An Exhortation to Remain Faithful

The DR held a biannual FORO ("forum") over the weekend, meaning the local leadership circle, regional representatives like me, and, in this case, twelve US partners came together to celebrate how God is growing His Church in this place and to discuss what resources would be most impactful in order to see that work continue. It had been four years since we'd met in the capital, so I had the tremendous privilege of spending four nights in one of my favorite places: Santo Domingo's charming, historic Colonial Zone, Meanwhile in Santiago...Dana was hosting a team from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne: dividing and conquering at its finest. 

We tend to ease people into the FORO agenda on Friday, after travel day, so I'd helped organize an excursion to the Columbus Lighthouse and a casual, family-style lunch. We even had a few hours of rest time before we did squeeze in a wee bit of business. 

Victor Reyes, a member of Iglesia Luterana Pueblo Nuevo in Santiago, presenting on "Chamos," an NGO that aims to spread the Gospel with young people through volleyball.

Rev. Lucas Elberhardt sharing about Iglesia Luterana Amigos de Cristo, which coincidentally also reaches out to its surrounding community through sports. Following, the group witnessed him in action, leading a devotion before that night's practice.

Everyone except me, that is. This ain't my first rodeo. Despite having a reservation, I left Amigos de Cristo early to make sure our BBQ dinner spot had a table for 24 ready and food on the buffet table when everyone else arrived.

Saturday's long day of ministry updates at Iglesia Luterana Pan de Vida was made shorter by several scheduled presenters who wound up being unable to make the trip. This allowed time for a special guest from the St. Louis headquarters, the Rev. Dr. Brian Gauthier, to share about the Office of International Mission's global efforts. 

The Rev. Sergio Maita demonstrated how to stuff the arepas his wife Yoxa and mom Mariela had prepared for dinner.

It was back to Amigos de Cristo for Sunday morning worship, together with the Pan de Vida congregation. Of course the FORO guests were asked to stand and be introduced during the announcements after the service. Then: sancocho for all! 

One of the partners treated the entire crew that was still around to an Argentinian feast of meat, meat, and more meat on our final night together. 

During the season of Lent, I'm setting aside my regularly scheduled daily Bible reading in favor of a 10-chapter-a-day one that requires a bit more buy-in. I jumped in on Ash Wednesday, Day 64. The chapters represent a cross-section of Scripture and don't relate to one another in any way; Acts 11 came up during the FORO. Verse 19 relates that after Stephen is stoned, the believers dispersed and carried the Good News abroad: some exclusively to Jews, others to the Greeks in Antioch, as well. The latter were met with such great success that "a great number who believed turned to the Lord," (v. 21). As such, Barnabas makes a visit to this new foothold of the Gospel. 

"When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose," (v. 23). 

Many are turning to the Lord, here, too. I thus considered this passage in light of FORO partners who come, see and hear about the grace of God, and exhort both local believers and missionaries alike to cling unwaveringly to Christ. I know I speak for more than just me when I contend that their very presence is an encouragement to us - in our faith and in our callings. 

Another team hits the ground tomorrow, but with Dana capably in front of that, my next "thing" is a visit from 10 LCMS District Presidents happening later this month. The sticky note to-do list I started this morning is a mile long already!

Until next time, blessings in Christ!