If you read through the Letters of Paul in the New Testament, you can quickly see how much he loved and cared for the people in the churches he wrote to.He addressed theological issues, community issues, and leadership issues . . . issues of real life with real people in real churches.As we serve our home assignment this year, we often can identify with Paul as we correspond with the churches back in La Paz, Mexico.
We recently had an email dialogue with several members of our English Worship community in La Paz.We call ourselves Crossroads Christian Fellowship (CCF).Crossroads because we cross paths with people from all over the world, from many faith backgrounds, and from many life experiences.Christian because we seek to embrace and welcome these people into a place where they discover God's love and grace through Jesus Christ.Fellowship because we hope to provide a place where people make friends and build trust with one another.This group of people was struggling with a situation that involved celebrating Thanksgiving.
If you've followed our ministry in La Paz, then you will remember that not only are there many full-time English-speaking residents in La Paz, but also two marinas that welcome boaters from all over the world, especially from the Western and Northwestern parts of the United States.At one Marina there is an organization called Club Cruceros that usually coordinates parties during the holidays to bring the English-speaking community together.It is a secular organization and, therefore, these celebrations purposely do not acknowledge God or any of the religious ties that might be associated with certain holidays.
This year, however, it didn't appear that Club Cruceros was going to offer a Thanksgiving celebration.Because several of the Crossroads Community Fellowship has ties to the Marina and the people that live there, they decided to offer a Thanksgiving dinner that would not only celebrate the holiday, but also be an outreach into this community.We are always looking for non-threatening ways to mix with people, to show them that not all Christians are dogmatic, pharisaical, shove-it-in-your-face religious fanatics!Not long after the group started making these Thanksgiving plans, however, Club Cruceros changed their mind.They decided they wanted to offer something.But, interestingly enough, they came to CCF and asked, "Is this something we can do together?We'd like to move it to a hotel banquet room, have it in the afternoon so that it appeals to families, but still offer you a space & time to allow for praise and worship with anyone who'd like to join you."As Club Cruceros had NEVER EVER wanted to do anything with us in the past, it seemed like an extraordinary opportunity!
The catch?(Because there always seems to be one!)While Club Cruceros wasn't going to have a bar, they were going to offer beer for sale.The dilemma for CCF?Several of those who attend our fellowship are alcoholics, some recovering and some not.CCF wanted to be God's light at a Thanksgiving celebration, but they also didn't want to cause a brother or sister to stumble.They wrote to us for pastoral guidance. The emails went back and forth.We viewed the dilemma from every angle.But the two questions we found critical to keep asking: "What would Jesus do?Where would Jesus be?"
Two weeks ago the Crossroads Christian Fellowship had a meeting after Sunday worship to allow everyone to have a voice.The result?They decided to have a dinner after worship on the Sunday before Thanksgiving that would be openly Christian and a time to be thankful and offer praises to God.On Thanksgiving Day, others would attend the Club Cruceros' sponsored event and shine God's light and love there.It was a solution everyone could celebrate!
In an email to Crossroads this past week, David wrote:
Hi folks!
It is really great to hear from you.Boy do I miss you!I so long to be with you.At the same time I am so glad and proud of all you are doing.I think I can imagine how Paul felt as he thought of, wrote to, and prayed for the churches. You are wonderful people and God is using you all to his glory for the Kingdom of God!
And as Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, in 2 Corinthians 13:14, so we too say to our brothers and sisters in La Paz:
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.Amen.