As I mentioned in previous posts, the culture, daily routine, food, climate, and much more is very different here in Chile. There are certainly the similarities as well. For instance, hearing Celine Dion's "I Will Always Love You" being played on the radio in a café (American pop music is extremely common and holds great influence in Chile). But, despite all of the similar things and reminders of home, Chile, just isn't quite home. So, it can be quite hard at times to adapt and get accustomed with things. However, God has been teaching me recently something that sounds easy or simple, but is really quite deep and cuts to the heart. Circumstances don't provide comfort, Christ provides comfort. So, in regards to my situation, I've seen this through a few things: being involved with the local church, fellowship with a brother in Christ, and a recent "retiro de hombres" (men's retreat).
The coolest thing about coming to Chile and being a Christian has been being able to immediately be loved and cared for by the local Church. No matter the cultural differences or slightly different style or brand or flavor of the worship setting or gathering, if the local Church is following Jesus, I immediately feel at home, loved, a part of the family. Even when I don't understand everything going on or being said simply due to the language barrier, I'm able to recognize the fruit of the Spirit in the people of the Church. It's such a cool thing. Immediately and still constantly I'm being welcomed, loved, invited to different things, and cared for in a special way. Because there's frequent study abroad students in the area, this local church has assembled a group of young people at the church to specifically outreach and welcome us. My first visit I can remember being such a breath of fresh air. After being in Santiago living in a hotel for 4 days, then touring around Valparaíso and registering for classes all week long, getting rest in Christ by being connected with the body of Christ was and still is phenomenal.
Additionally, it can be very hard to make new friends sometimes. If you've ever moved or been in a place where you literally don't know anyone, that can sometimes be overwhelming or at the very least, a little bit intimidating. First, I was thrown into a group of 50 gringos (Americans). Then, thrown into a town of about 1.5 million Chileans. But fortunately, I was able to meet a fellow brother in Christ within the first few moments after arriving into the Santiago airport. Since then, we've shared our stories with each other, prayed for one another, and continued to meet up together to talk about weeks, our struggles, and our lives.
Finally, just yesterday I went on an all day long men's retreat with the local church. There was about 100 men there I would say, plus 2 gringos, me and my fellow brother that I just mentioned. It was awesome. Just a full day of worship, word, quite time, group time, prayer, food, and a brief soccer game. I really feel like a part of the church and that I know people that care about me.
So, why do I mention all of these things? Well, at times, being in Chile has been certainly harder than I had anticipated. Maybe I made the mistake of thinking that simply being in a different place would all of a sudden magically boost my spirituality and I would become this awesome "super christian," if that even exists. There's certainly been awesome moments as well. But, all of these things: the church, a brother in Christ, the retreat are all wonderful. Community is definitely important. However, the thing God is showing me though is not to just simply adapt and find a new comfort zone. Because that would be the easy thing to do. Go from the US and my way of doing things there, then get thrown into a new, unfamiliar place. Sniff around for the familiar things that I know I can trust, then settle in, and get comfortable. Even as I write, I know I might be sounding a bit confusing. I'm not saying that these things are inherently bad, they're not. They're actually wonderful. But, the core of these things is Jesus. I think I'd be making a big mistake if I found my comfort and sense of peace in the people of the local church, or the personality of my new close friend, or in the hype of a retreat or event. These are all good. But, the question is, why are these things good? Jesus, yes the typical Sunday School answer. The most important community that I could ever have is with Jesus.
To sum things up, I'm praying that Jesus would be what I find my hope, my peace, my life in. And in Him alone. The church, brothers and sisters in Christ, and retreats are all great. But, that's only because they're hopefully directing me more towards Jesus. One thing God spoke to me last night was this: "Jesus is all I'll ever truly have, and Jesus is all I'll ever truly need." When we think about things that are permanent and last forever, what do we truly have that doesn't pass away? If we're human, then the only permanent thing we have that doesn't fade is our sin. If we've trusted in Jesus, then the only permanent thing we have is Jesus. And He is enough. That's hard to see or to understand or to truly believe and feel in our hearts. If I were to pose a challenge to anyone reading, it'd be just that: Is Jesus enough for you? If everything you trusted in, loved, found comfort and security in were gone, would Jesus still be good enough? Would He still completely satisfy you?
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