Guatemala otra vez – el dia dieciocho

Every day brings new opportunities to witness God’s presence in different ways. This morning I was supposed to have pupusas for breakfast, but the local vendor was late in opening. I finally got my pupusas at 7:30 and the truck was supposed to pick me up at 7:30. I had to eat quickly, but the pupusas were very hot. They were filled with beans and cheese. The cheese burnt to roof of my mouth. Good pupusas, but too bad I had to eat them in a rush. We had another great day of sharing and we are finding that we really don’t have enough time to discuss the questions before us. It is a wonderful way to share customs, culture and faith. I am learning a great deal about the struggle of the Methodist church in El Salvador. They are very patient as they try to develop. I had not realized that the Methodist church is only 14 years old in El Salvador. The constitution of El Salvador prevents any Bishops other than Roman Catholic and so they have had to modify their methodology. As of right now, they only have local pastors. None of the clergy are ordained and they are trying to move very cautiously in this area because they are developing the pattern for the future church. It presents an interesting dilemma as they try to follow the Book of Discipline, since it is impossible for them to adhere to all of the regulations of the United Methodist Church.
Tonight we worshipped with the congregation at la iglesia methodista El Shaddai. Pastora Norma preached and shared a powerful message. She is really a gifted pastor and preacher. I felt very blessed to know that I have the opportunity to serve with her at Ramsey Memorial. I have seen her develop as a leader and as a preacher. Tonight it was wonderful to see her preaching in her country of origin. I know that this is where her heart is, but fortunately for me, her residence is in Richmond, Virginia, along with her family. Tomorrow we head back to San Salvador to visit a few significant sites in El Salvador’s history. I am looking forward to hearing and seeing more of the history of this beautiful country.
Today I was told by one of our team members that he didn’t feel he was getting anything useful out of this experience. That really saddens me because I believe that we can truly see the face of God in the poor and experience God’s presence in a unique way through those that have been oppressed. My concern for our church in the United States is that we have a tendency to see our methods, theology, and standard of living as being the way God wants things to be and so we miss God’s activity in the lives of those that do not have the means or access to the resources we take for granted. For me, when I encounter those that appear to have nothing to be grateful for and yet they are filled with joy and demonstrate radical hospitality, I believe that I am witnessing that which Jesus spent the majority of his time preaching about. When we become so focused on “proper” institutional behavior and the niceties of life (i.e. – hot water, comfortable and safe transportation, etc.) we can easily overlook the treasure in our midst. I sense that the Methodists in El Salvador have found the hidden treasure in the field, they have found the pearl of great price, and nothing else compares to that treasure. Unfortunately for us in the United States, everything else has far too much importance and influence on our lives. Our worship tonight was in a small “storefront” church that was half the size of a one car garage. We had approximately 36 people in the service, most of whom were children and youth. The enthusiasm in song was wonderful and the spirit was great. This church will thrive because it was obvious that the spirit of the Lord was present. All of those that attended tonight were truly blessed.