A Call to Pray

Last week, our team of interns went to an elementary school to participate in their celebration of childrens' day. When we first arrived, we were greeted by all the children, who were delighted to see us at their school. We felt like celebrities as we were given the seats of honor on the stage where all the activites took place. To celebrate childrens' day, the school had selected a representative from each grade to model a dress, give a small speech, and perform by either singing or dancing.

I left with a better understanding of Nicaraguan culture just by seeing their dresses, hearing them speak, and watching them sing and dance to their latin music. Celebrations can tell a lot about a culture, and I felt enlightened to be able to see it with my own eyes.

The longer I am here, the more and more I begin to understand the cultural values and expectations. However, culture is not just made up of music, dancing, and dresses. By watching the people and listening to the missionaries, I have learned a few additional things about Nicaraguan culture.

First of all, forgiveness is a foreign idea. In Nicaragua, grudges and revenge are a way of life. If someone wrongs you or offends you, you cut them off completely. This is even a struggle in the church. The concept of forgiveness is just not culturally familiar or acceptable.

Also, relationships between men and women are completely different. Romantic relationships develop very rapidly and last very briefly. The idea of commitment or devotion is rare. A relationship is not viewed as something that will endure, but something to enjoy for the moment. This is why sexual abuse and violence are so common.

Of course, these examples are only generalizations, so exeptions to the rules can be found. But I tell you these things so that you can pray. Just because an idea exists in a culture does not mean it is right. I believe that God can change culture, and He can use Mision Para Cristo to begin the change. Maybe He can even use me in some small way.

Please pray for the church in Nicaragua - that it will be filled with the Spirit of forgiveness. Pray that they will understand and be able to practice grace and mercy even when their culture does not accept it. Pray that the men and the women in the church will develop healthy marriage relationships that demonstrate commitment. Pray that the community will notice the change in the church and be drawn to the Lord. And pray that God can use me, in some small way, to set an example in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. May they see the Spirit of forgiveness and devotion in me.