Experiencing the warm embrace of fellow believers

Nelson Shenk, Boyertownbmc19512@yahoo.comThe Boyertown congregation has done many service and mission trips over the years, but has never travelled internationally to partner with another community of believers. So, why now?A few years ago Perkiomenville Mennonite Pastor Charlie Ness developed a friendship with Tabernacle of Christ Pastor Alfredo Navea whose congregation is located in Viña Del Mar, Chile. This friendship became a partnership between the two churches resulting in regular visits between the two groups.Last year I discovered that Danielle Gehman, a Spanish major, was looking to live in a Spanish-speaking country for a semester. I put her in touch with Charlie and she was able to arrange a four-month stay in Chile. Danielle came back to us with wonderful stories and our congregation wanted to continue the connection.Almost immediately the Lord brought to our attention that one of the members of Tabernacle of Christ, Enrique, needed eye surgery. Through contacts in our fellowship we were able to facilitate the surgery at no cost.Our relationship with Tabernacle of Christ continued to grow, and the seed had been planted for us to travel to Chile to provide some assistance with the building of their new church facility. In January, the planning began and we were able to arrange for seven of us to spend a week in Viña Del Mar.Our trip began on a stormy Friday evening in March resulting in a delayed flight and a missed connector to Santiago, Chile. However, the Lord provided for us and we were able to stay upbeat.When we finally arrived we immediately felt the warm, Christian embrace of these fellow believers. After an evening of sightseeing around the beautiful Viña Del Mar we arrived at our various host families for a good night of rest. The next morning we began our work with strong leadership and participation from the congregation.We worked hard during the week tearing down old structures to make way for the new building. We also enjoyed great food, hospitality and meaningful worship throughout the week. Wednesday was a highlight for our group. We travelled out of the city into the northern mountain region where Tabernacle of Christ has led a Bible School. We delivered school supplies to two schools and were moved by the fellowship with students and faculty.When we boarded the plane to return to our lives in Pennsylvania we had all been changed by the work of Christ we encountered in Chile. God was revealed through a myriad of people and places. We live in a global climate and it is imperative that we expand our horizons and create bridges to Christians in other cultures. Our friendships in Chile help us see more clearly that God is active and involved everywhere.photo providedby Boyertown Mennonite Church