Greetings again. I have been out of touch – and out of town – for a bit this summer. I recently had the joy of joining a trip with our church to visit our friends at Iglesia Alianza Cristiana y Misionera in Rimac (a district just outside of Lima), Perú. If you recall your 6th grade world geography, July is winter in the Southern Hemisphere and smack dab in the middle of their school year.
Our team participated in art, drama, and music classes as well as chapel services at the affiliated Christian school during the day. In the evenings, we joined and shared in workshops for the church and school parents on family and parenting topics. We also enjoyed the energy of Peruvian style worship.
The connection in Rimac was almost immediate as we were warmly and generously embraced by our new friends. Our brotherhood in Christ crosses all language and cultural barriers. I was struck in our seminars with how family challenges are universal; and how God’s grace, God’s ways, and God’s love is the timeless answer to our family issues.
In every culture, the need to love our children, lead our children, and affirm our children are critical building blocks to family living. Learning to communicate in ways that seek to understand, bring honor rather than shame, and resolve conflict are valuable lessons for all who seek to follow after Christ in their family dynamics.
Here are a few photos of what has been happening across the equator while our blog has been silent. We will be back soon to continue our journey to “walking in the new self” and the 500 things that that entails.
