By: Obed Pineda
“Do not fear little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
David is a quiet and timid southern man. Because of his build and height, it is not an easy feat for him to disappear within a sea of people, especially in a region like Arequipa. Yet, somehow David was very skilled in the art of melting into a crowd, seeking to avoid attracting too much attention to himself. Undeniably, David reminded me of Jacob who “who was a quiet man, dwelling in tents” (Genesis 25:27b, ASV). It is valuable not to make the mistake of interpreting a man’s gentle and quiet demeanor for weakness. David proved to me that even though a man may be of a tranquil spirit, it by no means dampens the powerful impact he is capable of making in someone’s life (cf. Ecclesiastes 9:14-15). As Bethany and I were walking toward the house (where the mother and young daughter waved at us) David and his daughter, Ava, caught us by surprise when he spoke to us from behind. We were startled, in part, because we were unaware that they had been following us, but also because of the deep, rich voice that spoke at our backs. Upon turning around to meet the man who queried about being allowed to join us, the nervousness he expressed he was experiencing was palpable. I could see in his eyes that he was uneasy because this was uncharted territory for him, just as he had established. Still, it was fascinating to witness that David was not willing to allow his concerns stifle his desire to serve efficiently in the Kingdom of God. I was encouraged by his decision to face his self-doubts by choosing to follow two young Christians he had never met before with the mindset of learning everything that he could from them. David’s solution to muffling the sounds of worry was to surround himself with experienced men and women whom he could watch closely and learn from (cf. 2nd Kings 2:1-18). Furthermore, he was keenly aware of the vitality of displaying an example of good courage and reliance upon the Lord to his daughter. Having heard that it was his and Ava’s first time going on a mission trip, I told him that it was my first campaign as well, but I would be more than willing to join forces and learn the ropes together. Despite this being a new experience for me as well, they were both encouraged by my willingness to collaborate with one another in adding to our spiritual arsenal and learning how to wield these new weapons we had acquired. Therefore, the four us continued on toward the house where the ladies had already descended to open their door to us. It was obvious that the closer we drew near their home, the more anxious David became. I reminded the brother that all we were trying to do was to to make first contact and begin to build a relationship by introducing ourselves and having a warm, genuine conversation with them. Our goal was to extend an invitation for them to accompany us for worship services that morning and, if possible, establish a Bible study afterward. Bethany then explained to the brother how in her previous experience each member of the team had a specific job and not everyone had to speak. Additionally, she also explained that unlike this time, we would be joined by a local of Arequipa who knew the area, customs, and practices of the city. In other words, we would not be going in blind. This information increased David’s confidence in his ability of being useful to the group. It was essential to keep in mind that “having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6a). When we arrived to their door, we knocked and the mother and daughter duo opened the door for us with great excitement because we had come to visit and meet them. We introduced ourselves and told them that we were members of the Church of Christ from the United States, but had arrived to aid our brethren in Peru in our mission to sow the seed of the Gospel in all of the world (cf. Mark 16:15). Luz and her seven-year-old daughter, Valentina, brightened up when they heard that we were missionaries; Valentina more than Luz. Immediately, the young Valentina welcomed us into their home and told us that they had just begun to make some hot chocolate. With an amazing enthusiasm, Valentina invited all four of us to stay and drink hot chocolate with them, to the befuddlement of her mother. In that moment, I perceived two very distinct reactions that took place. First, I noticed that Luz was caught off guard and had a look of concern when her daughter invited us in without her consent. I remember wondering if this could be because we were strangers and she was not yet ready to allow us entrance into their house or if perhaps she did not have enough hot chocolate for everyone, as her daughter had just claimed they did. Second, I caught David’s facial expression when the invitation to go in was made. Remembering what his concerns were, I surmised that perhaps his anxiousness had risen again because the chances of entering a home had just become reality. Grateful with God for the blessing that the very first door I had ever knocked on my first mission trip was a successful one, I informed them that we were about to meet with the Church for worship and invited them to join us. Valentina rejoiced with the idea of going with us to worship, and began asking her mother if they could go. Luz had been caught off guard by her seven-year-old a second time, only this time smiled as she watched her daughter’s enthusiasm of wanting to serve God (cf. Psalm 8:2, Matthew 21:14-16). Observing her daughter’s sincere desire to attend worship, Luz graciously agreed and asked us for the time we would be gathering with the Church. Valentina then overflowed with excitement and elation, insisting that we go in and join them for some hot chocolate before services. In that moment, I told Valentina that if they attended worship with us, then we would gladly return to their home for some hot chocolate after services. Once more, I caught a glimpse of David’s curious hesitancy after hearing Valentina agree to my proposition to be their guests for some hot chocolate after worship. When we were done, all four of us were filled with a stronger resiliency and confidence to press forward with our celestial commission. That first experience had boosted our trust that God had many people in that town (cf. Acts 18:9-10). Luz arrived to worship with her daughter as she said she did, which meant that we would now join them for hot chocolate afterward as I said we would. It was then that David revealed to me the reason for his reluctance. To be continued…