Updates Carlos and Alicia Scott

Dear Friends,

It is a joy to be able to share with you and thank you very much for all that you do to extend the Kingdom of God to all ethnicities.

We continue to train and coach many young people and couples. This time we went to Cordoba to the mission and church planting school to teach and share about the Holy Spirit and the mission. The topics were "discovering your path" on the writings of Luke in his gospel and the book of the Acts of the Apostles and the Holy Spirit. We also had to be in the town of Lanus and then in the city of Rosario and teach about disciples who are part of the history of God, make history and change history. A movement of multiplication of disciples who form new communities of faith to bless all ethnicities everywhere, that evil be defeated through the Kingdom of God and our God be known and worshiped. Thank you very much for praying for us and our family. You are part of this story and all for the glory of God

Our children and grandchildren are doing well serving the Lord in different places. In the case of Daniel, Marta and Iker we ask for your prayers for the health of our grandson Iker. We accompany them in their missionary work in the Basque Country and also in everything that has to do with medical assistance for Iker. We pray for a movement of disciples and new communities of faith in the Basque Country.

We continue writing, sharing articles and essays with the entire Latin American community and reaching places we never imagined. We also continue opening our house and other houses where in community we worship the Lord, pray, share the word and the Lord's Supper. These are communities on the road.

Please continue to pray for all of us so that God keeps us on the right path serving and loving his church. In November we will be in the town of Berazategui and then Carlos will travel to the south of Chile to teach about the importance of a united church and the biblical and strategic keys for the mission. May God protect us from all evil, may he give us wisdom and the necessary word for each moment. May we see processes of transformation at all levels.

Once again, thank you very much for walking together in communion and many thanks for all the love and care you have for our lives and family. We pray for all of you, and we love you.

Carlos and Alicia Scott

Mision Local y Global (GloCal) (carlosaliciascott.blogspot.com)

Support

For send offering make checks payable to: H.O.P.E. Bible Mission PO. In the memo portion be sure to indicate that it is for support CARLOS SCOTT. Send checks to: Hope Bible Mission, H.O.P.E. Bible Mission PO, Box 833 Frostburg, MD 21532 Email: rick@h-b-m.org, hope@h-b-m.org Phone: (347) 464-8576

Banking:

The U.S. based organization having a 501(C) 3 – tax status that receives gifts for Carlos Scott: H.O.P.E. Bible Mission PO, Richard Carey, Director, Email: rick@h-b-m.org

Carlos and Alicia Scott. 

GloCal Mission, Tinogasta 5684 (1408) Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, Argentina,                                                        

E-mail: licscott@yahoo.com.ar  

Phone: 54-11-39033794, English Blog: http://glocalmission.blogspot.com/ 

Spanish Blog: http://misionglocal.blogspot.com/

¨By myself I can do nothing; ... for I seek not do please myself but him who sent me¨, John 5:30. Thank you so much for pray for us and for your support

We pray for a movement of disciples and new communities of faith in the Basque Country. We pray for Daniel, Marta and Iker Scott Rizzo.

 

PRAY🙏🏽 PLEASE FOR THE BASQUE SPEAKERS WHO ARE WATCHING MY VIDEOS ON TIKTOK AND OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKS

 PRAY🙏🏽 PLEASE FOR THE BASQUE SPEAKERS WHO ARE WATCHING MY VIDEOS ON TIKTOK AND OTHER SOCIAL NETWORKS

Hello friends! More and more euskaldunes (Basque speakers), especially through TikTok 📱 are watching my videos. I usually make content on different topics related to the Basque People and in many videos I also share about Jesus in Basque. This week I would like to make a video to invite to the Bible studies in Basque that we do two Sundays a month in the village of Orio.

PRAY🙏🏽 for these people, so that the videos about Jesus reach the hearts of many and so that more Basque speakers come to the meetings we hold and can meet Christ. Here is my latest video about Jesus with English subtitles (on the platforms it is only in Basque).

Thank you very much for your prayers!

Daniel, Martu and Iker

‘Let's cross over to the other side’ (Luke 8:22)

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT OUR MINISTRY?

You can do it through these options: 

1) BIZUM: (688 72 29 93)

2) PayPal: @marizzo1981

3) BANCO SANTANDER (Daniel Brian Scott)

ES37 0049 5394 4225 1655 8630

SWIFT - BIC: BSCHESMMXXX (the SWIFT is usually requested from abroad)

4) Through Linguae Christi

https://linguaechristi.org/donate/ 

Fourth Lausanne Congress: Day 7 Highlights

Fourth Lausanne Congress: Day 6

Lausanne, Unmasked | By Harold Segura

 Lausanne, Unmasked | By Harold Segura

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (5) 

Seoul, September 26, 2024

What happens outside the Lausanne IV program can sometimes be more interesting than what takes place within the convention center. I'm not saying that the conferences, testimonies, platform interviews, music, or the small group discussions aren’t valuable, but rather that outside the formal agenda, in the freedom of the hallways, controversies that reveal the theological and pastoral tensions among those of us here emerge.

In the auditorium, formality and correctness prevail. In the hallways, on the buses, and in the hotels, there's informality and, at times, theological and political mistakes. It is in these spaces where the unanswered questions and complaints come to the surface.

By the way, the production of the congress program is technically impeccable. Time is kept to the minute; the script is followed as agreed with very few surprises; the more than 1,000 tables where we sit each day remain in perfect rows. Before taking the platform, the speakers pass through a small makeup room where their image is retouched, and their faces adorned (they would have had a lot of work with me). A curious detail: one of today's moderators, it seems, was given a lipstick of a more intense red than is usually applied to a man, especially in an evangelical environment (a bit of humor doesn’t hurt).

So much order in the room might lead to think that there is uniformity in the group; that evangelical theologies have aligned with the rather conservative expectations of those who organized the congress. But that’s not the case. In informal moments, freedom arises, and differences become evident.

One of the controversies that remains is the draft (nobody yet knows if it’s a draft or the final version) of the Seoul Statement. A group of almost 65 theologians, committed to Integral Mission, led by Koreans Sam Cho and Jongho Kim, signed a letter addressed to the Lausanne Theological Working Group. They expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency in the drafting process. They claim that many participants saw the declaration for the first time when the congress began, with no opportunity to offer suggestions.

This group argues that the declaration needs a stronger prophetic voice and a broader focus on social, economic, and environmental issues, especially in the post COVID-19 context. They also point out an imbalance in the treatment of LGBTQ+ issues, with a disproportionate emphasis compared to other urgent concerns such as racial justice and economic inequality. They recommend that the church should engage not only in evangelism and pastoral care but also in the transformation of unjust structures and the care of creation.

Furthermore, the group criticizes the declaration for being overly focused on traditional local churches, ignoring new expressions of faith, such as digital communities and para-church organizations. They suggest addressing the arms industry, racism, patriarchy, and Christian nationalism, which distort the gospel and harm the church’s testimony. They also lament the omission of a clearer condemnation of faulty theological justifications in the Gaza conflict. For them, the declaration lacks the dynamism needed to inspire a vibrant and appealing movement. They believe the church should be a catalyst for change, not only in the spiritual realm but also in social justice and equality, responding to the concerns of younger generations like Generation Z.

They invited other participants who agreed with them to sign the document. I gladly signed it. Dozens more did as well, although, to be honest, the majority have not, and will not (nor do they know of the existence of this petition).

This is, the global evangelical community: diverse, though nostalgic for archaic theologies. Today, it is obsessed with moral debates and, because of this, trapped by political partisanships. This is the faith of the people to whom I belong and to whom I owe myself. This is how it is; unmasked.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Colombia.

Fourteen Years After Cape Town - IV Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea | By Harold Segura

 Fourteen Years After Cape Town - IV Lausanne Congress in Seoul, Korea | By Harold Segura

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV 

Seoul, September 22, 2024

Michael Oh, Global Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement. PHOTO: Lausanne Movement

On September 21, after flying over 23 hours and a layover in Istanbul, I arrived in Seoul, Korea, to attend the IV Congress of the Lausanne Movement. I am representing World Vision. Together with about 5,200 Christian leaders from all around the world we are celebrating 50 years since the first congress held in Lausanne in 1974, followed by Manila in 1989 and Cape Town in 2010. This is an important moment to reflect on the past and look toward the future of global evangelical mission.

Yesterday, someone asked me about my expectations of this event. Today, I woke up wondering if we still can expect something significant from the global evangelical movement. I have no doubts of the power of the Gospel or the faith of God’s people, but, political alliances, ambitions for power, and the obsession with numerical growth of our churches, have worn down the integrity of the gospel witness. Sometimes, mission has been reduced to a mere proselytizing campaign, losing its prophetic and transformative essence.

Despite this, hope remains, because hope is stubborn. It is this hope that keeps me here, thinking that the church, although imperfect, can and must be an agent of transformation. This time, the subject is “Let the church declare and display Christ together” is a sentence that deeply echoes in the heart of the gathering. We are here not only to proclaim Christ with our words but also to show Him with our actions, in our community life, in unity.

Upon entering the convention center in Incheon, the warmth of Korean hospitality is tangible. A “committee of smiles” welcomes us at the door, making us feel at home despite being so far from it. The organization and logistics of the event are impeccable, reflecting the attention to detail that characterize Korean culture.

At 6:00 PM Korean time, in a packed auditorium, we began the congress with worship led by local musicians. The mayor of Incheon welcomed us, presenting his city as the cradle of Christianity in South Korea and a symbol of freedom. Following this, a majestic choir of more than 50 voices, accompanied by a symphony orchestra, moved us deeply with a execution of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.”

Rev. Jason Lee, Chairman of the Lausanne Board of Directors, took the floor with a brief but powerful message. He emphasized that this conference is taking place in an unprecedented context. First, it is the first hyperconnected congress, in an era dominated by the fourth technological revolution. Second, the global missionary axis has shifted dramatically from the South to the North, with churches from Asia, Africa, and Latin America playing an increasingly prominent role. Finally, he highlighted that we are in an era where multiple digital generations—baby boomers, millennials, and others—must come together to proclaim the truth of the Gospel. Unity in mission is more necessary than ever.

The keynote message of the night was delivered by Michael Oh, Executive Director of the Lausanne Movement. He called us to be a humble church, a church that not only proclaims Christ with words but displays Him in its life, as a living testimony of His love. In times of growing secularization, Oh challenged us to be an effective church, willing to adapt to new challenges without losing its essence and commitment to the Gospel.

We ended the day around 8:30 PM, knowing that the coming week will be one of intense reflection and discernment. This congress will serve as a catalyst to advance the fourfold vision of the Movement: to bring the Gospel to every person, to form discipling churches in every people and place, to develop Christ-like leaders in every sector, and to influence every sphere of society with Kingdom principles.

Fourteen years after Cape Town, I still have hope. For as Jeremiah 29:11 says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This congress in Seoul is undoubtedly a space to listen, pause, and reflect. The church is called not only to proclaim Christ but to display Him in every action, in every word, in every gesture. The journey has just begun.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of 

The fresh air of Seoul and the Spirit that revives | By Harold Segura

 The fresh air of Seoul and the Spirit that revives | By Harold Segura

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (2)

Seoul, September 23, 2024

Ruth Padilla's participation at Lausanne IV. PHOTO: Joseph W. Handey (Twitter)

This morning, as I stepped out of the hotel, I was surprised by the fresh air that greeted me. Below 18°C, it was an unexpected contrast, as I was prepared for over 28°C. At that moment, I thought about how this weather could be the perfect prelude for today's topic at the Fourth Lausanne Congress: the Holy Spirit.

According to biblical accounts, the Spirit is like air that refreshes, revives, and emboldens. Today, the fresh air reminded me of that life-giving presence, capable of renewing our strength amid the unexpected.

The conference began with a display of music, performed by professional groups. The enthusiasm of the audience, from over 200 countries, was palpable. We heard historic hymns from the evangelical tradition, but with contemporary musical arrangements, creating a fusion that connected generations and cultures—that was a preview of the day's message.

In addition to music, the arts were also present with a performance of Christian theater. The artistic expressions added another dimension to the congress, reminding us that creativity is also a way to proclaim and display Christ.

The central theme of the day was presented by Dr. Femi Adeleye from Ghana, director of the Institute of Christian Impact. I met Femi while working at World Vision, and I had the privilege of learning from his human quality and Christian character.

In his presentation, Femi emphasized that Christian mission is impossible without the power of the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit came," he said, "and the nascent Christian community opened its heart to receive Him. The result was going out into the world to proclaim the Gospel, accompanying that proclamation with the living experience of the third person of the Trinity. Because there is no mission without that power."

After the presentation, we had time for dialogue at our discussion tables. I participate at table I-24, along with colleagues from the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Guatemala, Spain, and Chile. This tables arrangement is essential for the Congress.

Today I reiterate what I said a few months ago, that we need more tables and fewer pulpits, or at least as many tables as pulpits. Theology is built through dialogue, not just listening. Jesus himself, more than a classic preacher, was a conversationalist. In the Gospels, we see him constantly dialoguing, teaching while listening and speaking with others.

At our table, we reflected on the miracles of the Holy Spirit and it relation to social and political injustices. We discussed whether missionary colonialism, which some consider a "fake news," is rather a historical reality from which some missionary agencies should repent. We also asked ourselves how the power of the Spirit manifests itself through the Great Commission and what it means to carry that power into an increasingly unequal world.

Towards the end of the day, we heard from Dr. Ruth Padilla DeBorst, a Latin American theologian who brought to the congress the issues that had been absent during the day: poverty, gender inequality, racism, discrimination against people with disabilities, and the industrial war fueled by theological ideologies. Ruth reminded us that invoking the Spirit of God without mentioning human suffering turns Him into an ethereal figure, disconnected from the reality around us.

Monday ended with the prophet Micah's quote (6:8-9), paralleling the day's opening, which began with Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13). Because as certain as it is that there is no Mission without the Holy Spirit, there is also no Mission without justice. Because the Holy Spirit is justice, love, and mercy.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Colombia.

Old Questions, Same Answers? | By Harold Segura

 Old Questions, Same Answers? | By Harold Segura

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (3) 

Seoul, September 24, 2024

As soon as I entered the convention center today, I saw two people holding posters with large letters. One read: "Protestants, protest against the gay sin society." The other: "Lausanne, a call for the LGBTQ community to repent." They displayed their placards at the entrance, ensuring everyone could see them. I took several photos.

Once inside, I recalled that the thematic focus of the second day of the IV Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization was the church’s commitment to God’s mission (missional commitment). The first presentation was based on the biblical text of Acts 15:28, which highlights the early Christian communities’ ability to discern collectively. Their decisions were made in groups, in partnership with the Spirit.

Today’s theme, “God’s Mission Through the Testimony of His People,” revolved around ecclesiology, meaning the community of faith. If yesterday’s theme was pneumatology, the Holy Spirit, today we asked: What is the church? What is its mission in this increasingly fragmented world? The old questions remain as relevant as ever, but the answers of twenty or thirty years ago no longer serve us. What we need are new ways of understanding the role of the church, its leadership, its interaction with society, its political responsibility, and above all, how to remain faithful to the Gospel of the Kingdom.

In my opinion, some sectors of the Lausanne Movement continue to cling to the formulas of their patriarchs— there are very few matriarchs in this movement—that, while valuable in their time, do not respond to the current challenges. But the congress is just beginning, and there is still much to discuss and hope for.

In the afternoons, the thousands of participants are divided into groups according to the topics of interest each person selected when arrived in Korea. Each group engages in participatory dynamics, and we stay in the same group throughout the week.

First Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization 1974. PHOTO: Lausanne Movement

During evening, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of Lausanne. I was thinking that when I started my studies in the Seminary, Lausanne had celebrated its first five years. Today, it celebrates 50. You do the math on my personal calendar.

And then the celebration started: music, theater, testimonies, interviews, inspiring messages, balloons in the air, Irish dances, noise, joy, and hints of a homely party.

We left before 9:00 PM. I didn’t see any of the people at the entrance demanding that Lausanne protest against the LGBTQ community. According to their signs, LGBTQ represent the greatest social evil. Will they be back tomorrow? Because tomorrow, incidentally, the theme is Persecution and Global Mission.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Colombia.

Between Persecution and Favoritism | By Harold Segura

 Between Persecution and Favoritism | By Harold Segura

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (4) Seoul, September 25, 2024

Lausanne IV Congress - Day 4. PHOTO: Miheret Tilahun (Twitter)

For me, the fourth day of the gathering began with breakfast, before heading to the convention center, I lingered over my second cup of coffee to chat about what was happening behind the scenes with the final declaration of the Congress. Different groups of participants were wondering: Why it was published at the beginning of the Congress? Does this mean everything was prearranged? Why so many doctrinal paragraphs (from the old evangelical catechism) and so few contextual ones?

Would this be the final text, or will there be a chance to propose a new draft? Why so much concern over sexual issues and so little about social ones? Why, when referring to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, there is no mention to the colonial mindset behind the conquest of Palestinian land and the theology that supports those injustices?

Later, I learned that in yesterday’s press conference, some Lausanne leaders said that certain traditional leaders of Korean churches had requested changes in some paragraphs related to sexuality.

The morning session began with music and a Bible study based on Acts 12:15, led by Dr. Patrick Fung, the Congress’s program president. The church in the book of Acts, though persecuted, remained faithful to the Gospel. What was their secret? Fung responded by highlighting three fundamental aspects:

First, it was a movement without social or economic power, without sophisticated strategies, but with courage and faith. It was a church with firm convictions. Second, it was characterized by trust. Barnabas is one of the best examples of that trust: he gave everything he had and embraced the former persecutor Saul of Tarsus, whom others feared. Finally, Fung emphasized that it was a community faithful to the Gospel.

At our dialogue table, we discussed several questions about the day's theme, following the ones provided by the congress: How should we view persecution and obstructions in the mission? How should we pray for those suffering persecution?

The session continued with a heartbreaking testimony from Babu Verghese, an Indian journalist, historian, and author, who spoke about the persecution that Christians face in India. His account was so passionate and filled with pain that it exceeded the allotted time. The moderator, with care, placed a hand on his shoulder and asked him to allow a closing prayer. The auditorium fell into a bewildered silence.

The first morning session ended with testimonies from China and Iran, showing that while Christian populations in many parts of the world suffer painful and outrageous persecution, this doesn’t mean there is persecution everywhere, as is sometimes portrayed.

At our dialogue table, we reflected on this. In Latin America, i.e., although there are some cases of persecution, in most of the continent there isn’t any. In fact, instead of persecution, what exists in many places is favoritism. Many evangelical groups are preferred, protected, and even promoted by political groups.

Today, we were fortunate to finish the sessions earlier than usual. We were given the afternoon off, something much welcomed and needed. At the end of this day, I pray: Lord, protect and give courage to those who are persecuted (in India, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Mali, Iran, Algeria, Myanmar, Iraq, Syria, Burkina Faso, Laos, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Nicaragua, Niger, Mauritania, Ethiopia, Bhutan, Vietnam, Tunisia, and so many other places). Stop their persecutors and the forces of evil.

Calm the fear of those who, though not persecuted, insist on believing they are or that they soon will be (“martyr syndrome”). Open the eyes of those who, under the banner of the Gospel, persecute others, believing this world has room only for them. Calm their intolerant faith fanaticism.

By your grace, protect those who suffer persecution for just causes, even if it’s not for preaching the Gospel, but for the values of the kingdom: justice, reconciliation, and peace. Amen.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Colombia.

Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (6) Seoul, September 27, 2024

 Harold Segura C. | Chronicles and Reflections from Lausanne IV (6)

Seoul, September 27, 2024

Mola, traditional fabric of the Kuna indigenous community of Panama

The last two Bible studies, like those throughout the week, explored different aspects of the book of Acts. Yesterday’s study addressed the day’s theme, which was Christian witness in the workplace, and today focused on what this Second Testament book says about leadership marked by service and humility.

Julia Garschagen, from Germany, co-director of a Christian organization specializing in the new generations, presented the theme of the workplace, taking us through Jerusalem, Philippi, Corinth, and Rome, finding in each of these cities characters who, according to Luke (the author of Acts), demonstrated that the spread of the Gospel was not the result of the work of specialized missionaries, but of people who, immersed in their daily activities, spoke of Jesus and bore witness to His kingdom. Among them were Jesus, a lay carpenter; Paul, a tentmaker by trade (Acts 18:3), and Priscilla and Aquila, a Jewish couple who shared the same work as the apostle, among others.

Dr. Garschagen highlighted the fact that today, only 1% of evangelical churches are made up of specialized ministers (pastors and other leaders), while the remaining 99% consists of people involved in professions and trades outside the ecclesial world. Therefore, it would be illusory to think that this 1% is solely responsible for fulfilling God’s mission. In God’s kingdom, there are no second-class citizens, she said.

Another Bible study, today’s (the penultimate day of the congress), was led by Dr. Philip Ryken, the eighth president of the renowned Wheaton College and author of nearly fifty Bible commentaries. His theme was leadership in the book of Acts, where, according to him, we find leaders whose work style is characterized by service, in the manner of Jesus, the servant of all. At my conversation table, in light of this last Bible study, Carlos Fumero from Spain noted something I now highlight: servant leadership is not something to do (a task), but something to be (character). Enough said!

Jocabed Solano. PHOTO: reformes.ch

Each day’s program includes an interview. Today’s guest was Jocabed Solano Miseli, a Panamanian indigenous woman from the Kuna community, and one of the few Latin Americans invited to the platform (but with her, Ruth Padilla DeBorst, and Allan Matamoros, I feel well-represented). Jocabed used the figure of the “mola,” a multicolored, handwoven fabric used in the women’s attire of her Kuna people. From this variety of colors, Jocabed, a dear friend whom I admire and appreciate, spoke about the need for a polychromatic theology, of a God who loves cultural diversity, making the Gospel more original and, indeed, more credible to new generations.

The panel’s theme was Mission through intergenerational disciples (and, as Jocabed would say, intercultural as well). And I believe so too. Neither the Eurocentric Gospel inherited from the Protestant Reformation nor the Anglocentric Gospel from evangelicalism answers the spiritual questions of the new generations. Evangelization must rethink not just its methodologies (how do we do it?) but also its theologies (what does it mean today?). And intercultural dialogue is an indispensable tool to answer this latter question. This was the case in the blessed book of Acts. For evangelizing means moving, guided by the wind of the Spirit, into God’s vast world, which changes from culture to culture and from generation to generation. And theology, instead of being a dull monochromatic fabric, is a beautiful multicolored mola.

Lord, deliver Lausanne, and all of us, from the limiting achromatopsia (seeing everything in black and white). May we open ourselves to the grace of your multifaceted and varied grace. Amen.

 

About the author:

Pastor and theologian Harold Segura is Colombian, currently residing in Costa Rica. He is the Director of Faith and Development for World Vision in Latin America and the Caribbean and the author of several books. Previously, he served as Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Colombia.

Day of Abandonment!

It was the fourth day of the congress, and what was latent surfaced with pain and the force of institutional endorsement. Incredible. A problematic email, sent by the director of the Lausanne 4 Congress, distanced itself from one of the most impactful presentations of the event. In this presentation, authored by Ruth Padilla DeBorst, God’s justice was affirmed, and the violence of the war in Israel and its thousands of deaths, especially in Gaza, was highlighted. This was just one of the topics highlighted in a mosaic of injustices experienced in our time. “Forgiveness,” said the email. The event’s organization had not paid due attention to the content of the presented text, and there were things that went unnoticed.

Of course, there were theological details at play, which the author of the presentation herself would acknowledge, but what about the war? The deaths? The lives? And the churches? What about the Christians who live and suffer this cruel reality? Are there no words? No gesture? Will they, once again, simply be abandoned?

Day of Abandonment!

It was September 25, 2024, the fourth day of the Congress. The day is set: abandonment. The day was marked by the tears of the brothers and sisters of the Palestinian churches. Attention! They are present, and despite the thousands of tears they have shed over these long months, once again they came and went hot. They arrived while surrounded by thousands of Christians from the most diverse places who, once again, rarely noticed the tears of a suffering, persecuted, and declining Church. The feeling of abandonment cannot be deeper, more painful, or more incredible.

Incredible in many ways. Incredible that it was triggered by this email sent by those who had approved the arrival of these Palestinian Christians. Incredible because it happened on a day when the persecuted and suffering church was being discussed, while the silence around the Palestinian church spoke loudly. A silence that said the global church did not care. Did not need them, echoing one of the event’s topical phrases denouncing the sin of isolationism: I don’t need you.

The brothers and sisters already knew about this abandonment, but they did not know it hurt so much to live it alongside those who passed by, using an image we understand.

The abandonment cannot be more painful and denounces a fractured and bruised body. Body of Christ.

Day of Embrace

I saw it! I saw that there were also other tears. Tears that sprang from other tearful eyes and, born from the depths of the soul, wanted to express repentance and solidarity. It is a fact. There are many others who have tears to shed. There are many other souls who, in solidarity, have space to cry.

Let us move our bodies in search of the painful tears of these brothers and sisters, in search of transforming the day of abandonment into the day of embrace.

Let it be known. It is necessary to go slowly because before embracing, it is necessary to recognize the abandonment, and even the neglect, to which we subjected these churches and these brothers. It is necessary to do what this event has called us to: repentance. Penitence, it was said many times.

Now, as we have seen here, repentance is not abstract but real and has several facets. To enumerate them, it is necessary to listen to our brothers and sisters from Palestine so that we can internalize their cries. The cry to be recognized and not forgotten and ignored. The cry of not being victims of a theology that has no place for them as participants in the “Israel of God.” The cry that asks for the suspension of the sending of weapons by which they will be killed and for a prompt ceasefire and end of the war. The cry for participation in the reconstruction of both the church and their communities, as a sign of a God who does not abandon but is present and does so through His body.

Then, and only then, can the day of abandonment be followed by the day of embrace. An embrace that, with true eschatological hues, can begin with the exchange of tears.

Can we expect another email?

 

About the autor:

Valdir Steuernagel has been part of World Vision since 1989, where he has served as both the national and international council chair of the organization. He currently serves as an ambassador for World Vision Brazil and the Brazilian Evangelical Christian Alliance, as well as a columnist for Ultimato magazine. He is a Lutheran pastor with a master's degree and a PhD from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, United States. 

https://www.elblogdebernabe.com/2024/09/from-abandonment-to-embrace-palestinian.html