Aug 28, 2024 “I Love You Too”

How can you share God’s love on a mission trip, especially when you don’t speak the language?

Traditional preaching often creates a sense of separation between the preacher and the congregation, with the preacher elevated on a platform and the congregation sitting below. This dynamic can be particularly challenging in a foreign country where language barriers can further hinder connection.

However, on our recent mission trip to Bolivia, team member Ron was intentional about breaking down these barriers. He made it a point to personally connect with every individual at his meeting site. Instead of preaching from the stage, Ron stands on the main floor with a colorful tie and a smile, engaging directly with the congregation during the service.

After preaching, he makes sure to shake hands with everyone, offering a warm handshake, a hug, and another handshake, expressing his gladness that they are there.

Following the service, it is customary for the congregation to spend a few minutes together drinking tea and eating pastries. Ron joins them, making his way from person to person, offering embraces and a heartfelt “I love you” to everyone, from the youngest child to the eldest elder.

Ron shared his experience, saying, “The first time I did that, I was walking out, and I said, ‘I love you guys,’ and I heard three or four voices say, ‘I love you too.’ They’re looking for an outlet to care about people. We all are.

I do it because I just do, and that creates a bond. In North American culture, it may seem a little weird, but in the homeless community I work with back home, not at all. And I’ve kinda adopted it for myself because it’s true. I do love them because Jesus loves them.”

Ron described how children would gather around him each night, and he would playfully shake them up, creating smiles and laughter. “The kids were drawn to Jesus. Now, I’m not Jesus; I’m definitely not saying that. But I think they felt accepted, had fun, and had the opportunity to be themselves with Him. I try to offer the same safe space for these kids.”

Ron makes a great point, that as Christians we should be aware of how people are feeling, especially when we’re intentionally doing ministry. Do we make others feel loved and welcome? Do they feel seen and understood?

“There is this one woman, her name is Theodora,” said Ron. “She has really stuck with me. She’s been at our meetings almost every night. She missed one because she had to take care of her mother or something else. But her heart is so wide open. And you know, it’s just seeing people like that, people who want to be part of something different in their lives or are sick and tired of where they’re at.”

That’s what makes our mission as Christians so important. There are so many people out in the mission field, thousands of miles away or right in our neighborhood, whose hearts are wide open and waiting. Waiting for us to show them Jesus.

Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35