Why are we doing this? Sometimes I wonder myself. I think it’s simply because God called us (a long time ago) and we want to.
I was reading this morning in my Spanish/English Bible (for those of you who can, I would recommend reading in two languages) the Gospel of Mateo, chapter four verse sixteen (I can only read the narratives in Spanish, prophecies and poetries are still too difficult for me):
«el pueblo que habitaba en la oscuridad ha visto una gran luz;
sobre los que vivían en densas tinieblas
la luz ha resplandecido.»
(Translation: “the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”)
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not having visions of grandeur believing my family and I will be bringing a great harvest of Mexican souls to faith (by ourselves anyway). I’ve read K.P. Yohannan’s book “Revolution in World Missions” (www.gfa.org). What I see us doing is unique to us; something that us white skinned “gringo’s” are good at.
Most of the American church is fat and lazy. Many of us who have even half-heartedly applied ourselves on Sunday morning understand more doctrine then probably most of the illiterate third world. Yet we continue to misunderstand the simple truth in the Gospel. I believe the common theme in the Gospels is to “Repent and Tell (tell others the Good News)”. What the church needs to do now, is experience the freedom from sin within salvation, and then live like forgiven people. The forgiveness God extended to us is complete. There's no sin left. How could we not be a blessing to others if this was our focus? Blessing others should be almost automatic.
So, what are five white skinned gringo’s (namely me and my family) going to be good at in Mexico? Supplying opportunity for other gringo’s to invest in God’s world works (time and money) and encouraging those gringos to do so. That’s what we are going to do in Mexico. I also intend to learn another language and be taught a few hundred things about the Gospel from approximately 30 Mexican street kids who God pulled out of the shadow of death. Truly, a light has dawned in TJ. Praise God. As I learn these new things, I’ll come and tell you too!!
About the picture; my youngest (Nathan) was asked in class the other day to write about someone important that he KNOWS (emphasis added by me). Children sometimes have a great perspective on reality. Read it for yourself; it's precious. Please note the beard.
Blessings,
The Hanson’s
