By: Obed Pineda
“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!” (Psalm 27:13-14)
5:30 am, wake up take a shower and get ready to go downstairs for breakfast. 6:15 am, grab some deliciously hot Peruvian coffee and eat breakfast with my sister, Nidia, and talk about our adventures from the day before. 7:15 am, head toward busses and begin to board them. 7:45 am, ride toward the Church building and strengthen the bonds of friendship with our brethren on the bus. 8:15 am, arrive at the building and have a devotional, followed by a group meeting set to discuss all updates on the progress of the week. From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, go out into the designated zones with your team and begin to sow the seed of the Gospel and have Bible studies with those who have already agreed to one. 5:00 to 8:00 pm, Gospel meeting and Vacation Bible School (VBS) take place; 10:00 pm, return to hotel, eat dinner, fellowship with companions, and go to bed. Repeat schedule the following day. This was (more or less) our daily routine for five consecutive days during our mission trip in Arequipa, Peru. For some, the days begun much earlier or the nights went on much longer than expected. Whichever the case, the truth is that during those five days the meaning of the phrase, “Let’s go to work!” was fully understood by all sixty of us. It was essential that while being on foreign soil we never lost sight that we were there as workers of the Kingdom and not tourists; no matter how tempting the desire to explore such a beautiful country was (cf. John 4:34, 1st Peter 4:10-11). Our thoughts required to be focused on that undeniable fact that the sublime Father “desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1st Timothy 2:4). It cannot be said that sticking to this daily schedule was an easy matter, especially when it affected everybody as a whole. Because the buses that were transporting us had only been hired for a certain time frame, our punctuality was of the utmost importance. It was paramount that every member of the group that had traveled to Arequipa to take part in this mission be mindful of the team’s time as a whole. This tiny, yet vital, fact taught all of us a precious lesson about the threat of being selfish with our time. If one of us was running late, we would then make all of us late. Those who entertained different “solutions” for sleeping more, were readily reminded that it was a business trip, and not one for pleasure. Furthermore, it aided them in learning how to have self-discipline and to put others first. Yes, it is true that we were all there to reach out and rescue the lost, but we were also there to “consider one another in order to stir up love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). We were called upon to hold each other accountable and to help one another be responsible and mindful of the ripple effects our choices made to the group as a whole. Naturally, this united us tremendously because it forged solid teamwork. This cooperation that took place at the hotel would overflow into the mission field when every member of the team did their part, but was also ready and willing to step in to another role if needed. I humbly smile as I recall how on several occasions, the twelve assembled teams “played” musical chairs by trading team members based on the skills that perhaps one team lacked, and the other had. I smile because I am honored to say that my uncanny ability to be versatile, found me joining a different team in several instances. The amazing bond of working together was on full display when team leaders daily asked each other what was needed for their task to be successfully accomplished on that day. I soon was blessed to perceive that the purpose of our trip involved tending to one another’s needs as well. The older members of our group found a marvelous opportunity to teach and train the younger ones, but the younger members, too, were able to use their youthful energy and strength to cover more ground during door knocking (cf. 1st John 2:12-14). The ambiance of selflessness and solidarity was truly palpable because no one ever openly complained. On the contrary, we did our best to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Due to this, several who before struggled to wake up or arrive on time, worked on improving their time management. Others who typically operate on their own and were used to doing things off the cuff, learned how to become more organized by working well with others. Those who already know how to be organized with their time and plans, increased their understanding of being patient, understanding, and compassionate with others. Overall, the importance of a strong work ethic did not escape my comprehension. There were nights where a good number of us went to sleep late, but understood that we were still expected to be up and on the bus on time; even if this meant missing breakfast for sleeping in a little more. Yet, the joyous excitement of laboring side-by-side with fellow Christians, fortifying those new friendships, and remembering the positive reception those in need of the Gospel exhibited, gave me the motivation and energy to get back up, and repeat the routine all over again; no matter how fatigued I was. Understanding what I had committed to when I chose to travel down to Peru, served as reminder to me that I needed to be responsible with said commitment. It was also wise for me to keep in mind those who graciously donated of their finances for me to participate in this evangelistic effort, because it stirred within me a spirit of thanksgiving and accountability that steeled my resolve to preach Christ’s glad tidings of salvation to the lost. I was fully aware that being irresponsible with my duties would be a violation of the precious trust of the brotherhood who endorsed my campaign. Irrefutably, possessing a conscientious work morale laid the foundation for diligence, honesty, and unity with my peers. Regardless of why I would be up late, I had to make sure to be ready to work efficiently and effectively the next day. I had to arm myself with the mind of Simon Peter who responded to the Master’s instruction, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:4-5). A strong sense of duty nourished the seed of perseverance, flourishing into endurance. To be continued…