“I teach that people should put their trust in nothing but Jesus Christ alone, not in their prayers, merits, or their own good deeds”.
Quotes like this one from Martin Luther have made the rounds over the past month as we’ve celebrated the 500th anniversary of the Reformation here in our church community. Why celebrate such a controversial moment while serving in a Roman Catholic context? Because
we need to rediscover what was lost in the medieval church and is so often lost today,
the Gospel.
That’s exactly what 27-year-old Juanita needed. She grew up a pastor’s kid, and yet her whole understanding of Christianity hinged upon the quality of her faith, morality, and prayer life. So of course she never felt spiritual enough to be baptized, received into membership, and welcomed to the Lord’s table. Jesus was missing in her version of Christianity.
Thankfully, that changed.
“Until the last few weeks, I’ve never had a real encounter with God. I’m just now understanding Christianity as it really is!”. She wanted us to share a picture of her baptism with you.
Or consider another young woman from a hard background. The gospel had “clicked" for her in the past year, but she wouldn’t dare come forward for communion. But after talking about new life in Christ,
God’s affection at Christ’s expense, no amount of shame would keep her from walking confidently down the aisle for communion and flashing a grace-filled grin at me as she reached for the elements.
On the other end of the spectrum is a man in his late sixties. His trust was in his longevity at our church and familiarity with Christian tradition. We’ve spent years praying through trials and suffering. The oft-asked question, “where is God in all this?” hasn’t been asked all that often in the last few months. I suspect it’s because he’s found the answer. God is right in the thick of suffering with this dear man. He called a few weeks ago to reflect on his new discovery, “You know all my Christian tradition. Well, something’s happened. It’s like I’m being born again”.
The Reformation was all about removing obstructions so that sinners could meet Jesus. Friends, that’s our day-to-day, seeing many meet Jesus and walk with Jesus. And it’s the most thrilling calling we could imagine. Thank you for allowing us to serve God’s church among the nations and the next generation.
Gratefully,
Andrew w/Laura Kate, Fox, Evie Jude, & Lucy
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They're here!It's been a little over two years, but Andrew & Kelly Baxley have joined us in Bogotá. Andrew steps in as the youth and families pastor and Kelly begins to see clients for counseling and will help launch the Bogotá Counseling Network, a much-needed biblical counseling resource for our city. Each will help care for MKs in the region. Please pray for our dear friends as they adjust, learn more Spanish, and prepare to welcome their baby boy in mid-December.
