South America Journey - Rosario

The day begins at THQ/DHQ meeting with representative officers of the BA Division. 

One of the purposes of the journey is to share concerns and hopes with colleagues in each area we visit. Even though we have not had the close contact with these folks the conversation flows easily ( through a translator) and various observations are made. There are both tender and delicate moments from these people and great honesty as well as we share together. There is gret expectation on these officers, most of whom have two or even three appointments, probably fulfilling a social services role as well as a Corps or DHQ appointment. To an individual they live on top of or directly next to their hall or centre. They feel the strain of this, along with a lack of guaranteed allowances, and this as well as the pressures of every day ministry and family life. 

I know that context is important and many people in this massive city live on top of each other, or worse, on top of a rubbish tip, but I am full of admiration for these people - they understand what covenanted living is and apply themselves.

Tears flow as they explain their challenges but their is no sense of self pity.

As the conversation comes to and end we pray together - the only translation needed is that provided by the Holy Spirit and the we pray the Lord's Prayer together. 

Blessed.

The land is flat and the roads are straight - this is a beautiful country but the journey is boring to be honest.

As we approach the city of Rosario the expected shanty towns start appearing, at one point stretching as far as the eye can see. This is obviously a poor area - having stopped at a small town for lunch the need is emphasised.

We are welcomed by a group of officers when we get to the area that the corps is based in. We share tea together and then walk to the Corps building. The Midweek holiness meeting commences with much enthusiastic singing and and hallelujahs shouted. This is common in Argentina but particularly enthusiastic here. 

The Captain leads the meeting and includes a number of testimonies and some music from the band.

During the singing of one song the lights flicker and go out. The singing continues as if nothing has happened! 

The presence of the Holy Spirit is obvious - and nothing can extinguish it!

Tomorrow we visit the maternity unit and other programmes in the community operated in the area.