Blog Three: Translation
Oscar and Rachel have both become ill with
digestive problems (please pray for them!)
So tonight at dinner, Greg and
Christine sat with Alexis and his family and used all our creative skills of
pantomiming, making chicken noises, and repeating words to get our messages
across. It was pretty comical and we all survived.
This morning, our team had the privilege of
joining Alexis in a region wide meeting of about a dozen Pastors who have all
committed to become coordinators and start small groups in the areas they come
from. This is an ecumenical group and Oscar was blown away by how far Cuba has
come in the last few years.
Region-wide Pastors
meeting for Small Group Ministry
Talking “small groups” was fun for all of
us, but it didn’t take long to realize that the hindrances to small groups in
Cuba are the same hindrances we face in California. I didn’t need a translator
to recognize the word for “multiply” or to understand that groups don’t like to
“divide.” I figured out what these Pastors were saying pretty quickly!
Greg and Christine led the group in a few
of our Spanish worship songs and then Christine shared what she does at SVCC
while explaining how we use tools like: Vision, Plan, Leaders, Training and
Study Materials. Greg gave a Pastoral message of encouragement and many of them
asked for his contact information in hopes of keeping in touch.
Oscar translating Scripture
~ Christine
Greg sharing a
message of encouragement for the Pastors.
Although we can survive without a
translator when we need to, Greg and Christine want to thank the Serrania’s for
their many hours of translation each day. It’s a tough job!
I was very blessed speaking to and
encouraging the pastor’s at the Luncheon. In spending time talking with them I
was moved at their commitment amidst tremendous adversity. I was also reminded
that our cultures may be different, the personal challenges pastor’s experience
is universal.
~Pastor Greg
