World evangelicals in Guatemala

This morning I went to a Forum organised by the Guatemalan delegation for the Third Lausanne Congress for World Evangelization. The Congress was held in Cape Town, South Africa last month. Today the delegation shared their reflections and feedback with other leaders and pastors as we considered the implications for the church in Guatemala. It was really encouraging to hear Guatemalan pastors recognise the need to focus on discipleship, and in deepening the understanding and faith of Guatemalan Christians.
Another theme that many of the delegates mentioned was that of 'Integrality'. That's in terms of the local church understanding its' mission to reach those 'unreached' people in their own communities, not just in far off countries. And its in confronting the complete (spiritual, emotional, social, physical) needs of their own communities rather than preaching a limited (and weak) gospel of individual salvation.
Another issue was unity in the national church, which is a huge counter cultural challenge. In Guatemala the common style of leadership is one of 'strong' one man show, with no room for discussion or disagreement. For churches and leaders to work in real unity, requires leaving aside personal ambitions and agendas in order to work behind a common goal.
Although there are huge challenges in the church in Guatemala, it's really encouraging to see leaders recognising the issues, and working out ways to address them.

Hermit crabs and Surfers

Yesterday I came back from El Salvador where I spent a week learning to surf (and generally chilling out on the beach). It was great to have a real relaxing holiday with nothing to do except watch the sunrise from my bed, collect shells at low tide, lie in a hammock and watch the real surfers do their stuff.
So it got me thinking about a few things. A couple of times I was just sat on the beach enjoying the peace and quiet, when I noticed that there was all sorts of movement going on around me.

The hermit crabs were on the move!
Hermit crabs are those tiny crabs, who live under a shell, and then scuttle around going about their business (collecting something or other, going to the supermarket, visiting other hermit crabs maybe ??). But as soon as I moved even a tiny bit, they drop their shells and pretend they're just an empty shell ("nothing to see here"). It's like they think that they can only do anything or make progress if no-one else is watching, regardless if they are friend or foe.

Surfers on the other hand have a very different way of making progress. To even get out to the right place to catch a wave, they need to paddle out to sea. But on that journey, they are confronted by wave after wave of water that has the capacity to drive them backwards, or toss them about in the surf. But instead of trying to look inconspicuous like the hermit crabs, the surfers take all this in their stride (or stroke). When a wave is coming towards them, they dive directly under it and through it. As long as they are 'straight', with their purpose clear, then they won't be pushed off course or delayed in their journey.
Makes you think.