The snake and the rooster

       “Laura, would you happen to have a Bible story about superstition that you could share tomorrow?” asked Manuel.  His invitation to present a story to the Cabécar men and women of Alto Rio Peje regarding a recent incident he had witnessed was eye- opening. Manuel and Yorlenny Porras is a missionary couple that has been serving the indigenous community for the past two years.

Manuel had observed how a rooster had been tied up to a tree and not allowed to roam around like most other roosters in the community. When he asked a member of the community why the rooster was tied to a tree, he was told that the rooster had been picking on chickens and chicks in recent days. If allowed to go on, that would mean a snake would soon bite someone in the community. As a result, the rooster needed to be tied up otherwise someone would be injured and die. According to Manuel, his observation necessitated an opportunity to cast light on a false practice that the Cabécar people had long believed.

       The story of Paul on the island of Malta in Acts 28 came to mind although it was not in the original agenda. After telling and retelling the story, questions about the story followed. When we began asking questions on how the inhabitants of the island viewed Paul as the snake fastened itself to Paul’s hand, there was silence. Pastor Marcelo Mora, the senior pastor of the community, turned quietly to Manuel and told him he did not understand the question. I explained that the islanders of Malta had acted superstitiously when they declared that Paul must have been a murderer, ‘for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live’ (v4). As we looked for ways to define and explain superstition from the group that assembled that morning, Manuel asked Pastor Marcelo if he had his permission to share his observation about the rooster being tied to a tree. Pastor Marcelo allowed him to use it as an example and Manuel then commented on the similarities of the two. While the group listened attentively to his reference, I sensed the Holy Spirit prompting me to return to the story and ask how the islanders felt about Paul after a snake gripped his hand. It was obvious that fear was what drove them to accuse Paul of being a murderer and it was also fear that caused the community to tie up the rooster to a tree. Irrational belief in Acts 28 as well as in this modern misconception practiced by the Cabécar has fear at its roots. As the story continues in verse 5, Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The contrast of Paul’s reaction led to open discussion among the Cabécar. Paul’s display of confidence and faith as he shrugged off the snake spoke volumes to the men and women who were present that day.

       Later that night, several of us were asked to pray for a young couple expecting their third child. The father had been battling nightmares and strange visions at night. When he told us his burden, the story of Acts 28 came up in the conversation. “Don’t forget, fear is not from God. It makes us weak but God makes us strong,” said the pastor to the young man before we closed in prayer.

      The amazing insights and profound observations that are found inside a Bible story can shape and mold the mind of any and every believer, as the Holy Spirit is allowed to be the great teacher.

Laura presenting Bible stories in Peje, Turrialba, Costa Rica

Manuel Porras sharing with Cabécar congregation

Pastor Marcelo Mora (left) praying for those who are about to share their Bible stories

Yorleny Porras holding newest member of the Cabécar community, baby Debora

Ministry partner, Tatiana Noriega (second from left) spending time with Cabécar young women

Ministry partner, Brendan Blowers (third from left) listening to music with Cabécar young men

Our last day of learning Bible stories at Alto Rio Peje

A trek worth making

Little did I knew when I stood at the edge of the beach in Punta Banco near the border of Costa Rica and Panama in April 2012 that my dream of being reunited with my Ngobe friends would come true.

All the arrangements to visit the indigenous communities of Carona and La Palma were made by Pastor Carlos Espinoza from the rural town of Laurel, Costa Rica.  Pastor Carlos has been mentoring the Ngobe pastors since the year 2000. He provides counsel and pastoral care to the men who live far from Christian seminaries or Bible colleges. The pastors who live in these communities had attended two previous Bible storytelling workshops and it was now my turn to return the favor and go to them.

Just a few weeks ago, my partner in ministry, Brendan Blowers and I, along with Pastor Carlos and two others, traveled eight hours by foot to reunite with the men and women I have come to know and love. I was invited to share Bible stories in their church services and help the pastors refine their skills in Bible storytelling.

The wooden church in Carona, under the leadership of Pastor Armando, meets three times a week in the evening. It was obvious when we entered the unassuming church that it lacked many comforts known to us in the West: electricity, tile floors, and air conditioning. But what it lacked, it over compensated by the warmth of the people and by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The invitation to share a Bible story with the congregation allowed me to see once again how the Word of God can pierce the hearts of men and women no matter their level of education or economic status.  The first parable I shared came from Luke 18:9-14, The Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The simple and profound six verses encouraged the believers in Carona that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted (v.14.) The affirming words of Jesus resonated with the humble congregation as they identified themselves with the tax collector in the parable. Unlike the proud Pharisee in the story, the Ngobe pastor admitted he has nothing else to offer Jesus except the acknowledgment that he is a sinner saved by grace.

I often wonder if those who have less in this world understand the words of Jesus more clearly than those of us who have so much more. In the case of Pastor Armando and his church, they most certainly do.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth – Matthew 5:5

Leo, Alberto, Laura, Brendan, Carlos ready to go

Sharing a Bible story in front of the church

Pastor Armando and his wife Rosalia

La Iglesia Cristiana de Carona

Aerial view of the Ngobe community

How Brendan and I looked like without sleep

A typical house in Carona 

Pastor Armando's church pulpit

Finding comfort in our troubles

In a culture that places a high value on friendship and community, I find myself listening more and talking less than usual. As I reconnect with church leaders in remote and rural settings, I am able to hear their joys and heartaches while visiting them or even while talking to them on a cellular phone. Their trust in God and their willingness to continue to spread the Gospel despite hardships and trials encourages me to persevere when I face my own disappointments and difficulties.

My dear friend, Santos Watson, is one of those brothers in the faith who has blessed me in such a way.  Santos and his wife, Griselda, are part of the Ngobe people group who live in the southern tip of Costa Rica. The sweet couple has three children and they minister to other Ngobe families who speak Ngabare in neighboring indigenous communities. The last time I saw them was last spring after they had attended a follow up session on Bible storytelling approximately two hours away from where they live near Paso Canoas. I visited their humble home in the middle of luscious plants and wild birds soaring by. The visit was particularly special because I was able to watch Griselda ride the only form of transportation they have, their beloved mare. She and Santos depend on their horse to get to places as much as we city folks depend on our vehicles to get from point A to point B.

I was by no means surprised when Santos called me on my mobile phone last Friday. He and I speak to each other regularly as Santos travels to a less remote area near his home in order to get a cellular signal. “Hermana Laura, my horse died and now we don’t have a way to get around,” said Santos in a matter of fact tone. Before I asked him what happened to his most treasured possession, I took the liberty to tell him our family’s van had stopped working and was now in the shop to be for an unknown amount of time until it got repaired. Unfortunately, Santos’ horse had been stolen by a couple of drunks and in their attempt to steal the mare, it fought back and the men decided it would be best to kill the animal. The heart-wrenching story left me speechless.  “Hermana Laura, we have a lot in common. I have to walk; you have to walk. I can’t travel far; you can’t travel far. However, if God wants me to have a horse again and if God wants you to have your van again, He will allow it. There is nothing too hard for God,” replied Santos ever so confident over the phone.

I will be seeing Santos and Griselda along with many other Ngobe leaders in a few short weeks. Our reunion will be filled with countless Bible story telling hours, the singing of stories from the Old and New Testament, dramas that involve children and youths in the telling of parables, etc. It will be a grand time to say the least. But most importantly, our bond will not be bolstered by our strengths but by the weaknesses we share. To serve out of my so-called strength would mean pride but to serve out of my weakness allows me to empathize and become a better friend.

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Griselda and her horse near their home

Santos at our spring Bible storytelling training

Santos talking on his cell phone

Waving the White Flag of Surrender

Christmas is a few days away and in more ways than one, we’ve received the most wonderful gift: a home to live in.  In our December prayer letter, we asked that you would join us in praying for a home in San Jose.  As a result of your prayers, we found a wonderful home three weeks after arriving. While we looked for a home and then waited for our new landlord to make the necessary repairs and improvements, we patiently stayed at a missionary housing unit that allowed us to meet other individuals and couples who were passing through or who were getting some rest from their field assignment. Although it was not easy to have the four of us live with our suitcases in a confined space, we at least met new friends and got to know our immediate area.

Since we arrived a month ago, we’ve begun to painstakingly wave the white flag of surrender.  It became apparent to us early in our arrival that things would not fall neatly into place. The home we are living in became ready to move into later than promised. The Internet provider came three days later than they said they would come. The electrician showed up a week later than scheduled and so it goes…..

We seemed to have been taking it all in stride until our daughters took notice of the kindness shown to us by fellow missionary families who came to our rescue with bedding, towels, pots, pans and even utensils when we moved into the barren house. Our personal belongings that had been packed inside the Rubbermaid Action Packers before we left Idaho have been sitting in a warehouse nearby waiting for Customs to sign off after its full inspection.  As of today, our personal goods have yet to be in our possession. The girls were so touched by the generosity of these families that they hoped one day our family would respond in the same unselfish manner as these families have responded to us.  

Needless to say, the four of us are learning to surrender to the cultural norms of the country as we become transformed by the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit.  We cannot expect to grow in patience if we are not put in situations where we are stretched to become more patient. Our patience quotient feels sky high these days but I also know our present situation has made us more humble as well. Bended knees have replaced the badge of self-reliance as we call upon God to grant us peace during difficult and challenging times. These days, Romans 12:12 comes to mind often, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

As we continue to wave the white flag of surrender, please pray that we may not only get our boxes before Christmas but that we may also be grateful in the midst of waiting.

-Laura

Saturday at the local park

Our home for three weeks - AMCA House

Our mode of transportation while we wait for our vehicle to arrive

Patiently waiting as they sit in a nearby warehouse

No House...No Car...No Problem

Tomorrow marks the granddaddy of all American holidays: Thanksgiving. It is one of the most treasured holidays because it celebrates God’s goodness in our lives as we sit around the dinner table thanking the Lord for His provision and faithfulness.

This year an American family who lives and serves in San Jose has invited our colleagues and friends, the Sanchez family and our family to a Costa Rican style Thanksgiving. They told us they would be serving turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing but they also mentioned that the famous Lizano Sauce (Salsa Lizano) will sit at tableside to flavor our holiday meal. Salsa Lizano is Costa Rica's most beloved sauce; it is not fiery hot but rather salty with a hint of spiciness lent by black pepper and cumin.

Yet with less than a week since we left the States, we find ourselves grateful during this Thanksgiving holiday for friends who voluntarily transport us to and fro and for a place to lay our heads while we find a place to call home.

 It’s times like these when we realize His every provision in our lives: food, shelter, clothes and even transportation. Our Lord and Savior sees our every need and He promises to care for His children according to His goodwill and purpose.

Lastly, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks for the kind words and encouragement we have received from our family and friends since our departure last week. May the Lord bless your time with your loved ones as you gather together on Thanksgiving Day.

-Laura

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘”What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?” These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you all you need.   Matthew 6:30-33

A wet Thanksgiving is in the forecast

Xiana showing me a tour of the kitchen in our temporary dwelling

Our faithful friend never wants to leave us

A stroll through the neighborhood

Downtown San Jose

To replace the gravy this year :)