In a culture that places a high value on friendship and
community, I find myself listening more and talking less than usual. As I
reconnect with church leaders in remote and rural settings, I am able to hear
their joys and heartaches while visiting them or even while talking to them on
a cellular phone. Their trust in God and their willingness to continue to
spread the Gospel despite hardships and trials encourages me to persevere when
I face my own disappointments and difficulties.
My dear friend, Santos Watson, is one of those brothers in
the faith who has blessed me in such a way.
Santos and his wife, Griselda, are part of the Ngobe people group who
live in the southern tip of Costa Rica. The sweet couple has three children and
they minister to other Ngobe families who speak Ngabare in neighboring
indigenous communities. The last time I saw them was last spring after they had
attended a follow up session on Bible storytelling approximately two hours away
from where they live near Paso Canoas. I visited their humble home in the
middle of luscious plants and wild birds soaring by. The visit was particularly
special because I was able to watch Griselda ride the only form of
transportation they have, their beloved mare. She and Santos depend on their
horse to get to places as much as we city folks depend on our vehicles to get
from point A to point B.
I was by no means surprised when Santos called me on my
mobile phone last Friday. He and I speak to each other regularly as Santos travels
to a less remote area near his home in order to get a cellular signal. “Hermana
Laura, my horse died and now we don’t have a way to get around,” said Santos in
a matter of fact tone. Before I asked him what happened to his most treasured
possession, I took the liberty to tell him our family’s van had stopped working
and was now in the shop to be for an unknown amount of time until it got
repaired. Unfortunately, Santos’ horse had been stolen by a couple of drunks
and in their attempt to steal the mare, it fought back and the men decided it
would be best to kill the animal. The heart-wrenching story left me speechless. “Hermana Laura, we have a lot in common. I
have to walk; you have to walk. I can’t travel far; you can’t travel far.
However, if God wants me to have a horse again and if God wants you to have
your van again, He will allow it. There is nothing too hard for God,” replied
Santos ever so confident over the phone.
I will be seeing Santos and Griselda along with many other
Ngobe leaders in a few short weeks. Our reunion will be filled with countless
Bible story telling hours, the singing of stories from the Old and New
Testament, dramas that involve children and youths in the telling of parables,
etc. It will be a grand time to say the least. But most importantly, our bond
will not be bolstered by our strengths but by the weaknesses we share. To serve
out of my so-called strength would mean pride but to serve out of my weakness
allows me to empathize and become a better friend.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all
our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be
able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
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| Griselda and her horse near their home |
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| Santos at our spring Bible storytelling training |
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| Santos talking on his cell phone |
