Forsake not the assembling...

Language Ministries: Georges Boujakly
Thursday, June 16, 2005

Last Sunday, members of 9 Hispanic churches gathered in Wichita for inspiration and fellowship for the second time this year. This fellowship of Hispanic churches started a year ago. They came from Kansas City, Topeka, Salina, Coffeyville, Emporia and Wichita. These Hispanic churches are bound together informally and by a love for God and others. Their goal is to train in discipleship and to connect Hispanics in each of their areas with the Lord of life. Steve Reed from Day Break Community Church in Kansas City and son of missionaries in South America was the guest preacher. Over 130 were present. Steve challenged us to ponder, "Who is Jesus to us?" His answer: He is the one who sends us to reach our world.

I sat in wonder as we worshiped. One question kept swirling in my head: Why do these people actually drive for hours to be here? I rationalized that they do it because of the training they receive. Perhaps, I thought, they do it because as a minority in a sea of majority they feel insecure and need each other for encouragement. Maybe their love of their culture and language drives them together. Or they just love to meet. Finally the Lord broke into my private thoughts and ended the jostle of the invisible competing reasons. "Georges, could it be they love to be together because they love me and love each other? Could it be that they take the 'not forsaking the assembling of themselves together' mandate of Hebrews 10:24-25 seriously and do it out of sheer obedience to me? Could it be they just came 'to hang out' with me and with each other in my presence?" Chastised, I sat in silence and pondered the simplicity of Jesus' most basic faith: Love God, love others. I saw it in action. I am blessed.