November 11, 2007

November 11, 2007

Another beautiful day started with pancakes, plantains, eggs, papayas, and

the usual assortment of jams, salsa, and Skippy peanut butter.  As we prepared to get ready to begin to start to commence to go to church, let it be known far and wide that Millie Willey “Peaches” Griffin was not only on time, but was even early, with teeth bottled water brushed and her irrepressible smile firmly in place.

Subversive Cross

As we waited for the service to begin Marco related the story of the “Imprisoned Cross”.  During the time of the Civil War, the authorities “captured” a wooden cross from the Lutheran church; one that had been inscribed with thoughts and prayers by members of the congregation.  This cross was taken and placed in its own jail cell because of the “subversive” writings on them.  Later, after the end of the hostilities, through the diplomatic efforts of a foreign ambassador friendly to the Lutheran church, the Bishop was able to retrieve the cross; it was presented to him at the Presidential Palace. 

The church service was similar to that of FCC with prayers, songs, scripture readings, children’s singing, and a sermon.  Lance and Dale (a minister with Central Christian Church {DOC} in Indiana and a member of our mission team) both helped with the service, fully adorned in white robes provided by the Bishop.  Marco gave us a running interpretation of the sermon, since we knew very little Spanish.   The Bishop related a message of hope, to keep the faith for the people in the community, despite the many problems that confront them; this life is mainly preparation for the life to come.  The sermon was followed by an offering and another song.  Then, the Bishop called a small boy who was celebrating his eighth birthday; all sang Happy Birthday to him.  The Bishop then related the story of the imprisoned cross and said he hoped we, as visitors, could return in 2009 to help celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the martyrs who died during the civil war.  Lance helped give communion and did a good job, except he seemed worried that several of the congregation were going to bite his fingers! 

Following the service we visited with the Bishop in his office and he gave a moving testimony about his ministry and the growth of his church. 

Side entrance of
Romero's church

After a quick lunch it was down thru the market place to see the Metropolitan Cathedral of El Salvador.  There we saw the tomb of Oscar Romero, the martyred bishop and hero to millions of Salvadorenos.

In the evening we were hosted by Bishop Gomez and his wife at their home as we feasted on a typical Salvadoran meal.  Following our meal we visited with the family and also with two other groups involved in missionary work in the area.

Upon returning to the guest house we concluded the night with our evening worship service, then “tried” to load our two vans with our luggage, food, and water for the coming week and our slightly corpulent bodies – the result of 3 meals a day with little exercise and no work for the last 2 ½ days.

All are looking forward to arising at o’dark thirty on the morrow as we drive to our new quarters and the challenge of the work before us.

Faithful 2^nd day Scribe,

CNP (Charlie N. Prickitt)

P.S. Pastors “Lancey” and Dale-ey” were sterling examples of Norte Americanos ministers!