the bad decisions present in our
friends’ lives. We’ve been frustrated over crowded subways and buses, broken
ATMs, and things that aren’t like home. We’ve missed family, friends, and
peanut butter. We’ve survived, we’ve adapted, and we’ve been changed. We have
been blessed by this experience, and it has forced us to grow
in new and exciting ways. We’ve learned a lot about ourselves, and a LOT about
God.</div>
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How amazing is it
that Jesus chose to do this intentionally for us! Jesus willingly left his home
in Heaven and came to earth! That is a greater change than we have ever
experienced. Jesus learned a new language. He taught the truths of God in new
ways. He laughed, cried, shared, joked, played, learned, and taught. He came to
share the truth about God and to change the hearts and lives of the people.</div>
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Jesus has cried over
people’s bad decisions. He’s rejoiced as they respond in faith. I am sure there
were times when he simply wished like things were the way they were at home.</div>
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“And the Word
became flesh…” Paul writes that Jesus “made himself nothing…” He emptied himself,
he gave up what he knew to bless us! How amazing is it that Jesus gave up
everything, EVERYTHING, in order to win us back.</div>
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Are we willing to
do the same? Are we willing to give up everything for the sake of Christ? To
make ourselves nothing, to take the nature of a servant? To become all things
to win some? God, give me the ability to empty myself for your glory.</div>
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<br /></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-17721987119469019312012-06-18T20:48:00.002-07:002012-06-18T20:53:16.403-07:00We recently took a trip to Iguazu Falls! Stay tuned for insights about God's marvelous creation, as well as some amazing pictures!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pbz4TADHDgdK58Qi8cWxDRgWCjB8t63whcTodXfVRo91PHKKW9jbBZ40QA8h74qutJivaakmlS5pVKKjkXqxATKAxdYsL2DBEC2H99uuyXUzfwBK2-miOnkcz7VK1a4ntJBnW8f39zo/s1600/145+-+Cataratas+de+Iguazu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Pbz4TADHDgdK58Qi8cWxDRgWCjB8t63whcTodXfVRo91PHKKW9jbBZ40QA8h74qutJivaakmlS5pVKKjkXqxATKAxdYsL2DBEC2H99uuyXUzfwBK2-miOnkcz7VK1a4ntJBnW8f39zo/s320/145+-+Cataratas+de+Iguazu.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-18977401713496833902012-04-29T17:04:00.000-07:002012-04-29T17:04:54.472-07:00Lamps and Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZMNwvuBohUN53GEcKrKN0iLL9gYxhkgwiQPukWI0XRTc47AeXULotjlgek3ymzomHai0SmIrleZ1OftOhbgqG-BoJMCpArWWQ_UqnqbwtP6SlqJR2TQDvSS2o4G3arI-PyAFtSCeu6Y/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZMNwvuBohUN53GEcKrKN0iLL9gYxhkgwiQPukWI0XRTc47AeXULotjlgek3ymzomHai0SmIrleZ1OftOhbgqG-BoJMCpArWWQ_UqnqbwtP6SlqJR2TQDvSS2o4G3arI-PyAFtSCeu6Y/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
The Word is the teacher... and we are the illustration.<br />
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This is the mantra of Let's Start Talking, and I love the focus. It really summarizes well the theology of Karl Barth, a German theologian of the 19th century. When people have questions, refer them back to the text. When in doubt, preach the word. Teach people what God says. Help them understand his message. God's word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path, so let the word be the guide.<br />
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God's word is powerful, and makes a huge difference in people's lives. It is amazing to watch as people read Scripture and are confronted by its message. Here are just a few examples from the past week:<br />
<br />
One reader, who is a devote Catholic, recently told an LST worker, "I think I've had the order of baptism wrong all these years..."<br />
<br />
Another read the story of the Prodigal Son and felt ANGRY that the Father would take the younger son back with no punishment, no consequences, simply grace. "The world SHOULDN'T work this way. It isn't fair!" Isn't it great that grace isn't fair?!?!?<br />
<br />
Another reader, who calls himself "agnostic," told me the other day that he likes the teachings of Jesus, that he's never really read them for himself before.<br />
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It is amazing to see how God is using His word to touch hearts and lives here in Buenos Aires.<br />
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Our next post will focus on the idea that we are the illustration. However, I want to ask: How have you seen the power of God's word in your own life or in the lives of others?Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-35373405834967480212012-04-08T17:31:00.002-07:002012-04-08T17:34:47.498-07:00Resurrection<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8ZPLJo0mM95ctuyNaBMQfLGhyphenhyphenxK-jizE18RIV_xwpcj_35IIV_69dqK0BBt-VeJKkCfyGjwKeGORkH30lkGAbw2GIoiOErvEwIfhNAsOxtikjt2z1OfwMcAHJZK_PsQWN7iPIfEUGOc/s1600/Mom+and+Dad%2527s+Visit+%2528114%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8ZPLJo0mM95ctuyNaBMQfLGhyphenhyphenxK-jizE18RIV_xwpcj_35IIV_69dqK0BBt-VeJKkCfyGjwKeGORkH30lkGAbw2GIoiOErvEwIfhNAsOxtikjt2z1OfwMcAHJZK_PsQWN7iPIfEUGOc/s320/Mom+and+Dad%2527s+Visit+%2528114%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729192834442134786" /></a><br /><br /><br />Recoletta Cemetery is a beautiful landmark in Buenos Aires. Considered the most expensive (and exclusive) real estate in the city, it is a monument to life and death. The other day, my family was walking around the cemetery, when we saw this sight. What a great reminder that death isn't final, that there is a resurrection.<br /><br />No parking! <br /><br />1 Corinthians 15<br /><br />"I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”<br />“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-64453671289526228232012-02-28T16:12:00.001-08:002012-02-28T16:15:14.312-08:00Communion thought this week...<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">This was my Lord's Supper talk this week. First in Spanish, then in English...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">A veces, la vida está llena de dolor y las dificultades. Esta fin de semana, vi la película<u>Luna de Avellaneda</u>. En la pelí, el protagonista, Ricardo Darín, tuvo muchos problemas en su vida: estaba separado de su esposa, su relación con su hijo fue tensa, odiaba su trabajo, y su pasión, su club, iba a cerrar. Darín se sintió triste y enojado; he perdido sus sueños. En una parte de la película, Darín oró a Dios y dijo, “Sólo una vez, ¿puedo tener un polo sin jabón? ¿Por qué no podés hacer más fácil mi vida?” Su oración es similar a las palabras de Habacuc en Hab. 1:2 --<b>¿Hasta cuando, Señor, he de perdirte ayuda sin que tú me escuches? ¿Hasta cuando he de quejarme de la violencia sin que tú nos salves?</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Esto ha sido una semana difícil aquí en Buenos Aires. Muchas personas han muerto en el accidente. Las vidas de muchas familias han sido destrozadas. Todos nosotros sentimos el dolor y la tristeza. En este momento, compartimos su aflicción.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Es natural que nos preguntemos, “¿Dónde está Dios? ¿Por qué pasó esto?” Es natural las tener preguntas y dudas.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Los antiguos griegos creyeron que los dioses no podían sentir las emociones. Había cristianos herejes que argumentaron lo mismo, que Dios también no podía sentir las emociones: felicidades o tristezas. Pero esto es falso. No es la verdad. Dios lo entiende nuestro dolor. El Señor se siente nuestra pena.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Hay un versículo muy profundo en Juan 11:35. Jesús ha perdido su amigo, Lázaro. Jesús tenía el poder para salvarlo; pero no lo hizo. Sin embargo, cuando llegó Jesús, habló con la familia y las hermanas de Lázaro, María y Marta.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Juan 11:33-35</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size: 10pt; background-color: none; ">Al ver llorar a María y a los judíos que la habían acompañado, Jesús se turbó y se conmovió profundamente.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">—¿Dónde lo han puesto? —preguntó. —Ven a verlo, Señor —le respondieron.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Jesús lloró.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">Después, Jesús levantó a Lázaro, pero no quiero que extrañemos las emociones: Jesús lloró. El dios del universo, nuestro Creador, lloró. Se sintió el dolor y la aflicción de la familia y sus amigos. Y él todavía se siente nuestro dolor hoy. Entiende nuestras aflicciones. Cuando Dios se hizo hombre en Jesús, se hizo como nosotros en todos los aspectos, todas las maneras. “El Verbo se hizo hombre y habitó entre nosotros. ” (Juan 1:14). Dios nos entiende, y se siente nuestro dolor en este momento. Jesús conoció personas que murieron. Jesús lloró, y llora con nosotros hoy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span lang="ES-AR" style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-ansi-language:ES-AR">En la cena santa, celebramos a Jesús y sus acciones por los pecadores. Pero también quiero que recordemos al Verbo que se hizo hombre. El Dios que entiende nosotros, porque nos creó y habitó entre nosotros. </span><span style="font-size:10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Demos gracias a Dios por su entendimiento y amor.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">-----------<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Sometimes, life is full of pain and difficulties. This last weekend, I watched the film <u>Luna de Avellaneda</u>. In the film, Ricardo Darin, the main actor, plays a character with lots of problems in his lief: he is separated from his wife, his rlationship with his son is strained, he hates his job, and his passion, his sports club, is going to be closed. Darin feels sad and angry; he has lost his dreams. At one point in the film, Darin looks up and prays, "Just one time, could I have a pole without soap? (An alusion to something else in the film.) Why can't my life be easier?" His prayer is similar to the words spoken by Habakkuk (1:2) -- "How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you don't listen? Or cry out to you 'Violence,' but you do not save?"<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">This has been a difficult week here in Buenos Aires. Many people have died in a train accident. The lives of many families have been destroyed. All of us feel pain and sadness. In this moment, we share in their grief.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">It is natural to ask ourselves, "Where is God? Why did this happen?" It is natural to have questions and doubts.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">The ancient greeks believed that the "gods" couldn't feel emotion. There were Christian heretics who argued the same, that God couldn't feel happiness or sadness, the same emotions that we do. But that is false; it isn't the truth. The LORD understands our grief; he feels our pain.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">There is a profound verse in John 11:35. Jesus has lost his friend, Lazarus. Jesus could have saved him, but he did not. He arrives late, on purpose! However, when Jesus arrived, he spoke with the family and Lazarus' sisters, Mary and Martha.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">John 11:32-35<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Jesus wept.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">Afterwards, Jesus raised Lazarus. But I don't want us to miss the emotions: Jesus wept. The God of the universe, our Creator, cried. He felt the pain and grief of the friends and family. And he also feels our pain today. He understands our grief. When God became flesh and dwelled among us in Jesus, he became like us in every aspect, in every way. "The Word became flesh and dwelled among us..." (John 1:14). He understands us, and he feels our pain in this moment. Jesus lost friends who died. Jesus wept, and he still cries with us today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: none; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-font-family:Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin">In the Lord's Supper, we celebrate Jesus and his actions for sinners. But I also want us to remember the Word who became flesh, the God who understands us because he created us and lived among us. Let us give thanks to God for his understanding and his love.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-10540508237182670962012-02-28T15:42:00.007-08:002012-02-28T16:12:23.834-08:00Lord's Supper thought this week<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span ><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; "><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-latin"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-5250494696014988632012-02-14T14:39:00.005-08:002012-02-14T14:52:56.699-08:00Good friends<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOd-152WX7bZkRIVs_cVucNW0nXvIer8-E7GoCQf6CnLZaTQbtuvD5FtPS3A-jeNIYYu3hnTgmJy6EjUnai2N74jJZueM0dYjoqyS-nZmX_Vw34GtlEaZgEZeRjJpwgjQkjIX89DGL5s/s1600/IMG_0038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXOd-152WX7bZkRIVs_cVucNW0nXvIer8-E7GoCQf6CnLZaTQbtuvD5FtPS3A-jeNIYYu3hnTgmJy6EjUnai2N74jJZueM0dYjoqyS-nZmX_Vw34GtlEaZgEZeRjJpwgjQkjIX89DGL5s/s320/IMG_0038.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709127753258633554" border="0" /></a><br />Hemos sido bendecidos con muchos amigos...<br /><br />We have been blessed with many friends. When we talk about what we most love about Buenos Aires, it isn't the city, the museums, the food, or the atmosphere. It's the people: our readers, our friends, and our brothers and sisters in Christ.<br /><br />One of the things that gives us the most satisfaction is inviting people over too our home. Last night one of my (Daniel's) good friends came over for dinner and stayed until after midnight. We are constantly invited to spend time with our friends here in BsAs at their homes, out to dinner, or in the park. One of our favorite activities is <span style="font-style: italic;">tomando un café</span>, taking coffee with a friend. There are <span style="font-style: italic;">confiterías</span> on every corner, and every neighborhood has their own favorite places to stop in for a coffee. We practice our Spanish, talk about ideas, and share faith over a coffee (or tea, soda, licuado, etc.)<br /><br />We are truly blessed by the friendships we have made here. We are surprised at how close you can grow to people in the course of 6 months. We already have students telling us that they are going to miss us when we leave (which is 6 more months away!)<br /><br />It brings to mind the passage that Paul writes to the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 -- "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well." It is great to be in a wonderful place with amazing people... In fact, it is the people that make this place so wonderful!<br /><br />Thanks for your continued prayers and support!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-23016715600856681562012-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:002012-01-01T09:28:11.270-08:00Los Desaparecidos<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfdP22jkdPOP2bWwXjyVtygAo4ec7BVxOqnPv6YxolV5GOUYM0H_oNEHuwj1Shp-VV46cTIpbq2z00-bUbRWpWqPjmukbA_DIWv569rAPFBjDVumUetx59vYxUQA3edfKsJoAXGL81Hk/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxfdP22jkdPOP2bWwXjyVtygAo4ec7BVxOqnPv6YxolV5GOUYM0H_oNEHuwj1Shp-VV46cTIpbq2z00-bUbRWpWqPjmukbA_DIWv569rAPFBjDVumUetx59vYxUQA3edfKsJoAXGL81Hk/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" alt="" 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font-family:"Times","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p face="arial" class="MsoBodyText"><br /></p><p face="arial" class="MsoBodyText"> In 1976 the military junta took control of the country of Argentina. In order to stop further anarchy, the government began to crack down on domestic terrorists who had been plaguing the government and police. They also began searching for political dissidents and anyone who disagreed with their current policies. They began rounding up individuals from all walks of life: professors, priests, students, Communists, actors, Socialists, former political workers, bankers… All types of people were taken from their homes, offices, and off the streets, and were never heard from again. They are known as “los Desaparecidos,” or “the disappeared.” It is estimated that more than 30,000 Argentines were killed by the military regime in the eight years of their rule.</p><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Every Thursday a group of women wearing white headscarves gather in Plaza de Mayo to plead for justice and information. 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<![endif]--> <p face="arial" class="MsoBodyText">support for their cause. They don’t ever want the world to forget what has happened to these people.</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As you walk around Buenos Aires, you will often find small plaques set into the ground. Some are plain; others are decorated with small painted stones or colorful pieces of glass. All of them tell a story. It gives the name of the individual (or individuals), the date they disappeared, and the (supposed) of which they were accused. You find them in the strangest places: there are ten outside of a bank in Microcentro (downtown). There are two that I have found within two blocks of our home. They are constant reminders of those who are no longer with us, and a reminder that we should mourn those who aren’t here any longer.</p><span style="font-family:arial;"> </span><span style=" ;font-family:arial;font-size:12pt;" ><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Los Desaparecidos… We have them within our churches as well. There are countless people who simply leave through the back door of our churches. Sixty percent of our youth leave the Churches of Christ by the time they graduate college. People get offended by another church member and simply stop coming. People quietly struggle with their faith or the challenges in their lives, and it is easier to stop coming to church than to</span><span style="font-family:arial;"> feel lost or hypocritical. All of us, if we stopped and thought about it, could think of someone that we haven’t seen in a while. “Where is Brother/Sister So-and-so? I haven’t seen them in forever…” Where are their plaques? Where are the people championing for their needs? Where are their church family members standing vigil, waiting with the hope that they will return? Too often our own Disappeared simply disappear without anyone thinking a second thought. </span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Jesus calls us to unity; he challenges us to be one, and he prays for us to be one (see John 13-17). That means that we must seek to encourage all of our brothers and sisters in Christ. We must seek out those who have wondered away. We must bless those who are struggling. We must show love and compassion to those who have been wounded by churches. Jesus left the 99 to search for the lost 1; how can we do any less? The Mothers would give anything to have their lost children back; can we do any less for our brothers and sisters in Christ?</p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="MsoBodyText"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>May our churches not be littered with thousands of plaques or vague remembrances of those who have disappeared. Instead, may we strive to bless those who have left our churches for whatever reason.</p>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-49820253174924640612011-12-02T09:13:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:46:21.034-08:00Los Argentinos: Los queremos que creer en DiosRecently there was a front page story on a local newspaper, El Argentino:<br /><br />"Messi cree en Dios." (Messi believes in God)<br /><br />Messi is the top Argentine soccer player (I would argue of ALL time, but fans of others would beg to differ!) Messi plays for Barcelona, and has been awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year for the past two years (with two other second place wins.)<br /><br />ANYWAY, I thought the article sounded interesting, so I flipped to the page where the full story was listed. Here's what it said, "Messi still believes that Maradona was a much better footballer than he will ever be..."<br /><br />I was saddened to read the article. On one hand, I was blessed by the fact that one of the greatest players in the world is so humble. On the other hand, however, I am heartbroken for the fact that people of Argentina consider a man, Maradona, to be God.<br /><br />For those of you alive in 1986, Diego Maradona was responsible for the infamous "Hand of God" goal that allowed Argentina to beat England. The referees missed the handling, but everyone else in the world could see it. Maradona, for decades, argued that he never handled it: if someone handled the ball, he argued, it must have been God. Maradona has had countless problems since, from alcohol to drugs.<br /><br />However, he is still considered a role-model by most Argentines. His jerseys are seen everywhere. In fact, here is a picture on a building not far from our home<br />:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_feRGj24bjTT4JEVusZKTUCf5rAsMHIOf81uz6VjDO21C_A6FiMq9tKXv_cxxe-sqaEEopRZ1yHAXJvYgDizbUQX-Z0leCNYWh5Pes5wRwnvp9FopZDtR9RwwC_VXl6oonw5Qi7vdSQ/s1600/IMG_0283.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_feRGj24bjTT4JEVusZKTUCf5rAsMHIOf81uz6VjDO21C_A6FiMq9tKXv_cxxe-sqaEEopRZ1yHAXJvYgDizbUQX-Z0leCNYWh5Pes5wRwnvp9FopZDtR9RwwC_VXl6oonw5Qi7vdSQ/s320/IMG_0283.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681585102982984066" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1VHHl0Wqk1zT0SoIG1Z0K1o6Mtfbrn9onOHc1kylPmTdi-1ii6sBsufcgdALAipjwgyncABWwHSdIuC0thuKNvqa_gmUuCPeIVXPURaY6tlaYxe3yT4J1Dkyvl_G9QD44tZsri8d0OI/s1600/IMG_0284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1VHHl0Wqk1zT0SoIG1Z0K1o6Mtfbrn9onOHc1kylPmTdi-1ii6sBsufcgdALAipjwgyncABWwHSdIuC0thuKNvqa_gmUuCPeIVXPURaY6tlaYxe3yT4J1Dkyvl_G9QD44tZsri8d0OI/s320/IMG_0284.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681585107546796514" border="0" /></a><br />Despite all of his problems, many Argentines would love for their children to be just like Diego. Here is something written by the Houston Chronicle:<br /><br />"To understand the gargantuan shadow Maradona casts over his soccer-mad homeland, one has to conjure up the athleticism of Michael Jordan, the power of Babe Ruth – and the human fallibility of Mike Tyson. Lump them together in a single barrel-chested man with shaggy black hair and you have <i>El Diego</i>, idol to the millions who call him D10S, a mashup of his playing number and the Spanish word for God."<br /><br />In fact, many people here call Diego "Dios." He IS God to many of the Argentine people. There is even a <span style="font-style: italic;">CHURCH OF MARADONA!</span> In <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosario,_Argentina" title="Rosario, Argentina" class="mw-redirect">Rosario</a>, Argentina, locals organized the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parody_religion" title="Parody religion">parody religion</a> of the "<i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_Maradoniana" title="Iglesia Maradoniana">Church of Maradona</a></i>". The organization reformulates many elements from Christian tradition, such as Christmas or prayers, reflecting instead details from Maradona. It had 200 founding members, tens of thousands more<sup id="cite_ref-85" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Maradona#cite_note-85"><span> </span><span></span></a></sup>have become members via the church's official web site. (Wikipedia)<br /><br />Welcome to Argentina. The people here jokingly say that they go to church each week; it just happens to be a soccer stadium! They sing songs of praise and worship, they boo "the devil" (the other team's players or the referee), they sing about victory and triumph, sadness and pain. There is laughter, joy, sadness, and lament.<br /><br />While I love <span style="font-style: italic;">juego hermoso</span> (or <span style="font-style: italic;">juega bonita</span>zi for my Portuguese friends), I don't live and die by the game. I am a fan (<span style="font-style: italic;">hincha)</span>, not a worshiper. I love watching the beautiful game, but it isn't a religion.<br /><br />My prayer is that all Argentines<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>will believe in God, that they can come to know him more and more. The true God, not the gods that men make for themselves or make out of themselves. May they come to know him more fully, wonderfully, and beautifully.<br /><br />God bless each of you!Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-49915742161778772322011-10-23T18:17:00.001-07:002011-10-23T18:24:12.103-07:00Religion in Buenos Aires (Part 2)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9MV20JMuevhxUkWbUV7K8IPoMCLUw8BtAZmr2sps9xzvFcvGDk8u4ZyRKmK0IHF1EMWh8By63N_jUjSy8wLjT1FiGrzmqRiNLv3rSBSl3R7ZosuyAkv_rRBATmi_3AHpYZ6toNIPqAs/s1600/DSC_0262.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9MV20JMuevhxUkWbUV7K8IPoMCLUw8BtAZmr2sps9xzvFcvGDk8u4ZyRKmK0IHF1EMWh8By63N_jUjSy8wLjT1FiGrzmqRiNLv3rSBSl3R7ZosuyAkv_rRBATmi_3AHpYZ6toNIPqAs/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666862994285636834" /></a><br />Ayudános, Madre, en nuestra hora de necesidad...<div><br /></div><div><br /><br />These words adorn many shrines found throughout the country.<br /><br />On October 1st, a large procession of people set out from Buenos Aires to the city of Lujan, almost 80 km away (50 miles.) Over 100,000 people make the pilgrimage from the capital to this religious site in honor of the Virgin of Lujan. According to the legend, the Virgin was in a cart being carried from Peru to Brazil, but the cart mysterious stopped in Lujan and wouldn't go any further until the Virgin was removed. There she stayed, and a belief was built up around her. Six million people visit the <i>catedral</i> in Lujan every year to pay homage to the Virgin.<br /><br />In a recent posting we talked about the role of Jesus in South America. Jesus is the crucified Savior, but is rarely shown in the glory of the resurrection. Jesus is always shown dead, hanging on the cross with a wound in his side.<br /><br />More important in Catholicism is the role of Mary. Mary, the Mother of God, the perpetual Virgin, the bearer of God and the bringer of help and care. It is believed that Mary has a special, direct connection to Jesus and God. Hence the "Hail Mary."</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Hail Mary, full of grace, the LORD is with Thee.</i></div><div><i>Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of they womb, Jesus.</i></div><div><i>Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death.</i></div><div><br />The text comes from various passages within Luke's Gospel, as well as some final remarks about praying for us. If Mary has a special, direct line to God, then she would be the first person they would want to pray to in order to get their hopes, desires, and wishes fulfilled.<br /><br />More important, however, is the concept of "The Virgin." It is rare to see Mary's name actually invoked; rather, there are dozens of shrines to "the Virgin." The idea of Mary's perpetual Virginity is an important concept in South American Catholicism. Although not a pronounced in Argentina (as opposed to places like Bolivia, Mexico, etc), the idea of the Virgin is an important aspect of the faith. Many trace the roots of Virgin worship to pre-Columbian religious beliefs in the strength and power of Virginity. Often, virgins were the sacrifice to the gods, because they were pure and without fault. The Virgin cultus provides a bridge that continues even into today.<br /><br />You see shrines to the Virgin in every subway station. There are shrines on every corner. We pass five between our house and the church building (and there isn't even a Catholic church on the way!) Two are dedicated to the Virgin of Lujan; one is dedicated to the Giving Mother; another is dedicated to the Virgin of Guadeloupe; and the other is simply generic.<br /><br />All this for a woman who is given very little mention in the Bible. Yes, she is highly regarded in the beginning of Luke, and seems to come to faith after the resurrection. (The tradition states that she remains with John until her death.) However, Jesus also says, "Those who do my Father's will are my mother and brothers..."<br /><br />Faith rests on Jesus Christ and his Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Let's pray in HIS name, and focus our efforts on being more like Christ. Let's ask him to help us in our hour of need, and focus on moving our lives closer to Him and the Father.<br /><br />God bless you guys! Thanks for your love and support...</div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2853346268872934808.post-11288199160419613252011-10-17T09:58:00.000-07:002011-10-17T10:10:16.605-07:00Updates<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI11YUs4dQH9O_f3qlGYzQtFVYmqgf3a_u-Rh_SHRGW8_D9FnpRRdyfmCfYNT7vgwxRr5UETOXRlws_XfXfl5KasVEGpq4prMGre1zgiCyJQzgRMZ2XWA7NgvfAc6yq3b1yfA7vRAlj0/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCI11YUs4dQH9O_f3qlGYzQtFVYmqgf3a_u-Rh_SHRGW8_D9FnpRRdyfmCfYNT7vgwxRr5UETOXRlws_XfXfl5KasVEGpq4prMGre1zgiCyJQzgRMZ2XWA7NgvfAc6yq3b1yfA7vRAlj0/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664509245445417138" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgHsey1j6skqQAoffnwguY6j37-b9U_dNsZLGtCKiHQMgU_cbx62DHsdvxn1aAimSB6cpykTCUSH9z1RPfY4IH6RdpFeiudcHjDwsLS2bPG0kNEUEFKGHiCMtQ_f6XBI1fCS7Zm5fRaM/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRgHsey1j6skqQAoffnwguY6j37-b9U_dNsZLGtCKiHQMgU_cbx62DHsdvxn1aAimSB6cpykTCUSH9z1RPfY4IH6RdpFeiudcHjDwsLS2bPG0kNEUEFKGHiCMtQ_f6XBI1fCS7Zm5fRaM/s320/IMG_0245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664509241618387362" /></a><br />We passed! We passed, we passed, we passed!<div><br /></div><div>Our language school ended last week, and Megan and I both did well! We both received high scores, and we are really enjoying practicing with our friends. We are both feeling more confident, although we are better with small groups than larger groups. (A few people don't mind waiting while you think through what you are saying.)</div><div><br /></div><div>We will be continuing our language study with our fellow missionary, Jonathan Hanegan. He already gave us 100 pages of homework while he is gone to the states!</div><div><br /></div><div>As an update to ministry... we are INCREDIBLY busy! (Estamos muy ocupados!) Here are our scheduled activities right now:</div><div>- Teaching english classes</div><div>- Studying Spanish in our spare time</div><div>- Running an English Conversation Club </div><div>- Two small English groups during the week</div><div>- English class on Sunday mornings</div><div>- Covering a small group while a missionary couple is gone to the states</div><div>- Volunteering with the youth, etc, on Wednesdays and Saturdays</div><div>- Etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stay pretty busy, but we are doing well. We love Argentina and the people; we are just trying to keep our feet under us!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sorry it has been so long since our last posting. There will be another this week. Stay posted! </div>Danielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01092004528575525801noreply@blogger.com0