This Post Would Be Illegal in the US
I got the following WhatsApp message from Natalie on Friday at 12:35 pm: "Have you been on any visits in PN [Pueblo Nuevo]?"
No, I had not.
But less than an hour later, I was in the car with her, Rev. Joel Fritsche, Vicar Mario Sánchez , and Seminarian Elvis Carrera. Most every Friday, they visit a public school in the same neighborhood as the church, where they have the opportunity to lead a devotion in numerous classrooms. Yes, a PUBLIC school. The church's "in," over a year ago now, was Mercedes Gil, director of Concordia Lutheran School in Palmar Arriba; it's all about who you know here.
Getting back to Friday, I say most because we showed up and, unbeknownst to us, it was tarde familiar. 'Tis the season for such fairs, as I learned a few weeks ago. While there were no afternoon classes...and thus no classroom devotions...we were spontaneously invited to participate in the event's opening, effectively reaching the entire student body, faculty, and staff as well as some parents and community members. God be praised!
The rest of the afternoon proceeded as usual with a few house calls in the surrounding community. Just another day in the mission field...doing something that would have landed us a lawsuit in the US!
Until next time, blessings!
No, I had not.
But less than an hour later, I was in the car with her, Rev. Joel Fritsche, Vicar Mario Sánchez , and Seminarian Elvis Carrera. Most every Friday, they visit a public school in the same neighborhood as the church, where they have the opportunity to lead a devotion in numerous classrooms. Yes, a PUBLIC school. The church's "in," over a year ago now, was Mercedes Gil, director of Concordia Lutheran School in Palmar Arriba; it's all about who you know here.
Getting back to Friday, I say most because we showed up and, unbeknownst to us, it was tarde familiar. 'Tis the season for such fairs, as I learned a few weeks ago. While there were no afternoon classes...and thus no classroom devotions...we were spontaneously invited to participate in the event's opening, effectively reaching the entire student body, faculty, and staff as well as some parents and community members. God be praised!
The gathered crowd.
Mario reading the Christmas story from Luke 2.
Elvis giving a homily on the meaning of Advent.
Natalie leading everyone in Noche de Paz (Silent Night) on guitar.
Pastor Fritsche closing our portion of the afternoon in prayer.
The rest of the afternoon proceeded as usual with a few house calls in the surrounding community. Just another day in the mission field...doing something that would have landed us a lawsuit in the US!
Until next time, blessings!
Comments