People who serve as translators for volunteers on mission trips have a special place in my heart. My trip to Guatemala proved (again) that my love for translators is not misplaced. I consider myself blessed that Jorge was not only my translator and a Christian, but also a Baptist.
Stepping away from all the rhetoric in Southern Baptist political and theological controversy and entering a world where a believer's faith and lifestyle is more fundementally entwined was quite refreshing. Let me explain. Jorge became a Christian about 10 years ago when he was a teenager. The influences of an IMB missionary and a young Guatemalan pastor are still part of Jorge's testimony. What is more important to Jorge is that his commitment to Christ also came with a clearly understood commitment to what it means to be part of the body of Christ, His church.
Baptists in Jorge's church are in the church house on Sunday and they are in Bible study on Wednesday night, without exception. If a church member is not present, their presence is noted immediately and someone (usually the member's deacon) is summoned to the missing member's home to take care of the sick member...there are no other 'excuses' for not being there. Likewise, the members of his church are tithers, no exception...and offer 'first fruits' as a clear and visual expression of that commitment in the most literal sense. I have a picture of the table that stands in front of the pulpit in Jorge's church, and on that table is a very large watermelon...it was a gift, the best of a farmer-member's first crop. On Sunday nights, members bring non-believer friends and associates to the church house...it is an expectation and considered a commitment to Great Comission evangelism.
There is more. When I questioned Jorge about what happens if a member doesn't measure up to all of these (and other) expectations, he looked at me like I had asked the silliest question on earth. The paraphrased summary of his explaination: why would anyone who loves Jesus give up the joy of fellowship with fellow believers or the satisfaction of seeing monetary gifts combined do greater good or 'missing out' on something in a Bible study that enriches your faith or sharing the joy of being a believer with someone who may never have heard the name of Jesus before...are you crazy?
I have been back for a week now. I have asked myself if I could be a Baptist in Jorge's church. I have asked myself, "Am I crazy for NOT being consistent and commited as my Guatemalan brothes and sisters?" You may have heard volunteers report to their home church that even though they traveled to a distant mission point to minister...that in fact, it was something or someone at the host location who ministered more to them personally. In this instance, Jorge-the-Baptist, ministered to me and made it clear that many of us (and I confess my inclusion in this group) who claim to be Baptist are, indeed, crazy!
Guatemalan food note: beware of small, fresh, deliciously sweet bananas...your system may not be prepared for that level of fiber (enough said).
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