We Are Welcome Strangers in a Really Big City
Karen and I have been blessed to have visited the Redeemer Church of Christ in Buenos Aires four times in less than three years. If you think that Wichita is a big city, you should visit Buenos Aires. If you think your Spanish is pretty good, you should visit Buenos Aires. If you think your culinary skills are pretty good, you should visit Buenos Aires!
Our church family in Argentina is loving and warm and gracious; we know many of their stories, and we marvel at their courage and their strength to face difficult financial situations. We are blessed by their friendship and their hospitality, and we really appreciate their assistance as we try to communicate. We have come to love them dearly.
Despite our love for each other, it’s still important for us to realize that we are foreigners in this country. Without the help of Jonathan, and Chema and Vanessa, we probably would not be safe in Buenos Aires. We are still strangers in a really big city.
In Hebrews 11, Abel and Enoch, Noah and Abraham (and Sarah) are said to have one common characteristic (in addition to their faith), “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own … Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (v13-16).
It’s been a busy visit with the Redeemer congregation. We hosted a team weekend retreat outside Buenos Aires. Jonathan, Chema and Vanessa, and four other key members stepped away from the ministry for a couple of days of fellowship and prayer (and World Cup soccer). Last week, we participated in two baptisms, including the husband of a woman baptized at the church retreat about two months ago. This week, 13 high school students and parents are here from Abilene TX leading a Vacation Bible School at church.
Romans 12.9-13 is a strong encouragement for Northside and Redeemer congregations in our shared walk of faith:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.