Wendy and I had the priviledge of accompanying some teens from Huacshapata to a week long camp that is called EFRAJON (Encuentro Fraternal de Jóvenes Nazarenos; in English - Fraternal Encounter of Nazarene Youth). It's an event that occurs every two years and is typically hosted in Chile or Perú. The original intent was simply to gather Nazarene youth from different south american nations to enlarge their idea of the church and build relationships. However, arriving at the fifth EFRAJON we discovered that the leaders involved in this year's event want it to be a formative event that inspires youth to go back to their home churches with new vision and fired up to use their youth in shaping the church, society and methods of evangelism. This years EFRAJON was situated in Tacna, Perú - the southern most part of Perú. Present were youth from Bolivia, Perú, & Chile...and the US.
The week was filled with morning workshops and preaching; afternoon activities - such as a trip to the local thermal baths/pool, recreation (I sprained my ankle again playing soccer, but gratefully it wasn't that bad so I will not be in a cast again), and shopping in Tacna Center where prices are lower than other cities/provinces; evenings consisted of lively services with great worship music and energy-infused, timely messages. We also enjoyed a talent show involving drama, singing, dancing and group games, as well as, a banquet on the closing night that started around midnight after the 10pm service. All went to bed between 2-6am that morning.
I was really impacted by the Chilean pastors - their vision for the next generation marks for me the difference in the church model of recruiting people to the church to be active members within the four walls to be a generation using their individual make-ups to carry the Gospel across every frontier: from law firms, to hospitals, to cubicles, from the pulpit, in the political arena, in the music industry, etc. The church should be the place that we're held accountable and recharged, but we need to actually share the Gospel, and at that, with people who aren't already attending a church. I've heard this from many and share the same sentiment, but it was refreshing to hear this message repeatedly from a previous generation and to so many young people that have yet to determine which career path to take. We are all missionaries.
It was particularly special to be at the EFRAJON with four of the teens from Huacshapata. Huachspata as many of you know, is a poor community in the hills of the outskirts of the city. The teens that we've been working with there rarely get an opportunity to travel, many rarely leave Arequipa. Pastora Susana sought out funds so that they could go, only having to pay for their bus tickets. Upon arrival, our girls were very timid. Arequipa brought a group of twenty consisting of teens from four different churches. At first, this left some feeling a little out-numbered and inferior, but both Wendy and I had the opportunity to encourage them and help them take steps in socializing. I think it was a great opportunity for them to get to know other teens from their same district in addition to see how the churches function in other countries as well. A couple of our girls participated in the talent show, and though everything was upbeat, I had to fight back a couple of tears watching them sing along to a track. That God would allow us to be there, participating in the show, but in a grander sense, participating in the family that is our inheritance, is was at times overwhelming for me and incredibly encouraging. I come from a somewhat dysfunctional family, but I felt very much like I had nestled into the evening activities in the Bonhoeffer home - a place of talent and comradery, where Paula Bonhoeffer infuses the atmosphere with praise and acknowledgement to our God. Nice to know, that even though they've passed, they are part of this grand family of which I speak.
During the week Wendy and I had the opportunity to share our testimonies. Both of us can attest to the healing power of God's love and it's ability to transform our hearts, minds, and ultimately every aspect of our lives. I had the priviledge to pray with many to receive healing from deep hurts and struggles of the past and am blessed that God would "use the scraps of my life to make a beautiful quilt" as the cross-stitched wall hanging in my grandmother's house says, to inspire others to allow him to do the same in their lives. Wendy had the opportunity to talk and pray with one of our teens about hurtful past issues that were keeping her in bondage and we both know, that the opportunities that we had were only a result of being by their sides during that time instead of only on Saturday afternoons in Huacshapata. Pastora, though separated by many years, cares so deeply for these teens that it was inspiring for me to see her in this environment which contains many aspects different from which she'd typically choose for herself. We know that on many fronts the teens are more comfortable to talk with Wendy and I about some issues, but equally I'm thrilled that they have Pastora as their constant that will continue to work in Huacshapata when we go our separate ways in three months.
Thanks to a friend, Wendy and I received a donation for the ministry in which we were able to buy an amplifier and microphone to use in our church plant areas. Because a couple of teens that were planning on going to the EFRAJON didn't actually go, we had extra money so that Pastora could buy a stereo for the church and she intends to start singing more contemporary songs on Sundays so that more of the teens will start going. She was able to see the difference in the style of worship from the many churches and is willing to implement some changes. Overall, each of us from the youngest to the oldest walked away with an enlarged heart and enlarged vision. I made some great friends and was inspired by passion of so many that I met there. Thanks to support parents, the organization, our Pastor and my dear friend A.K. for making it possible to participate in EFRAJON 2012.
