Mano de Amistad / Hand of Friendship
Humberto & Becky Ramirez – – April/May 2014 – – Hispanic Ministry Update
A Report on Humberto’s Recent Trip to Mexico
“So . . . . How was your trip to Mexico?”
Every time someone asks me that question, my automatic response is: “Fantastic! Great! I saw dozens of old friends I hadn’t seen in years, and we were able to have some great conversations. The classes Mike (the friend who went with me) and I gave at the Universidad Cristiana de Mexico (Mexico Christian University) were well received and several folks wanted to further explore the subject after the classes. Neither Mike nor I got sick, and I think he returned to the USA with a new perspective (and appreciation) of what Mexico is really like.”
After summing up my trip in a few glowing sentences, however, I know there is still much work to be done if our dream for this trip is to be realized. Let me see if I can explain. One of the objectives of the trip was to talk with various pastors and church leaders about how to help their congregations have a transforming impact in the communities in which they are located. After speaking with them, I noted two obstacles that need to be overcome.
First, the concept thatMexico is a poor country. Now, obviously, if we compare Mexico to the USA, it lacks many material things to be equal. But try seeing Mexico from God’s viewpoint. Ephesians 2:7 says: So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.This gives us an image of God’s overabundant provision, especially for His people. In that same vein, II Cor. 9:10-11 goes on to say: This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.
Personally, I think this idea of poverty has been adopted by the Mexican churches because they believe the descriptive phrases they’ve heard for decades: Third World Country, Developing Nation, Needy Country, Less Privileged—even though allthose descriptions contradict God’s promises for His church. We need to work on changing the people’s mindset.
The second difficulty is the idea of separating the spiritual from the material—a problem some theologians have called “The Biggest Heresy in History.” In many ways the worldwide Church in general—and not just Mexican churches—has taught that salvation is purely spiritual and has nothing to do with material needs. As a consequence, churches have dedicated themselves to reinforcing doctrinal ideas that emphasize the idea of a coming salvation while many times ignoring the basic needs of the members of their congregation such as housing, food, health, work and healthy personal relationships.
During this trip to Mexico, I had the opportunity to talk with several non-Christians whose Christian friends have been trying to convince them to attend their church. One of their comments was: “They want us to come to church so they can convince us they have the best teachings. And then someone from another church invites us to their services and they also try to convince us they are the ones who have the Truth. But we’ve watched the people from a number of groups and they all act about the same. And some even act worse than people who never go to church.”
The truth is, too many times as a church—as a converted people—we haven’t shown a real noticeable transformation in our conduct. There may be a change in what we believe and know about God, but often that doesn’t translate into changes in our everyday behavior orinterest in thewelfare of membersof our congregations that can be noted by others outside the church. I believe it’s time for us Christians to show we are being transformed in every aspect of our lives. Then we can echo the apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 3:10: His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of Godshould be made knownto the rulers and authorities….
I don’t want to appear pessimistic about the work God has set before us, but I ask your prayers as we carry on the work to which God has called us with the Hispanic populations both here in Indianapolis and in Latin America. May God help us convince them of the grand opportunity they have to show lives which have been truly transformed and are being controlled by the Holy Spirit.
Thanks for your prayers and for the financial support that allows us to continue working for Him.
Mano de Amistad / Hand of Friendship
Humberto & Becky Ramirez ¨ 8311 Rumford Rd ¨ Indianapolis, IN 46219
:To view previous ministry updates, visit us at http://manodeamistad.blogspot.com/.
Would you like to support our ministry? Checks—made payable to Mano de Amistad—should be sent to:
Mano de Amistad, c/o Englewood Christian Church, 57 N Rural St, Indianapolis, IN 46201
Gifts are tax deductible. Receipts will be issued. For information about automatic payments, contact us. Thanks!