So It has been an awfully long time since my last post but I return once again with an update. I have been tremendously busy over the past month or so with a new focus in our student work, as well as a trip north to help with the student groups up there.
Basically throughout this month we have been running a project on values in La Plata (called proyecto VAS) focusing on developing values in students where students actually live out the values; Compassion, Hope, Honesty and Respect. This has been a large undertaking as all the different parts of Vida in all of Argentina have been involved in this project trying to form values in the students throughout Argentina. The main goal has really been to encourage people to hope for change in a broken world. When we looked at these values we saw that only Christ every demonstrated them fully and that the only true hope of change comes through Salvation
The truth be told it has been a very difficult month or two with project demanding a lot of time and energy and really not spending everyday talking to others, in a really obvious way, about God. Yet it has been useful to show people that we as Christians are not above others and don’t enjoy watching the cruelty and harshness of the world. As I was thinking of this I came across Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God
I think Paul makes a good point as we no matter what we do need to be ambassadors demonstrating God and His love if we call ourselves Christians. Our lives are supposed to live out God to others in every way and I guess that is the idea when we look at values that even in the hidden place we need to be willing to live honorably for God. one of the other things I have been doing is reading through Proverbs. Proverbs is full of great advice on how to live a life wisely and honorably for God which has been something I have been challenged on recently.
One of the greatest and most well-known of these is Proverbs 3: 5-6 but I think in its simplicity it is something to remember and to try and live out day and daily.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Especially when thinking about returning home it is difficult to take my eyes off the fact that my world will change again, yet God makes the path straight for those who trust on Him. The greatest Wisdom it seems is to realize that God is who He says He is and is in control. Who are we to argue?? If you have never read proverbs I really suggest you do because it is filled with many useful and memorable pieces of advice.
As you all know I only have a few weeks left in Argentina and I would really appreciate prayer over these last few weeks as I try to finish my time well. I thank you all for your prayers and support and hope and pray you are well.
God bless,
Jonathan
Jonny I know you have given this much thought and prayers. Just reading this it has made me to have another look at what you wrote, it is food for thought. I don’t know where you will end up but for one thing sure you would m ake a good minister like your dad. I know you will ponder think pray and discuss your options. I was glad I read your message before going to bed, and I kn ow what my prayers will be. Whatever you do Jonny let us congratulate you in whatever field you choose. You are a young man on fire for God. You are not just words as your actions will prove this. God’s Blessing in whatever you do. James & Edna