Lighthouse To Uruguay

The Silent Treatment

Erika — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:08:49 +0000

Recently, I was standing in the kitchen (nothing out of the ordinary!) when I saw Josiah walking away from Chris with his head hanging down, looking discouraged and upset. I knew he was not in trouble because I had heard their conversation, so I asked Josiah what was going on. He informed me that he did not want to talk to his daddy. It turns out that he misunderstood something Chris said and, therefore, decided he would not speak to him for awhile. I explained to Josiah that he was mistaken and told him that he should always talk to his daddy when he is upset about something. He did go back and talk to Chris and thus ended that dilemma.

So this whole scenario made me think of our relationship with our heavenly Father. I know God’s thoughts and ways are often much different from our own, which can lead to a misunderstanding of His plans. Sometimes this misunderstanding can cause us to give God the “cold shoulder.” We do not see anything good in what is going on, so we clam up and keep it all inside. I understand this action completely because it is my tendency when I am upset with someone, to bottle up my feelings instead of talking to the person. (Maybe Josiah gets it from me???) Yet, we can always, and should always, go to our heavenly Father when we cannot comprehend what we think we already know, especially since our knowledge can often be faulty! When we run to Him, who is the Light, we find clarity for our situation and consolation for our souls.

Facing Reality

Erika — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:55:45 +0000

Last night at church, I sat in the nursery with a lady named Claudia. I began to talk to her about her salvation testimony. She shared with me how she was saved when she was nine, but strayed away from the Lord for many years. She comes from a family of Catholics, her mother and grandmother being very devout. She is married to a man who is unsaved and she has 2 daughters and a son (19, 16, 15) that are unsaved. She showed me their pictures and shared with me, from a mother’s broken heart, how they have no desire to hear about God. Her oldest daughter refuses to listen to her mom talk about God in the home and blatantly proclaims that God does not exist. I just sat there listening, with a mother’s broken heart, as she went on. She said she has asked for much prayer for them, and I told her I would be praying, as well.

As we were heading home last night, I was talking to Chris about Claudia and her family. I was thinking back to our time on deputation as we went from church to church explaining what we had learned about the people of Uruguay concerning their religious beliefs, that they professed to be Catholic and that atheism/agnosticism is increasing rapidly. Yet, now it was different. Now I was sitting face to face with a Uruguayan lady who deals with these “statistics” every day of her life. I was moved by the information that I had heard before I arriving here, but now my heart was being overwhelmed as I put a face to the facts.

“So this is missions,” I thought. Seeing the needs of people and feeling their hurt in your heart. Such is the compassion of Jesus that should drive us and motivate us to reach those around us. And the more I thought about it, the more I began to realize that there are many in my position all around the world, including in America. I know there are pastors and pastors’ wives, Sunday school teachers, mothers, fathers, siblings, and the list goes on, who daily face people in need. I pray that we would all see those that we meet, really see them so that our hearts would be moved with the compassion of our Lord and Savior. ~Matthew 9:36~

Dreams Come True

Erika — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:48:03 +0000

“Standing in amazement of God’s goodness to me. All the dreams I’ve had have become beautiful realities.” These are lyrics from a song that I really like. The first part is true of my life. I do stand amazed at how good God has been to me. Yet, the life I now live is nothing like I ever dreamed. When I left high school headed to Virginia for Bible college, I never expected to have five children so quickly, or to be a missionary in South America. I thought I would be a youth pastor’s wife (which actually turned out to be true, for a time) maybe working as a Christian school teacher or in a clothing store. I also had desires to work with the deaf and to be a masseuse. Quite different from my current reality!

As I was reading the story of Jonah this morning, I began to see myself in his shoes. I am guessing he never imagined himself to be the person that would be used of God to deliver that wicked city of Nineveh. He probably envisioned himself continuing in his position as God’s prophet to Israel until time for him to go home to heaven. He lived in the presence of the Lord, and when it came time for God to set a new course for his life and ministry, Jonah had a choice to make. He could continue serving God on God’s terms, dwelling in His presence and experiencing His blessings, or he could “flee…from the presence of the Lord.” (Jonah 1:3) Unfortunately for Jonah, he chose the latter before the first and suffered the consequences.

I am thankful to God that, by His grace alone, He has enabled me to say ‘yes’ to each phase of life He has laid out for me. I pray that I will continue to yield to His desires for my life, no matter how challenging or difficult they may be. Did I dream about this life He has given me? Certainly not. Did God change my desires to conform to His own, making this life sweeter than any dream my mind could have conceived? A resounding YES! God has perfectly designed my desires to match His plan for my life, if only I will find in Him all my delight. ~Psalm 37:4~

Light in the Darkness

Erika — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:20:19 +0000

I was reminded of one of my favorite quotes this morning as I read Proverbs 4:18-19. “I have but one candle of life to burn, and I would rather burn it out in a land filled with darkness than in a land flooded with light.” John Keith Falconer Verse 19 of Proverbs 4 talks about the fact that the wicked walk in darkness and have no idea what causes them to stumble. Verse 18 speaks of the “shining light” we Christians possess. We know that there is spiritual darkness all around us. Chris met a man at church last night that spoke to the pastor about suffering from what he felt was demonic oppression. “Every day they pass me by. I can see it in their eyes. Empty people filled with pain, headed who knows where.” (song People Need the Lord) Oh that the Lord would use my light to lead these people, whom He loves and died for, from the broad path of darkness to the narrow “path of the just,” which leads to the Light!

Update on the Cisler Seven

Erika — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:53:08 +0000

We watched that movie Courageous. It was really good. It sure gets you on the edge of your seat at the very beginning! Chris is amazing with technology. He was able to purchase the movie online, download it, and then hook up his computer to the big flat screen TV they have here in the living room. It was great! : )

We are closer to narrowing down a location in which to live and minister. We are down to two areas. Chris has been researching the various areas, i.e. population, churches already in those areas, etc.

Right now we are enjoying the churches we are attending here in Montevideo. The one we attend on Sunday mornings (Tres Cruces, which is Three Crosses) is a very small group but very sweet group. The building they use is nice and open. There is one large classroom that the boys from Josiah down go to that is a classroom/nursery right now. There is only one other child the boys’ age, a little 4-year-old autistic boy. Starting in the next week or two, his mom will be teaching the little guys during Sunday school. (Right now, we have just been having a playtime during SS and church, and some of the ladies have been alternating helping with the boys so I can be in either SS or church.) She also talked to me about teaching Jeshua’s class (every other Sunday) which consists of Jeshua and one other boy who is about 10 I think. I’m excited! I get to practice my Spanish and teach God’s word and help Jeshua with his Spanish all at the same time! Chris will be teaching SS the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month. Thankfully, for right now, all he has to do is translate all of the lessons he already has in his repertoire. Otherwise, he would have to be preparing new lessons AND translating them. A lot of work!!!

On Sunday nights, we will be attending a different church, since Tres Cruces only has morning services. It’s called Redeemer Baptist Church. It was started by a national pastor over 30 years ago. It’s a beautiful building! Jeshua, Josiah and Jonathan go to a room with toys in it and play during the service. I go upstairs to the nursery with Jason and Jeremiah, from where I can see (and somewhat hear) the service. It’s really nice, and it has A/C. : ) I sat and talked with another lady in there last night. She has been in that church since she was 6, and she’s now 30. She has a 3-year-old boy and a 16-day-old baby girl. Precious!!! It was such a blessing to sit and talk with someone in my stage of life…and in Spanish! : ) As far as what we will do Wednesday nights, we are still not sure. Still deciding. There is another church that is a little farther away, but we really felt a great connection with the people there, so we’d really like to get involved there. Unfortunately, it’s a little house church and it’s not quite conducive to all the boys!

We found a very nice playground for the boys about 10 minutes away. It’s well shaded and they had a great time there this past Saturday. What a blessing! It is also right next to a mini-amusement park that costs about a dollar per person per ride.

Today we went to Interpol (all seven of us!) so they could make sure we are not criminals. : ) Just another step in the residency process. Later, we all went to get individual photos of everyone, which are required for our Uruguayan IDs and some other documents.

Well, I guess that brings us up to date now. Chris will be heading out tomorrow morning for some more adventures in this long process of being approved as legal residents of Uruguay. More to come later!

Erika Gets a Taste of Heaven

Chris — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:57:22 +0000

For the last three and half years Erika has heard me speak of the mighty Chivito. I have told many people that this “sandwich” is the reason we are in Uruguay (joking of course). Well, tonight, Erika was able to experience this great joy. She was impressed, but not as smitten with it as I am. How can you not love a steak and ham and bacon and egg and mozzarella cheese sandwich? For those of you who have not seen the video of the Chivito, check it out here, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk_-198EuSg.

Here are some pictures of Erika’s experience:

Investigating Cities – Help Needed

Chris — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:49:21 +0000

Over the next 6 months we will be praying and investigating various cities in Uruguay to seek where God would have us settle our family and plant a new church. It is my plan to take the next two weeks to talk to Uruguayan missionaries and local pastors about where they see a need for a local church. It is my hope that I will be able to compile a list 4 or 5 cities/areas in the next two weeks.

After I have my list of 4-5 I am planning on taking one at a time to pray about and investigate. I am looking for some ideas from others as to things we should do during this investigation period to help us make a decision. We are planning on visiting each of these places a couple of times during the period we are investigating them and talking to the locals about our desire and their interest. Is there anything specific we should ask the locals about? Anything we should look for in the communities? Anything else? I am also hoping to get in contact with a real estate agent to find about housing options in the various areas.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. You can email me, leave a response on the blog or private message me.

Thanks in advance for your help.

“And, lo, I am with you alway…”

Erika — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:25:33 +0000

Christ promised to be with us always when we go forth to carry out His commission. I thought about that promise this morning as I read Genesis 46. In verse 4, God said to Jacob, “I will go down with thee into Egypt.” The people of Israel were to go to Egypt “according to the commandment of Pharaoh” himself (45:21). I’m sure there was some fear and uncertainty experienced by the Israelites at this time. A new land with new people, a new language, new gods, a whole new culture! At least they had their family with them, right? Yes, they did. However, I have learned that it is still possible to feel lonely, even when surrounded by family. I needed to read this today, as God already knew! : ) He helped me to realize that, even though everything around me is new and unfamiliar, He is still with me, as He promised He always would be. Even when the busyness of the day keeps me from spending the time I would like to with my husband and kids, I can always go to Him because He will never leave me nor forsake me.

Settling In

Erika — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:56:05 +0000

Well, here we are in Uruguay…finally! It seems we have worked long and hard to reach this point, though God truly did speed the whole process along when compared to the time most missionaries need to get to the field. Now what? Chris and I were just discussing this very subject. Now we have to shift gears a bit and set new goals. I know there will be challenges, as I have already experienced a few. Last night, I headed to the garage to retrieve some laundry and was met by a posse of some of the largest roaches I’ve ever seen (or heard, yes I said “heard”!)…and that says a lot considering I grew up in Florida! We have dealt with some consecutive sleepless nights, due to jet lag and some difficulties the children have had with whatever new allergens might be floating around. These things just amplified the homesickness we were already experiencing! However, I must say that these things seem so minor when I compare them to the reason we are here.

I have been contemplating the lives of two people over the last few days. First, I think of how Paul described his circumstances as “light affliction.” He endured so much, yet he stayed faithful! I know if God’s grace saw him through such trials, surely it will do the same for me. Then I must think of my Savior, Jesus Christ. He left His heavenly home and sacrificed more than I could ever imagine. He stayed faithful in spite of severe opposition because He knew it was worth it all. Chris and I have both said a few times that we have felt like saying, “Ok, let’s go home. I don’t think I really want to do this anymore.” It’s a weird feeling, wanting to do God’s work, but not feeling “at home” yet. I am so glad that Christ didn’t give in to the many temptations He faced to throw in the towel and go home. I was sharing with a friend recently the unique opportunity we missionaries have to live as Christ lived. He had no place to call His “home” on this earth. He just stayed busy doing God’s work, knowing that He would only be here a short time to do so. We will eventually feel “at home” here, yet we will always have a “home” in the states. Yet we are always going to be busy about God’s work so that we never really feel attached to one place or another. So as much as I want to FINALLY settle down into my own house, I pray that I will never sink my roots in too deeply because this world is not my home. I always want to be available to say, “Here am I, Lord. Send me!” because we never know when or where He may want us to go next.

Divided Documentary

Chris — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 19:27:06 +0000

A few thoughts regarding this video

I agree with the premise that the modern way youth ministry is run is very damaging
I agree that parents (fathers in particular) are neglecting their duty and the kids are suffering
I agree that churches must do a better job of equipping parents to fulfill their God-given responsibilities and challenging them do do so.
I disagree with the Biblical arguments for the premise of eliminating all age-segregated classrooms.

Argument from Silence – The Bible does not mention youth groups or youth pastors, therefore they are unbiblical. If we are going to apply this principle to youth groups, we must apply it to everything in the church. No more ushers, choirs, song leaders, pianist, missions conferences, padded pews, sound equipment, suits and ties the list could go on. Just because the Bible does not mention them, does not make them unbiblical. It’s building a straw man.
Paul’s letters to the congregation – While I agree that the whole church family was there to listen to the reading of Paul’s letter, this does not mean that youth groups or family friendly (churches that do have Sunday School, Nursery, Youth Ministry) churches are wrong. Maybe it was a cultural thing. Maybe the fact that an apostle, their church founder had written a letter to them was such a big thing, that they decided to bring the whole church family together. The fact that they gathered together for the reading of that letter does not make churches with youth ministries wrong.
Children coming to Jesus – Do I really have to show the shallowness of this argument, that this proves that there should be no children’s ministries?

In my opinion, the reality of the matter is this; the way churches are being run today is failing the youth. The question that I have from this video is this; is the way to solve this problem by eliminating all children and youth activities? I personally believe that this is not the case. I think that the way to solve this problem is equipping a training dads to do their jobs at home. I view Sunday School teachers as an asset and help to the work I am doing. My children have the opportunity to hear from someone else, who they learn to trust by being with them every week, who agrees with what I believe and what I am teaching them. They reinforce what I am doing, not taking away from it.

If parents are not doing the work at home, I do not think that any church model will be successful. It is really up to mom and dad, the church is a help to them.

What are your thoughts?