Cancun in June…

A 2-for-1 deal…

A few fellow travelers in Cancun on the Jesus Way…

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June 17-25 was my second recent trip with family and ministry in mind. As the time approached, it ended up including a couple of doctor visits as well. So much got done the first 2 days because Jeremy and Bety were amazing about setting things up for me ahead of time. I saw a specialist for my throat (nothing serious there). I saw the surgeon who did my right knee replacement 10 years ago. The right knee is great. The left knee, right hand, and neck not so great… especially the neck. A bunch of testing including an MRI, prescriptions set up, and a follow up appointment in September. And I thought osteoarthritis was for older people…

I could not help comparing prices and quality of service with the health care system in the US. Even adding in the airfare if I had just gone for the medical stuff, I saved a bunch.

Two days after getting home, I got sick. Today is 15 days later and I’m on my way to better. It was my first time with Covid. My daughter and granddaughter got it from me. I’m still dealing with the aftermath, but I’m no longer contagious.

The remainder of my Cancun visit was taken up with people. It confirmed for me once again the effectiveness of the Sobremesa (table-talk) concept I have been promoting in by blog. SEE: SOBREMESA. Maybe it’s partly about how life’s seasons change our focus. Dealing with loss and grief has made me more comfortable with this approach than I had been in my early years. Loss and grief beg for genuine shepherding skills, quality time, intimacy, and empathy in quiet, personal settings. It’s my new pulpit… but without a pulpit. I’m enjoying it.

A couple of hours with Pastors Jaime and Julia (Iglesia Bautista Berea) turned into an encouraging visit. To see excitement and love for the Lord’s work—even with the passing of years—leaves me full and speechless. I was invited to be at the church Saturday to say something to “the young people.” When I walked into the building, I said, “Hello, young people.” They all laughed. Not too long ago, these were my young people. They were now the parents of the young people I was about to meet. And they were young… 4^th grade-junior high. When I finished, Pastor Jaime asked if any one had a question for the missionary. A grade school boy raised his hand: “What do I have to do to become a missionary?”

The Thursday afternoon meal (¡Pozole Blanco!) with Jorge and Alejandra (pastors) turned into 2 hours of sweet fellowship and a healthy sharing of ideas. Sunday morning Bible Study in the Alamos congregation: I asked the same question I had asked the young people the day before: Are we diamonds or seeds? Diamonds get polished and put on display; seeds die, get buried and reproduce. Afterwards, Marco, Laura, Violet and I enjoyed brunch at a restaurant around the corner. This was about reminiscing and catching up. They were there in the beginning of what is now the Alamos church. We were about 10 people (if everyone showed up) in the house we lived in for 22 years.

Prayer Requests

• Recovery from Covid

  • July 22 - I’m scheduled to be at a missions conference. I’ve been asked to share some thoughts dedicated to people in ministry… for when loss and grief invade our homes as well. If I had to travel tomorrow, I’d have to cancel. But I really want to be there…

• Next trip to Cancun

  • Sep 24-Oct 04 - I want to arrange more around-the-table sessions with people I have not had enough opportunity with yet. I don’t mind preaching in churches. But oddly, when I’m preaching, I can’t hear what other people would like to say to me. And I really want to hear them.

• More interest in my book…ASSERTIVELY APOLITICAL

  • So much distortion and misguided passion… Whose kingdom do we serve? How do we best go about it? Our Gospel is eternal; our mission is crystal clear—until the end of the age.

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