Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Argentina:God goes where He's Wanted

Have you ever noticed that there are places, people, and churches that ... simply put, seem to be more Supernatural than others? In trying to explain the growth of Christianity in China I once heard Phil Yancey respond by saying, "God goes where He's wanted." This would clearly be the case with Argentina. The plan was to go on a mission trip and be a blessnig to them but clearly, they were richer in the Spirit than we. After washing the feet of some children in poverty-stricken areas and then presenting them with a new pair of socks, the children offered to wash our feet. One litle girl wanted to give her only piece of jewelry, a cheap $10 watch to a team member. People showed up for outreach events and for church through word of mouth invitation (they dont have the $ to spend on church marketing campaigns). We prayed for the sick, laid our hands on the abused, and i think i kissed more people (the argentine greeting is a kiss by the ear) in the past week than i have in my whole life. All i can say is that the fruit of the Spirit-Love is very abundant there. No wonder so many people are coming to Christ in Argentina. Love. "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8). The question of course is: are you sure you really want to draw near to Him? (see Ex. 33:13-18). His presence requires holiness. i hope to hear your thoughts. thx for your prayers. The trip exceeded expectations.

6 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

thats awesome. i agree w/Yancey, but Jesus said it first, "blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness." sounds like you're hungry and thirsty

2:36 PM

 
Blogger Marilina said...

Hi! This is Marilina Vega, from Argentina but currently in Asia. Thanks for the comments on my country. I tend to agree! However, I think God's going where he is wanted a lot of times means God working among the poor. We rich people, American or Argentinan, tend to want and need him a lot less. No wonder Jesus said blessed are the poor.
Glad you enjoyed the kisses (?) Now you can understand how alienated we feel when we visit Arizona :)

7:43 AM

 
Blogger cindi said...

Thanks for sharing these thoughts, B. You guys' love for these people is contagious. Love wins.... oh, and I think our culture should adopt the Argentine greeting.

7:02 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The experience was indeed supernatural. I've never seen such passion and love for God lived daily. The entire experience was amazing!
In your sermon about the Beatitudes you said "go out and represent the Kingdom of God". The Argentines we met are an awsome example of how to represent the Kingdom on earth the way God intended.
Their dream, desire and heartfelt prayer is that we never forget what we experienced and to spread that passion, community and love here. I pray we live out here the dream God gave them, the way they are living for God there and to pass along that dream. My prayer is for that dream to remain firmly planted in my/our hearts.

Dios te bendiga Bobby ~
Tam`

2:41 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I know exactly what you mean...I have never understood why God seems so much more present in some places than in others. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled." -Jesus (Matthew 5:6). Sounds like Argentina is hungry and thirsty.

4:06 PM

 
Anonymous Anonymous said...

bobby,
what makes a person or place want him more? What makes Argentina more hungry for God?
right now my wife is playing back a video of the kids in the hatian orphanage where my daughters are currently. They are singing more love, more power. Is there a better picture of the weak asking God to show His glory, strength and power in their life? Jesus clearly didn't reach out to those who had the appearance of spirituality but instead, those who needed Him. Argentina has gone through some of it's most difficult years in the past decade. In it's brokenness God is showing His strength. Is america just too comfotable to allow for God to show His strength?

10:19 PM

 

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