While in South America I kept effectively four records: a blog which was very public and of which this is part; a photographic record which, again, was a public record of where we had been and could do much more than my words to describe the sights we were exposed to; a notebook in which I jotted down notes of the meetings and conversations, action points to be followed up on return - really a working document - which although not a public record is open to anyone for scrutiny; the final record was my devotional journal which contains my thoughts and prayers of a personal nature. Although some of this document is reflected in the blog my prayers are not.
This morning I have reviewed all of these records as a way of processing and re-entering my ministry here in the UK. This is, therefore, the last blog of this series although there will, undoubtedly be other, unconnected posts in future.
Almost without exception all the people we met were warm and welcoming. They saw us not as imposters or spectators but as people who genuinely were interested in them and, in at least one instance, saw us as a gift from God as our prayers could be added to those of others.
The faith of the believers was extraordinary! Their sense of contentment with what god had provided with them was an example to all - it has made me question how content I am with what I have. Materially I am rich in comparison but yet a pauper when it comes to my faith - in comparison. When I share conversations with those in this territory about what they have, have not and want to have I will need to remind myself of context as well as recognising God's provision for need not desire.
Commitment of individuals is worthy of note. In a country where there is a large youth population it is no surprise to see congregations full of young people - but there level of commitment is something impressive. Many of them are not content to be in a music group but also become extremely active in the League of Mercy and provision of community ministry - almost unknown in the UK. Equally the number of Salvationists hat work for the Salvation Army is extraordinary - and through conversation it is easy to note that they see their jobs as ministry - sometimes in the UK it is too easy to see our ministry as a job.
Deprivation on a grand scale is obvious - but is the experience of many and so the sense of community is significant.
The support that is given from the UK Territory of the Salvation Army seems to have dwindled - I understand why that should be - there are finite resources after all. Yet there are some efforts that could be made to raise awareness of the practical needs of officers, soldiers and their Ministries that we could support: the young music student who wants to teach music in the shanty towns as a way if building deeper community and offering ways out of a life of destitution; the restoration of sports areas that can provide social areas and a source of local income; the simple provision of art materials for the children's homes where money for such things is scarce. It seems that the needs of the big projects and ministries could be supported in different ways - and possibly that is where some of our expertise may be brought to bear, but with small local projects the resolution and improvement could come via local corps, Helping hand projects and even on behalf of individuals.
Above all else it struck me that we are truly partners in mission - there is evidence that our friends have not got what we have and vice versa: they have a faithful exuberance and a passion to share - we have material resource that we could give.
I am truly richer for being with these people - and those I travelled with as well.
Thank you Jesus!
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