Since we arrived we have been visiting many different churches, both locally and out in Armenia Bonita. One of the ways we are trying to minister right now is to worship with the people there. There are four primary churches there — one Catholic and three protestant/pentecostal churches. We have become very close to the pastors at these three churches, and have attended two of the three so far. It is somewhat difficult to spread our attendence exactly equally between them, but without careful consideration and planning we could lose one or more of these churches favor due to perceived favoritism.
Stunner and I playing guitar for a service
When one of the pastors asked Stunner and me if we could play guitar and sing for his service we decided to play for all of the churches on our next round of visits. This past week was our first Sunday playing at our brother Irene’s church. It was a good “practice run” filled with dropped guitars, broken microphones, and LOTS of repetitive singing, as is the custom here. Many times I (Josh) was asked to yield my guitar and play for another member of the congregation who had a song to share. With each song came fumbling with awkward chords in an attempt to find the right ones, and eventually just playing the chords from “Wild Thing”–the first song I learned on the guitar.
Pastor in the background and "Gringita" in the foreground
But despite all of this our effort alone seemed to be a blessing to those in attendance. We purposefully played songs in both English and Spanish to be a witness that the God we serve is not a God of one language or one culture but of all. This truth was never as clear as when we sang “Lord I lift your Name on High” (Tu Nombre Levantare) in both languages, worshiping our God together–two voices as one.
Throughout the past two weeks we have grown very close with most of the children here in Armenia. On our “off days” (without ESL, clinics, or church) we usually have play dates with all of the children, bring a few balls and frisbees and just have a good time. They especially loved when we showed up with a new soccer ball, and they’ll always chase the truck for just a few seconds of fun on the “Carro Gringo.”
Carro Gringo
Mayorie, Me, Keidy
That's right. The three of us -- Josh Bolton, Jamie Jacobsen, and Andy Stuntz -- are delaying college for a year to serve as missionary interns in La Ceiba, Honduras. We'll be helping two new missionary families as they plant a church, start a medical clinic, and reach out to street kids. Mostly though, we want to be vulnerable and to experience and share the power and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's where it's at, and that's where we want to be. Join us as we slowly learn what in the world that means!