Agarence!
"Agarence! Topay!"
I kept shouting from the passenger side window of our '94 Ford to the ten church workers perched precariously in the pickup bed. The person riding shotgun apparently is assigned the job of spotting for the driver.
In case you don't speak Spanish (like a few of us down here in Chiapas), "agarence" means "hold on!" And "topay" is the Mexican equivalent for speed bump.
The hermanos y hermanas (Brothers and Sisters) laughed hysterically at each of my pronunciation attempts. I even began making up words for the speed bumps, "togobogo" (I must have been thinking about buy one get one free shopping). "Telly Savalas" (think bald man in the road). However, I have discovered, any word said with the right accent and enthusiasm is understood.
That is really the message we have been trying to communicate to our "disciples." The love of God uses much more than words. The love of God translates across language barriers, cultural differences, or disabilities.
"If I speak in the tongues of men and angels but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1
The program in Comitan went well, with the church workers handling the games, songs and the craft. They also prayed individually with the children as we closed.
Today, the program will be completely orchestrated by the nationals. They seemed a bit apprehensive about taking over, but we came to train and empower the local body of believers to reach out through children's ministry and advance the Kingdom.
"And now I will show you the most excellent way." 1 Corinthians 12:31
Loving the people of Mexico!
"What a huge harvest! He said to His disciples. "How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!" Matthew 9:38 The Message
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