Sunday, June 6

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

I've come to realize that some days on this journey are going to be easier than others. Today was not one of them. The plan from the night before - or at least the plan we interpreted - was that a member of the congregation at the Iglesia Methodista would pick us up and our home and take us to church. So we had breakfast, finished getting ready, and then we waited and waited. Finally, Victoria said, "Christian (her daughter's boyfriend) will take you." So we all piled into Christian's jeep and headed off to church. Upon arriving, the Pastor was outside with another man, Samuel greeting folks as they entered the worship space. Apparently, we had misunderstood the ride situation because it was never mentioned again.

Then, we entered the sanctuary where a few people were seated. This time, unlike all our past experiences with the Encuentro groups of Duke folks, we weren't greeted. Honestly, this felt more like the "church" I know from home. Instead of just sitting there, we got up and introduced ourselves. As more people entered, some hesitantly stuck out their hands to welcome us. As the music began, we were greeted in a familiar English tone by Manuel, a young Mexican man who works with the Volunteer-In-Mission program, assisting mission teams from the U.S. who come to Mexico to work.

The service was similar to what we experienced the week before at the church in Mexico City except that it was much smaller (~40 people), BUT this time we had no translator. None of us (Miranda, Bobby, or me) could understand the sermon. However, communion must be a universal thing because that seemed to be very similar to what we do in the UMC at home.

After the service, several folks eagerly greeted us because at that point they knew who we were. (Each visitor was asked to stand and introduce themselves before the congregation - boy, I'm glad we don't make people do that, but it is a way to know the people who are worshipping with you.) I guess my point in saying all this is that in our churches at home, we too practice something similar. We often don't initially greet our visiting brothers and sisters - or we wait until a later time that might be too late. Especially as members of our churches, let us remember to extend warm welcomes to those worshipping around us and with us - friends and strangers alike - because you just never know how God might use you to reach someone else.

Today, I remembered the 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 passage about love. Remembering today that love is patient, kind, and understanding was important - especially when the three of us had reached our limit at 4pm. We were still at church and about to leave - thankfully. Even as future pastors, four consecutive hours in a foreign place worshipping, eating, and experiencing fellowship with those around us (in Spanish, of course!) is about all we could take...

But, love is patient; love is kind; love is understanding. These people had demonstrated love to us in the best way they knew how and we were extremely grateful - even though it was a much different experience than what we had had before.

One side note, as we were wrapping up our meal (comida) and fellowship, the Pastor asked if one of us would preach proximo domingo (in other words, NEXT SUNDAY!!!). So, here we go - Bobby and I decided to split the time and have a somewhat related topic. I pray this will work!

Love is patient...