August 2007 E-Update

Angie Velasco

Friends, I would be lying if I say missionary life is always fun, exciting and full of adventures. Yes, there are days it is fun like when I finally understand one of their idioms, meaning how and when they use it. Exciting, when after praying for a year or two for a non-Christian friend I finally see a spiritual interest. It is an adventure because each day is different and I never know what God has in store for me each day.

But to be honest, there are days when I’ve had it and would rather pack my bags and fly home. But by God’s grace … He sustains me here and assures me that at this time in my life He has called me to be in Mexico, regardless of how the circumstances look like or regardless of how I feel.

Last week, I had to confront a gal (I’ll refer to her as S.) for how rudely she behaved during a meal with non-Christians after church. There were three non-Christians who came to church with one of the gals in my Bible study group, two of them coming to church for the first time. Seven of us including S. went out to eat in a small town about 45 minutes away from Cuernavaca. During the meal S. talked about her relationship with Christ and that it was not about religion. I was quiet as I was not sure where the other folks were in their spiritual journey. When the bill came S. refused to hand over her 100 pesos ($10) without receiving her 20 pesos ($2) change. She did not get her way, said some nasty words to the gal checking the bill, and walked out on all of us without saying good-bye. Everyone looked at each other wondering what upset her.

I was so embarrassed in front of the three non-Christians. I excused myself and gave this angry gal I am calling S. a ride home. I could not sleep for the next few days and finally called her to tell her she was wrong for behaving so rudely. She yelled at me over the phone, saying I was judging her, that I gossiped about her and that she will never come back to church because I am a stumbling block to her. And then she hanged up on me. Wow!!! I opened my home to this gal, listened to her problems many times, drove for her when she needed me to drive for her, had coffee with her whenever and wherever she wanted to go, and invited her to the evangelistic dinners and breakfasts. I was a hostess to her knowing she is a Christian but not part of any small group. And this is what I get?

I cried, took some pain killers and spoke to the leaders here. I was assured she is in rebellion and that since I tried to correct the situation and she refused to listen, I can release her to God’s hands. It is tough to be a missionary because you are expected to always be kind and friendly, but I when see something wrong I know I have to speak up. However, my heart is not made up of steel and iron. I get hurt and I cry. I cried because I lost the friendship, other people were offended and the name of Jesus was not glorified.

Please ask God to heal my hurt and that I will move on knowing there are many others here who want to grow in their walk with God and would appreciate being corrected, knowing they are loved. Thank you for your love, prayers and support.