We had two services to go to and an asado (cookout).
We had our usual worship at 9am with Nate. He has asked us read Psalms 105 & 106, then write our own thoughts on what God has done in our lives. We went round the circle and each read one line or section of our own psalm to see how it all wove together. It was our own psalm becoming OUR PSALM. Nate is good at stretching me spiritually with exercises like this.
We went to our first service at Berazetegui, Iglesia de la Esperanza. This is Anna and Norma’s church. A small body of believers with HUGE hearts. This church building was not in a very good neighborhood so they meet in the morning. Most others meet in the evening. About 20-25 people were there, besides our group, mostly women and young children. Four young ladies lead the singing and one young man accompanied them with the guitar. One usual thing I noticed was they drank mate during the service. They begin with singing which was a large part of their worship, then a message (given by Nate) titled “Why Pray?”. This was a learning session we had already had with Nate so we did know what he was talking about…just not literally understanding his words, obviously. Then we split up into small prayer groups. My group consisted of Nate, myself (of course), Alvio (the Elder of the church), his wife, Lilly and Pablo, who was the guitarist. We each gave prayers requests, personal and for the church, then prayed out loud. Afterward we said our goodbyes, which consists of saying “chau” and giving cheek kisses to…everyone. I forgot to mention that we did that upon arrival as well. I believe it puts a whole new meaning to “greet one another with a holy kiss”.
Asado (cookout) was at Steve and Wilma Bailey’s home. Steve is the Latin American Director of Missions for GBIM. He also mentors Brian and Rich. Gary and Linda McCaman were also there. They are both senior administrators within the organization. Steve grilled vacio (flank steak), chorizo (YUMMY) and chicken. Argentines are obviously big meat eaters!
Off to the second service at Wilde. Again, the “kissing meet and greet” to EVERYONE. This was a larger congregation and they have about 5 elders. A few of the Argentines spoke some pretty good english. It was a middle class neighborhood and you could tell based on the homes and cleaner appearance. People were a bit more “western” in appearance and attitude….not a lot…but a bit. There were many more men, young and old, making this a VERY influential church. Argentine men tend to have the attitude that church is a woman’s “thing”, so to have so many men…to be able to influence other men…what a wonderful thing! We began the service with a lot of singing and then impromptu prayers of praise, then announcements, more singing. The message was given by a visitor, Gustavo, from another church. His message had to do with being “fishers of men” and how we can’t be effective fishermen if we don’t move out of inside our comfort zone (homes, churches, etc).
On our way home (10:30 PM) we stopped at a local mall to have dinner at McDonald’s. Gary and I were told that their burgers were better here….so, we tried them and they WERE better (plus they have these cool coke glasses and I wanted one).
Arrived home at midnight…9AM to midnight….equals a LONG day!!
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