The Joys of the Unexpected

Well, Sunday morning was one of those days that made me just kind of shake my head and think, "what???". I went out to Sacaba for the service like usual. I had just been thinking that I was actually a few minutes early (when using the trufis - public vans - you never know for sure when you'll arrive) when I turned the corner and saw various people from the congregation climbing into a couple of vans/trucks. When I asked what was going on, I found out there had been an earlier service and that now they were going to another church in an area I'd never heard of for a "constitucion" which I figured meant a business meeting after the service. The next thing I know, I'm squished into a truck and I'm told that it'll be over at noon (which I figured meant 1pm). I had already made plans with friends for that afternoon so I thought all would be well...

We arrived at the church (Congregacion Israel) which I realized was a church plant from the Sacaba church, Rey de Reyes. It was in the middle of nowhere but apparently in the outskirts of Sacaba. Once Rosio (my friend as well as youth pastor at the Sacaba church) and I were settled, she turned to me and told me that since I was a CBM representative I would be part of the "concilio" that morning. I basically looked at her with a blank look on my face and, still thinking that this was more of a celebration service, asked her if she meant that they wanted me to bring greetings on behalf of CBM. She chuckled and told me no...that I would be part of the council that would ask questions to the members and then decide whether the congregation could become an official UBB (Bolivian Baptist Union) church.

No pressure...

So, once those of us on the council were introduced and the message had started, we went outside to another room to come up with the questions. There were questions regarding biblical knowledge, mission, history, principles and beliefs; questions directed to the children, youth, married couples, etc. Some of the questions, I was just hoping to understand in Spanish - let alone the answers that might be given. We all had various questions to ask and could make suggestions as well. I literally felt like I was flying by the seat of my pants and was praying that I wouldn't look (or sound) too stupid (no comments from family or friends!) :) When I asked what would happen if they didn't get all the questions correct, they simply told me that wouldn't happen.

Well, I won't bore you with all the details except to say that this congregation is now an official UBB church (congratulations La Iglesia Israel!) and I survived. Of course, I had to call my friends at around 2:30 letting them know that I may not be able to make it because the service was not even over yet nor did I have any idea where I was even if I could leave. I ended up getting back to the McBeth's around 4pm, had a bit of a rest and then got ready for the Christmas party at the McBeth's that evening (pictures coming in a couple of days).

It was a most unexpected day and I admit that I'm not looking to repeat it for awhile :) But I must say that it was interesting to see the two different thought processes. The majority of the questions that were asked dealt with straight facts, dates, etc. The two questions that I put forth to be asked (the rest of the council cleaned up the Spanish :) dealt with how spouses can show love to one another (giving practical examples) and when thinking of how a church is called to serve - how can they (their specific congregation) be a part of their community and serving [looking at integral mission]. What struck me was that those were the two questions they had the most trouble with because they had to think and be practical as opposed to just giving memorized answers.

Although the day certainly didn't go as planned, it was a good learning experience and certainly made for a good story :)

'til next time,
rebecca