What is "boxing day"?

Many of you have probably noticed on a calendar that Dec. 26th is called "Boxing day" and wondered what that is--I had decided it had to do with boxing matches. In the English speaking Caribbean it is frequently called "Christmas second day" and is also a holiday and day off. But why "boxing"?

Boxing day is of English origin and was the occasion of the rich sharing with those less fortunate than they. Christmas was (and still is) a family day, but the next day the children would "box" up old toys they were tired of and give them to the poor, frequently household servants, etc. Normally, they would take them to the home and visit as well as leave the toys. Today Christmas second day is the day you have friends over, or go to visit friends and family--a day for visiting others. I don't personally know anyone who "boxes up" toys, but many West Indians do visit friends then.

It's a nice custom, and is one of the few times throughout the year that people practice hospitality here. But the Christmas holidays were one of the few days in the year that slaves didn't have to work. In the former British islands the custom is go to midnight mass, then go home or to someone else's home to party until daybreak. Christmas second day is when you recieve visitors more "formally", if you will.

Tol

Move over Santa Claus

Like every good American, we were at the mall on Dec. 26th spending money. Of course since Christmas is past, there would be no Santa Claus, right? Santa Claus was gone alright, but in his place were the 3 kings (magi) and children were taking their pictures with them, telling them what they wanted them to bring, etc.

In the Hispanic world Santa Claus is a newcomer--through the centuries the 3 kings were the ones who brought presents, just like they brought them to baby Jesus. Yes, there have been Christmas parades here in Puerto Rico, but the big parade is yet to come! It will be on 3 kings day, Jan. 6th. At least here, children are supposed to cut grass and put it under their bed (in a box) for the camels of the magi. No grass = no presents.


In the Hispanic cultures, whether Mexico, Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic, South America, or Central America Christmas is so tied to Catholicism--that's one of the 2 times a year you HAVE to go to church, that many Christians have trouble celebrating Christmas in any way--in their mind it's too closely associated with the error they left. Where Christmas is a very secular holiday for us in the States, it isn't in many parts of the world. Here Christmas is a a paradox--people go to Mass then go out to drink and party, often until dawn.

Tol Burk

The Spice Island

My plans for 2008 include a trip to Grenada in March. Since Grenada is the second largest producer of nutmeg, as well as the source of much of the world's supply of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and mace, it is known as the Spice Island. It's exciting the first time you go to see the nutmegs growing on trees everywhere--beside the road, in people's yards, everywhere.

My plan is to work with two churches--one in the capital, St. Georges, which you will find at the "bend" on the left side of the island, near the bottom and another in Mt. Granby, which is inland from Gouyave, on the same side of the island, but much higher up. Currently three of us are planning to go, but I would like to take at least a couple more. If we could have 4-6 men, we could preach in both St. Georges as well as Mt. Granby and also have Bible studies during the day. If you're interested, please let me know quickly, as we need to firm up airline resv., guest house, etc.

Ernest Roberts has recently moved back to Grenada and is working with both of these churches. He and his family lived here in the 80's, but have been in Dominica for more than 20 years. Now he and his wife Eden have moved back. I know the brethren are glad for him to be back and pray his labors this time will be as effective as they previously were.

Tol

"Life ain't easy, it's hard"

Probably 20 years ago I read an article in Nat. Geographic about Jamaica and it closed with the quote that is our title. They were talking to a lady who made a living by buying fruits and vegetables from the farmers and reselling them at the market--what they call a huckster in the British islands. That was her reply to a question about her life.

Here in Puerto Rico life can be a burden. One of the brethren here, when asked how he is will always reply "luchando la buena batalla de la fe"--fighting the good fight of the faith. That always struck me, but I thought it was only his answer. As I've lived here longer, I've come to realize that most people, especially on the phone, when asked what they're doing will reply, "luchando" fighting--fighting for life. And even though life here is good, very good compared to most Caribbean countries, it is still a struggle every day, in everything you do.

Traffic here has gotten much worse since Thanksgiving--there is not a time we leave our urbanization that the traffic is not backed up through the intersection. In order to get across you must force your way through whatever little hole you can find, trusting that the oncoming traffic will not hit you. It took me 20 minutes to go the 1.5 miles to Burger King across the street today, and that was at 2 PM. We have a check we need to deposit (the bank is just down from Burger King) but I just don't want to fight the traffic to the bank and back. (Did I mention we were rear-ended for the second time yesterday since we got here in May?) We still don't have Puerto Rican driver's licenses because we haven't felt like taking the half a day to go get it--you have to fill out a 4 page form, get a medical exam, 3 passport photos (don't worry you can get these two in an office across the hall), but the kicker is that if your social security card is laminated you have to go to the Soc. Security office (who knows how long that will take) and get a letter certifiying your social security number (is really yours).

We've been doing some painting and putting up trim, which of course has required 3 or 4 trips to Home Depot. Yesterday we stopped at Quizno's (on the way) for lunch, went to Home Depot to get the last few things we needed, and stopped to pick up some signs (also on the way)--we were gone 2 1/2 hours.

The terrible thing is that on other islands it's even worse--there are only 2 cities in Dominica where you will find banks, so even if the brethren deposit your check in the States and you can get access with your debit card, it still requires a 3/4 - 1 hour trip each way to get to the bank. Fresh vegetables require you to either grow themyourself or go to the market on Saturday morning--depending on what you want, you may be able to get them in your village or you may have to go all the way to Roseau, the capital.

Yet despite all this, brethren still find time to worship God--in many places 4 or more times a week. What about you? Are you "too busy" to attend all the services of the church? What about when there is a Gospel meeting? What else do you do because you are a Christian?

Tol

Shivering in the ColdI

I read with interest stories about the ice storm in Oklahoma and the Midwest, thinking about people shivering in the cold--no power, no heat, etc. I'm sure a lot of that is because it is never cold here--it's 72 degrees right now and that's only because a tropical depression has settled in and it has rained all night and is still cloudy.

But strangely enough I am cold--my feet are like ice this morning. The windows are all closed (so rain won't blow in) and the fan is off, but I'm cold. It's strange how the body gets accustomed to whatever the climate is. I like to think about snow and cold weather now, but am not really sure I want to feel too much of it.

In the same way our minds get accustomed to sin. If we are surrounded by cursing and bad language, before we know it we are picking it up--if not saying it out loud, we are at least thinking it. If we are watching TV shows where people jump in and out of bed (lets call it what it is--fornication) all the time, we slowly accept this as "normal". If we re constantly told that the "gay" lifestyle is just an alternative way of living, before long we begin to accept that, usually before we're even aware of it consciously.

Brother, what are you getting accustomed to? Morally speaking, that is?

Tol

Like building, like church

Someone has pointed out that church buildings often typify the church that meets there. If the building is ostentatious, frequently so are the brethren. If the church building is adequate, but plain, this is often true of those who meet there. If the building is well cared for, it generally belongs to an active group and on the other hand, one that is badly neglected is used by an inactive church.

That is at least true of us here. Our building used to be a duplex, so on either side of the auditorium are 2 classrooms and a bathroom--one side being used by the Spanish speaking church and the other being used by the English speaking church. Last week Ed and I hauled off 3 loads of junk from one side, most of which had been there for more than 25 years. The tracts were so old they were yellowed and brittle and much of it was just trash that no one had bothered to throw away.

Would it surprise you to know that this group has done very little more than meet on Sunday morning for many years? It shouldn't! The importance they gave to the church building was much the same as they gave to worshipping God in general. But I think part of the problem is one we all face in areas of our lives--we get accustomed to things the way they are. At first, a former preacher was going to send back for many of these things, but time passed and he didn't. By that time we were used to the clutter, mess, etc. And doesn't that happen to all of us? We KNOW the sink in the men's bathroom is rusty and ugly, but it's been that way for so long we don't even see it. But we forget that it positively jumps out at visitors.

Have you looked at the building you worship in lately? Have you honestly asked yourself what visitors see when they come in? Certainly, the emphasis should be on the Word, not the building, but non-Christians don't know that. Often times they're unable to look beyond the obvious neglect to hear the Word of God. "If these people don't even keep up their 'church', how important is God to them?" might be their thought.

Do some people spend too much on a church building? No doubt, but let's not go to the opposite extreme. What do you think?

Tol

What are people looking for?

As we are working here in Puerto Rico, particularly with the English speaking group there is a special challenge--finding contacts. In the past, most of my contacts have come from the brethren so I haven't had to go out looking for many of them. But with only 9 other members, most of whose friends speak Spanish that hasn't worked, at least not yet. Door knocking won't work very well either because those who want to worship in English are scattered all over the island--one in this neighborhood, 2 in that one, etc. So we are advertising in the English language newspaper and radio station.

Which brings up another problem? What can you say in 30 seconds that might interest people enough to come visit or call for more information? There is a need for doctrinal teaching, but how much can you do in 30 seconds and will that pique their interest? What we've finally decided on is to begin with a question, give one brief answer (or part of the answer) and encourage them to call or visit for more information. We are planning to tie as many of these questions as we can to our current classes or sermons--"for more information on this topic visit us Sunday for the sermon".

This will be trial and error for awhile, as our listening audience is very diverse--Puerto Ricans, people from New England and NYC, some from Florida, etc. They are process engineers, retirees, business owners, and housewives. They range from the young professionals who went to school in the States to older people who sold their home in NY.

Any thoughts you have in this area would be appreciated.

Tol

Our first "Gospel meeting" at Caparra Terrace

The sign in the window is what's called a "Cruza Calle" advertising our first Gospel meeting. It literally means "crossing the street" and in the past they were banners strung from one utility pole to another across the street. Nowadays it's any vinyl sign.

We had Jose Coronado preach for us Friday & Saturday night, as well as the usual time on Sunday morning. The number attending was high--15 on Fri. and 10 on Sat. All the visitors were Christians--some from the English speaking church at Caparra and the rest from other nearby churches.

We also passed out tracts in the area around the church building, to let people know we're still meeting there and that we're back actively working and trying to reach others.

Ed and I will be preaching another Gospel meeting this weekend, but this time in English. This will be quite a change, as the church has met only on Sun. AM for many years now. We began Bible study on Wed. night last week (with everyone present) and now 2 extra nights.

Please pray that we may all grow together and find others who are seeking the truth.

Tol

Some things can't be bought at Wal-Mart

A friend's 3 or 4 year old nephew told him that they needed to go to Wal-Mart. He had been recently blessed with a new baby sister, who was about 3 months old. When Uncle asked what they needed to buy he was told, "Daddy has teeth, Mommy has teeth, I have teeth, but baby sister doesn't."

Obviously, Wal-Mart doesn't sell teeth, but after I go through laughing I thought about how many other things you can't buy at Wal-Mart. If you thought this was a Wal-Mart bashing, sorry to disappoint you--I generally shop Wal-Mart or Sam's first, then go elsewhere if I can't find it there.

Many are looking for happiness and way too many think it comes from things you can buy at Wal-Mart (or some other store). It doesn't! Solomon had money to buy everything he could think of, and he did, and his conclusion was that all those things were vanity.

Inner peace, which leads to happiness, comes from knowing you are at peace with God. Such knowledge can only come from HIS Word, what He has revealed to us in the Bible. You can buy the Bible, but you can't buy an understanding of it--that only comes through study.

Tol

"All the comforts of home"

My time in Santo Domingo went well--it was hot, but I had a fan over my bed, so I slept well. The power went off several times, but never for more than 30 minutes at a time. At one point I thought about our title and it was pretty close to true--I had most of the comforts of home, but especially when it comes to worshipping that ain't necessarily so.

Many of the churches that meet on Sunday morning (almost all only meet once on Sunday--morning or afternoon) begin worship at 8 AM. Why? Because of the neighborhood noise--everyone has the windows open and about 10 or 11 AM everybody gets going, which means they turn up their music as loud as it will go. Since they are done by 10 now, it doesn't matter. Another church stopped meeting on Friday night for the same reason. How we take for granted not only the A/C, but the blessing of being able to worship without outside distractions.

Although most brethren who work, work until 5 PM or so, many of the churches meet at 5 PM during the week--the power has a tendency to go off for a couple of hours from around dark (6:30-8 or so). By meeting at 5, they're done by 6:30 at the latest, so avoid that problem altogether. Again, how blessed we are to have uninterrupted power.

Then again many of those who meet at that hour don't meet in the church building--it's simply too hot there. Many meet under a shade tree in ome of the brethren's yard, which means they must transport chairs, etc. back and forth.

Do we take advantage of the blessings we have to worship God, or do we look for excuses not to? No matter how "bad" we have it here, it's better than most brethren have it.

Tol

Culture in the church

Working with churches in another country, or even another culture is always interesting, but it requires some flexability.

Here is a picture of some of the members in the church in San Isidro, Dominican Republic. I preached here twice recently and I noticed how much the background of the brethren has influenced their worship. You probably already noticed that all the women have some kind of covering--most of these brethren came from a Pentecostal background and the Pentecostals there teach a woman should wear a veil, not wear pants or jewelry, much less make up. This background also affects their worship--each man who reaches the podium must first shout, "Who lives? Christ!" and there are many "Gloria a Dios" and "amen". They are very involved in the worship service, which is certainly not a bad thing.

But there was something else I noticed--the singing. Most churches in the Caribbean sing loud--they don't even know when I sing "wrong", but the men here sing particularly loud, almost shouting. I puzzled on that for a song or two then remembered that they are almost all military men--active or retired. Immediately I pictured a drill sgt. shouting "I can't hear you!", which explained why they sing soooo loud.

The beauty of the Gospel is that it can be taught and obeyed in any culture--you don't have to know Greek (or Arabic like some religions teach). You don't have to be an American or adopt American ways. All you have to do is do what God says, in your culture.

Tol

Possibilities

The Dominican Republic is a country of almost 9 million people and relatively few churches. During my week there I worked with churches in and around Santo Domingo, the capital. 4 days I worked on the East side of the city, with churches ranging in attendance from 20 to 75. The other 3 days I worked on the North side, where between 65-75 were present. They came from as far away as Bonao (an hour's bus trip) and several points in between.

People here are beginning to have more time for spiritual things--most have the necessities of life, so now they can think about other things. Yet there are few full time preachers to take advantage of these opportunities. Please pray that God will send laborers.

Tol

Counting the cost

One of the big growth industries in the Dominican Republic is tourism, but you already knew that, didn't you? Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, La Romana--we all recognize the names, right.

I met Eduardo, a young man who's been a Christian about 6 months now, in Santo Domingo. He is in the university and is studying tourism. He was already in his 3rd year when he became a Christian and now wishes he had chosen another career. Oh he's bright enough and has a good personality, so he can certainly make it, but his concern is how such a job will affect him as a Christian.

I was very impressed that a young man who's only been a Christian a short time would already be thinking along these lines. Having worked in hotels for several years when I was much younger, I know there are things that will make it harder for him. Yet he can overcome them, with the help of Christ and his brethren.

Do you encourage young people to count the cost as they choose a career? Another of the young men in the church there is studying to be a lawyer--another difficult career for a Christian. Now being a lawyer in the Hispanic Caribbean is not the same as being a lawyer in the States--much more of it is drawing up legal papers, etc. Even to be a notary you have to be a lawyer. A sister asked me one time if I thought a lawyer could be an elder. I quipped that I wasn't sure a lawyer could be a Christian, much less an elder. I know it can be done, but it seems to me there is more potential for problems than in many other fields.

Parents, do you guide (not command) your children in their choice of a career? There are careers where lots of money can be made, but most of them pose a great risk to a Christian. Is the money worth the loss of their soul? Other careers are only available in the big cities, like New York, where the church is weak. Are they able to withstand the pressure from the worldliness on every side, with few fellow Christians to support them?

We as parents cannot choose our children's career, but we can help them count the cost.

Tol

Another first for me

I preached the first night I was in Santo Domingo in an area called "El Mamon" (a mamon is a type of fruit). It's a small village out in the country--most of the people worked (or work) on one of many farms or ranches in the area. Attendance at Sunday morning services ranges from 15-25 and they meet again on Mon. night (ladies class) and Tues. and Thurs. for Bible study. They have a very adequate block building--it's not completely done, but it's a very good start.

I assumed we would be meeting in the building, but when we arrived everything was set up behind one of the members houses, under a very large mango tree. As the power frequently goes out shortly after dark, they now meet from 5 PM to 6:30, just before it gets dark. This couple has a lot of chickens and it didn't take me long to see which was their favorite spot to roost--you guessed it, the mango tree. Now I've swallowed more than my share of bugs while preaching and one time preached to less than 10 people and at least 10,000 ladybugs, but preaching under the roost of chickens is new.

When it came time for me to preach I chose my spot to stand (there was no pulpit, so I could stand whereever I wanted to) very carefully and kept an eye on chicken movements above. I guess one hen didn't appreciate my presence--she squawked for almost 5 minutes before finally jumping up into the tree.

So when the kids get too noisy where you worship, just remember it could be worse.

Tol

A couple of good men

In translating a report from Nino Estevez, who preaches in Venezuela, recently I was struck by something that occurred. As some of you may know Nino is my age and recently had surgery to remove a very large stone from one of his kidneys. The stone was large and had been there some time so the kidney was very inflamed and his recovery has taken longer than "normal". During this time period a man from a denomination came to see him and Nino began talking to him about the Gospel. Well, they spent some time talking about the differences between the true church and the denominations as well as God´s plan of salvation. The man came back later to visit, but also to demand baptism--he was not leaving Nino´s house until he was baptized. While Nino couldn´t baptize him, there were other brethren who could and did.

Here is where 2 good men met--Nino in spite of his physical weakness taught this man. He in turn was serious enough about the truth to not only listen but then obey it. May we all manifest the attitude of these two good men.

Tol

Want to be wise???

Everyone wants to be wise. Not only are fools shunned and humilated, but their actions bring trouble and pain. My band director used to say, "Dumb people must suffer". His context was people who mouthed off and therefore got punished, but the statement is true in many aspects of life.

Yes, everyone wants to be wise, but how does one become wise? The wisest man, Solomon, gives us the answer in Prov. 13:20, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed." Should this advice surprise us? We all understand Paul's point when he writes, "evil companions corrupt good morals"--our friends will rub off on us, whether for good or for evil. Isn't that what Solomon is saying? So, if you really want to be wise, you must associate with those who are wise and learn from them. There are several applications of this that I want us to think about.

First of all, this principle makes our choice of friends incredibly important. I'm not talking necessarily your neighbors, or the people you work with, or the other parents of the kids on your son's ball team. While you have a relationship with them, they may or may not be your close friends--we're talking about your best buddy, or your best girlfriend, those you're really close to--your compadre or comadre. If they are wise people, that wisdom will rub off on you too. If they are wise enough to realize that the things of this world are only temporary they will encourage you in that same wisdom. If they are greedy for things, they will point you in the same direction. Your choice of close friends is so very important!

This is also something a young man should consider when he looks for a wife. Does he want a young lady whose only "advantage" is her outward beauty? Not if he wants to be wise! What other person should you be closer to than your spouse? If your spouse is wise it will benefit you in many ways, not the least of which is that it will help you grow in wisdom. The virtuous wife of Prov. 31 is commended for her wisdom more than anything else and where is her husband? At the city gates, with the rest of the wise men. Some young men are intimidated by a wise young lady, so they choose a wife that is not as wise as they are. It is hard for most young men to admit there wife is right (I know that first hand) and is wiser than they are. But her wisdom will not only save them from many problems but will help him to become wiser himself. Most of us need to be pushed to reach our full potential--seek a wife who will help you excel, not one who will drag you (and likely your children as well) down.

The last application is one I heard years ago that is so obvious once you see it, but difficult to see on your own. Another proverb says that foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it far from him. Children can be so foolish at times. Someone was telling of two 10 year old boys who were playing with the pixie sticks. For those of you not old enough to remember these, they were like sweet tarts powder in a straw. Anyway, one of the boys suggested they could "snort" the pixie sticks, like people snort cocaine. He then pretended to do it, at which the other boy took a good snort of it--his nose and sinuses were burned so bad he had to go to the doctor. Children can be foolish.

Now, what do you have when you get a bunch of children together? In any group of kids you have smart kids, dumb kids, kids who have no moral training, etc. In such a group, which behavior do kids typically adopt? They don't usually rise to the level of the wiser ones, but rather fall to the level of the more foolish. If a child, even a wise child who has been trained in God's Word and truth, spends most of his time in the company of other children will he be influenced for good or for evil? To ask the question is to answer it. Yet how many parents, even strong Christians, allow their children to spend so much time with other children that their foolishness MUST rub off on them? When YOU, the parent, are your children's peers, your influence over them is incredibly strong. When what the other kids think of them is more important than what you think, you are fighting an uphill battle that more than likely you will lose. Is it important for kids to play and be with other children? No question! But if parents spend little or no time with their kids it should not be surprising that their children don't adopt their parents morals. If you want your kids to be wise, you need to help/make them associate with the wise--grandparents, other older people and adults.

Do you want to be wise? You can be--make friends of those who are wise themselves and you are well on your way.

Tol

Expecting the best

As I talk to preachers, elders, and other leaders among churches we sometimes lament over "the brethren", especially how little they will do. I have worked with at least my share (I feel sometimes like maybe more than my share) of complacent brethren who don't want to do anything beyond attend at least one service. To be sure there are those who would look down on "Sunday morning worship brethren", but the only difference in their lives is that they attend every service of the church. These later brethren don't do anything else except attend all the services--their daily lives don't reflect Christ at all.

But how often have I heard "nobody wants the truth here" or, closer to home, you can't get the brethren here to do anything. While that may be true of some, there are those who just need to be asked, or just need to know something needs to be done. Too often I believe we expect the worst from people, not the best. And just like the child who is constantly told how troublesome they are, brethren from whom little or nothing is expected usually produce as is expected.

At one place we were told "you can't get anybody to help with Bible classes" but 30 or more ladies helped cut out, laminate, put together, etc. the activities for vacation Bible school. At another church I encouraged the brethren to invite their friends to a Gospel meeting and over 50 personal invitations were made. We have taught more than one person who was in an adulterous marriage and a number of them left those unions and are faithful still today.

Yesterday I suggested beginning a Wed. night Bible class again and to my surprise everyone was excited about that. I did not expect everyone to be excited--it's been more than 5 years since they had it and nothing had been said about it in the 3 months we've been here, so I thought some saw it as "too much". Only 2 live close to the church building, the rest of us will have to drive 20-45 minutes to get there because of traffic on Wed. evening, we're all busy, etc.

Brethren, the whole point of my rambling today is to expect the best of people. If they are taught what they should be doing many of them will respond. Some, perhaps even many, won't, but some will. Let us not judge who will or will not respond to the Gospel.

Tol

Christianity without the extras

3 months ago we left a church of 260 to move to Puerto Rico, where I preach in English to 12 people (including me) and then in Spanish to 4-6. That's quite a change, especially when you include how many other churches there are in Middle TN, where we moved from. There are two other churches in Columbia, plus 5-7 in Murfreesboro, more than 3 in Franklin, plus many others within one hour of where we lived, many of them large.

There are some Sundays we only have 4 people in Spanish--my wife and I and 2 older saints. As the number of those Sundays continues it gets a little discouraging. Needless to say there are no children's classes because there are no children. We still don't have Bible class in Spanish at all. But we do have an adequate meeting place, a house that was converted many years ago but will seat 60-70 easily.

I was translating a report the other day from a brother who is now preaching in the park each Sunday--they were meeting in the home of one of their members who liked to drink alcohol. When he was taught what the Bible says about that he made a change--he left the faith. So now they are meeting in the park, under a tree, and yes, even when it rains.

This made me think about being a Christian without some of the "basics" that most Christians in the South take for granted. Ask yourself the following questions:

1) How long would I continue meeting with a church that didn't have its own meeting place?
2) If you have small children would I worship with a church that didn't have the best classes for my children? There is not another faithful church within driving distance.
3) What if my children had only 2-3 other children to play with?
4) What if the meeting place wasn't cooled/heated that well?
5) How long would I be faithful if the church of Christ was one of the smallest churches in town?

Unfortunately, I already know the answers from too many brethren because I have seen their actions.

1) Not having a meeting place makes coming together too inconvenient, so they stop doing it.
2) Some have gone to liberal churches, or even denominations, for "good" Bible classes for their kids.
3) This excuse has also been given for leaving the truth for error.
4) It's just too uncomfortable, so they stop attending.
5) If being a Christian is an impediment in business they join the "right" church, whatever it may be.

Brethren, being a Christian is not a bed of roses, no matter what culture you live in. But when I see Christians raised in the Bible belt who move away and then drift away from the truth, it tells me there was a problem when they lived in the Bible belt.

Why are you a Christian? Because that's what's expected of you? Can you tell someone else why we worship the way we do? If not, there's a problem. There is also a solution, but it takes time and effort. "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." (Rom. 10:17)

Tol

Saving it for others

I watched the end of The Lord of the Rings again last night. Those of you who know the story will understand all the details, but that isn't necessary to understand the point. If you haven't read the books or seen the movies, I would recommend them. They were dedicated to C.S. Lewis and the point of it all is that good will triumph, even when it seems impossible. As Frodo is boarding the ship to leave Middle Earth he tells a friend, "I did all that to save the Shire, but not for me." Frodo did indeed suffer and toil greatly to save the world of man, but then left it.

The thought occurred to me that often times that's what Gospel teachers and preachers do. They suffer with people, teaching them, counseling them, loving them, seeminly for nothing. But some years later they hear that this brother or sister has become a real power for good, or at least is now faithful and strong. During our 8 years in St. Croix we baptized over 70 people, but only a few of them are still in St. Croix. The rest have gone to Dominica, or Miami, or St. Thomas, etc. Many of them are still faithful and are real assets to the work where they now are, but the church in St. Croix doesn't receive the benefit.

Truly our job is to sow the seed, whereever we can. If we receive any benefit from it, that is wonderful. But even if we don't, God does and that is all that really matters.

Tol

Hurricane Dean in Dominica

I spoke with one of the brethren in Vielle Case, Dominica last night and although they had a lot of wind and rain, they are all right. The crops--bananas and plaintains were all blown down, which means they are lost, and some roofs were blown off, but there doesn't seem to be any severe damage in Vielle Case, which is on the north side of the island (straight across from the "beak" on the north end).

I haven't been able to talk with the brethren in La Plaine (just south of this line of type). Regular phones are down, but cell phones seem to be working so I hope to raise them today.

By early next week we should have a better assesment of damage and needs in Dominica. Other than one couple who are "retired", the brethren in Vielle Case are all farmers, so the loss of their crops will hurt them for close to a year. It takes 9 months for a banana tree to bear after it has been planted. Most of the root crops take at least 6 months to produce, so they will need some help. If you're interested in helping, e-mail or call me and I'll let you know when I know more.

Tol (787) 998-2098, tolburk@gmail.com

Hurricane Dean

As the satellite photo shows the eye of Hurricane Dean has now passed Puerto Rico. It is cloudy here, but it has not rained since 6 AM. I don't know how much it rained here on the north side of Puerto Rico--the only time I heard it was at 6. It is still a little windy, but we didn't get very much of that even. We didn't even lose power. We thank God for His care for us.

As the first hurricane begins to approach, we begin getting supplies so that if it does hit we have what we need. So Tues. we bought bottled water, flashlight batteries, candles and more canned goods than usual. We also filled up both cars with gas, as well as the generator. I then trimmed palm fronds that were touching the house, cleared the debris off the roof (we still have a dead a/c compressor up there, but I left it too), gathered up light things in the yard, etc. Because it became obvious pretty early that it wasn't likely to hit PR we didn't have to bring the lawn furniture, bbq grill, plants, etc. inside--one time in St. Croix our bbq grill kept blowing back and forth down the porch. It's a big job preparing for a hurricane and requires several days.

After the first "scare" we are now more or less ready--we will keep the supplies until the end of Oct., then use them up. We can say we are prepared to meet a hurricane. It feels good to be prepared, but the worst that would likely happen in a hurricane is that we would lose our house and stuff, maybe even our life (to put this into perspective Hurricane Hugo severely damaged 70 % of the houses in St. Croix but only 21 people died).

Are you prepared to meet God? If you're not and die, you will lose alot more than physical life. The ASV translates 1 Tim. 6:19, "lay hold on that which is life indeed"--a reference to eternal life in heaven. Obviously then, the opposite of that, eternal destruction in hell, would be the loss of well being indeed. You CAN rebuild after a hurricane but once you die you CANNOT prepare yourself to meet God.

Are YOU ready?

Tol

Bible study in Puerto Rico

We just finished a Bible study with our neighbors tonight. It was our third study and they are right with us thus far. They bake cakes, and I don't mean Wal-mart type cakes, for weddings, birthdays, graduations, etc. They are unbelievable and this is the way they support themselves. The cakes are usually delivered on the weekend, so they bake and decorate them on Wed. & Thur. so Monday or Tuesday is the best night for us to study. They had two different groups coming today to discuss their cake and they were scheduled at 3 PM and 5 PM, so they would be gone before 7, so we could study.

When we got to their house they warned us that the couple from 3 PM had still not come and was coming any minute. They insisted we start the study, which we did. Sure enough, about 10 minutes into the study, here they come. They invited them in and they sat down in the living room (10 feet from where we were in the dining room). We then find out that the couple wants to wait on his sister, so they are invited and come into the dining room and enter the study. We continue to study and just as we are at the next to the last scripture his sister arrives. So instead of studying with 3 people, we studied with 5.

In the States, this study would have probably not happened this week, but here not only did we study, but we studied with a young couple (soon to be married) who we did not expect at all. She at least was attentive and we pray the seed was sown and may one day bear fruit. I left a copy of the lesson with her as well as the sister. So when things don't seem to be working out like you expect, don't worry it may be even better than you think.

Tol

"Life is hard . . ."

The photo on the left is from one of the universities here in Puerto Rico. It says, "Life is hard, prepare yourself well." Of course, their point is that you need a college education in order to prepare yourself for life.

While I wouldn't disagree with the importance of education, particularly a college education, these days there is something even more important--education about God and His Word.

Life is hard, not only are there real dangers/troubles/calamities, but there are also so many possible dangers. How does one face the hurricanes, devastating illnesses, personal tragedies, etc. alone? At those moments when we can't go on by ourselves, God is there to help us, whether by means of our brethren, or however.

Life is hard. Are you preparing yourself?

Tol

The church in La Plaine

This is one of the Bible classes from vacation Bible school in La Plaine, Dominica last week. So far as I know, none of these children attend services with the church there. Elkin studies with the parents of some and they visit occasionally, but as of yet they are not Christians.

The church here is composed of less than 10 members but has an attendance of close to 20 most Sunday mornings. They also meet on Sun. night, then Tues. and Thur. nights as well. Tuesday night is Bible class but Thur. night is "What's your question?"--Elkin entertains any and all questions and tries to provide the Biblical answer. Attendance at most of these services is 10-12. Among those who attend are several Haitian immigrants, so the service is in English and Patois, the broken French that was spoken in Dominica earlier and which the Haitians understand. Last Thur. I was answering questions and one of the Haitians asked me a question in Spanish, so I answered it in English and Spanish, so that service was trilingual.

There is good potential here. Many of the younger people have rejected Catholicism and to some extent the charismatic movement, but they are still confused--they know that some things are wrong, but they are not sure what is right. A woman named Ucille is typical--she has studied with the 7th Day Adventists and Jehovah's Witnesses besides us. She finally told the 7 days not to come back, but she is still confused, as you can imagine. Elkin continues to have 30 or more studies a month.

Please pray for the brethren here. Although few in number they are growing, although not as fast as they would like.

Tol

VBS Dominica 2007

Dana and I have been in Dominica the last two weeks for vacation Bible school--one week in Vielle Case and the next week in La Plaine. We are tired and both seem to have caught what they are calling "the Chavez"--head cold, sore throat, fever, etc. It is called "Chavez" because the president of that name visited Dominica and when he and his entourage left this respiratory infection started appearing.

We had 72 kids in Vielle Case, which is what we had last year. It is exciting to see the progress some of them have made--they've been there all 4 years. We had more teenagers than we've had since the first year--we ended with 15.

This was our first year in La Plaine so we didn't know what to expect. We had 29 the first day, which was a little more than I expected, but the next day it really jumped--to 62. We finished out the week with 70, which was way more than we expected. We'll see next year if that is the peak there, or if it will go even higher.

Tol

The nature of man

This fine looking animal visits our backyard frequently to feed. The little plants on his left have small purple flowers. I had seen these plants before, they were different--they were covered with flowers. Ours are not--the iguana comes up to eat them. Animals have no sense of beauty--flowers are one of iguanas favorite foods, although they will eat grass. Rather than admire the beauty of the flowers he eats them. When was the last time you saw a dog (or any other animal for that matter) stop to admire a sunset, or a sunrise, or any beautiful thing?

Men are different from animals in a number of ways, but this is one of the more obvious.
Certainly societies may have different ideas of what is beautiful, but mankind appreciates beauty. Why do we travel? To see the beauty! Why do we buy National Geographic and such magazines? To see the beauty!

If man is just a refined ape, how do we account for this innate desire for beauty? No other animal, not even the monkeys, has such a desire. Evolution cannot explain it--our esthetic nature does not help us survive in any way. If only those things that make us stronger, live longer, etc. are passed on (survival of the fittest) how can we explain this?

Just as every man can appreciate beauty, every man has an innate desire to worship something (or somebody). God created man with both of these desires, things which the animals don't have. There is no other explanation.

Tol

Working with brethren

If you preach on a regular basis, you have no doubt "quit preaching" at least once or twice. In the past I have quit preaching, or at least seriously considered it--one time it lasted all of 3 months. I haven't done that in more than 20 years now, but I still get frustrated with brethren.

If the Lord wills, we will be in Dominica next week for vacation Bible school. In the second village we are going to, the school building is already reserved, as is housing for 15 people--all arranged for some time by the local preacher. In the first village, where we start in one week, they will go tomorrow to apply for the school building and hope we get the permission letter by Friday. I have arranged housing, etc. And the most frustrating thing is this is better than they've done in the past. And you think you work with brethren who won't do anything!

Seriously, the most frustrating thing to me (and I think most preachers) is not what outsiders do, but what brethren do (or don't do). What do you do with brethren who won't do anything, or worse yet, will only do something to oppose you?

I don't claim to have all the answers but what I have seen in 27 years of preaching is that frequently brethren won't do anything because they are not committed. They are not committed because their faith is weak--oh, they've made a commitment to attend services, maybe even lead prayer or wait on the Lord's table, but that's about it. Brother N. B Hardeman once said, "Never underestimate the ignorance of your audience." While some would be insulted by such a statement I don't believe that was his intention at all--he was just reminding preachers that not everyone in the audience is as knowledgable as you are. There are young people who are just beginning to listen, there should be babes in Christ, not to mention brethren who just weren't listening when you preached this before. I'm not saying to water sermons down, but make sure you lay the foundation for your applications--people don't remember what they don't understand. Now if you preach for a church that will only tolerate 30 minutes of preaching you're limited by that, but people must grow spiritually before they will act. Rom. 10:17 says, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." Faith can only be strengthened by hearing the Word. This kind of growth takes time and we as preachers sometimes don't have the patience needed.

Sometimes we also fail to take people where they are. Jesus took the Samaritan woman as she was, having had 5 husbands and living with another. The woman taken in adultery was forgiven and cautioned to "sin no more". Even if I am "perfect" (in my own eyes anyway) most people are not. They need to grow and improve, but we must take them where they are and help them to grow from that point. Again this requires patience and teaching on the part of the preacher.

So before we decide that "the brethren" are the problem, let us examine ourselves to see whether we are part of the problem or part of the solution.

Tol

"Every man did what was right in his own eyes"

Driving in Puerto Rico is a real experience. The traffic is heavy and there aren't enough roads for all of us which leads some people to do some crazy things. Most traffic lights, for example, have left turn lanes with an arrow. But if the line is too long in that lane, someone will pull into the adjoining lane and turn left from that one--in front of those in the real turn lane if they can. They will even occasionally U-turn from this lane in front of you. If you are foolish enough to stop at a red light when there is no traffic you will either get honked at or more likely, they will just go around you and run the light.

On Fridays and Saturdays the traffic will frequently back up so that people will block the entrance/exit of our subdivision. Of course when we get our short light we cannot move, but don't worry that just means we move as soon as we can, thus cutting into the light of the people across from us, so they run their red light, thus cutting short those turning left into the neighborhood, which blocks those going on the highway--I think you get the picture. I'm learning how to position myself in a left turn lane, etc. so that I effectively block as many as possible so they HAVE to let me go. Otherwise, I could sit there a good while.

What is really amusing (and dangerous) is to see semi trucks switching lanes, riding peoples bumpers, etc. as if they were a small car. I think it must be so ingrained in people they don't even realize that they are doing it. Our backyard is bordered by a creek, which is bordered by a 6 lane road. Hardly a week goes by that we don't hear a wreck from our yard and we see at least one a week.

You probably are wondering what all my ranting has to do with the title--a quote from the book of Judges. Everything!! Judges recounts what happened in Israel when there was no king--no leadership, "every man did what was right in his own eyes". Some examples of the results are recorded in the last 3-4 chapters, one of which almost lead to the extermination of the tribe of Benjamin.

In Puerto Rican traffic there is no law (it exists, but a law that is not enforced ceases to be a law) so every man does what he wants to do. The result is total chaos. It is no different in society at large--when a society rejects authority eventually it will deteriorate into chaos. Western society is a good example of this today. When no one tries to enforce right and wrong chaos will always result.

It is no different in the church either. When brethren reject authority not only chaos but division will follow. 1 Cor. 11 says as much: "there must be division among you that those who are approved may be made manifest." Some will stand for the truth when others leave it, so there will be division and every evil work.

What is your attitude toward authority? If God and His Word are not paramount in your live, you are at least sowing the seeds of chaos for your children, if not yourself.

Tol

One of the devil's most potent weapons

In Middle Tenn. and N. Alabama the church is strong and over 30 % of people are Christians. In this kind of area the devil is still at work, telling us that: 1) Nobody cares about the Gospel anymore, or 2) He causes to become self-righteous. In contrast in an area where the churches and Christians are few and scattered out, the devil works on us from a different direction--discouragement.

Being one of only two English speaking churches (and the other is liberal) we have several member who travel an hour each way to meet on Sunday. All of us come at least 20 minutes, even though traffic on Sunday morning is nothing. Then when we get there if we're all there, there are 14. Add to this, that several of them are single, so have no wife/husband to encourage them and you see why they get weak.

Even Elijah the prophet got weak when he felt he was all alone--he asked God to take his life because "I'm the only one left". Imagine the great man that faced up to Ahab (and Jezebel) but later is ready to throw in the towel. Is it any wonder that we get discouraged at times?

Such situations can be discouraging but we cannot let them overcome us. We must remember what God told Elijah, "I have 7,000 who have not bowed their knee to Baal, nor kissed him." Even if we don't see them, or know about them, we have brothers and sisters throughout the world. Dan. 2 prophesied that the kingdom of God would endure forever and it's sovereignty would not be passed to another. If God be for us, who can be against us?

Rom. 10:17 tells us that, "faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." When we see that we are getting weak or discouraged we must turn back to the Word. Seeing other Christians is good, but it is only temporary. Faith built on His Word will continue no matter what.

To those of us who live among many Christians it would be very good for you to visit a place where that is not so. You can: 1) Encourage the brethren there, 2) learn to appreciate what you have more, 3) realize the power of God's Word and prayer.

Tol

Driving in Puerto Rico--multitasking at its "best"

Driving in Puerto Rico requires your undivided attention. The roads themselves present all kinds of challenges--unmarked exits, exits with no warning, turn only lanes with no warning, lanes ending with no warning--you get the picture. When you mix in the drivers it really makes it interesting. So interesting that only yesterday Dana and I were wishing we had a camera in the car with us to record some of the things they do here.

There is the usual number of people talking on their cell phone, who are joined by those deeply engaged in conversation with one (or all) of the passengers, not to mention those acting as tour guides and pointing out all of the sights. While doing this they will drop 10-15 miles below the speed limit and are as likely to be in the far left lane as they are to be in the far right. We have seen women putting make up and countless numbers eating but we had another first today--a car in front of us was driving 10 or more miles under the speed limit as well as having trouble holding her lane. When we passed her it looked like she was breastfeeding--I couldn't see under the towel mind you, but it was the typical arrangement. I don't have a problem with breastfeeding, even in public if she's covered, but while driving?

None of the things these drivers are doing while driving is "bad", but they do distract them from the main thing--driving. The spiritual application of my ranting centers on just this point--Christians cannot allow themselves to be distracted from the main thing. As disciples of Christ our goal is to become like Him--in word, in thought, in deed. Everything we do, think, or say should be what He would do.

But often we allow ourselves to be distracted by other "good" things--children's activities, work, hobbies, sports, etc. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, like driving distractions, they slow us down in our progress toward becoming more Christ-like or sometimes even derail us completely. Jesus rebuke of Martha was not so much, "Martha you sinful woman" but rather "Martha you are troubled about many things, but Mary has chosen the good part." Let us strive to choose the "good" part that cannot be taken away from us.

Tol

Opinions in Bible class

I commend to your attention this excellent article by Rick Liggin--I couldn't agree more!

Are our Bible classes supposed to be times for open discussion when anyone and everyone may state his own "opinion" on what some Bible text or verse of Scripture means? Asked a little differently: are Bible class teachers simply discussion facilitators or are they supposed to actually teach the class something?

Obviously, teachers are supposed to teach! They are to "give instruction", since this is what a "teacher" does. And though that may involve engaging his students in some kind of discussion, in the end the teacher is supposed to be leading the class in a definite direction so that real learning takes place. Anyone can stand at the head of a classroom and ask his students for comments--but a teacher must do more than that. He must teach!! He must instruct! He must make sure that real learning--learning that is true to the Word--takes place in the minds and hearts of his students.

But not only must he teach; he must do so with authority. Paul told Timothy: "These things command and teach" (1 Tim. 4:11). He told Titus: "These things speak, exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you" (Tit. 2:15). A faithful Bible teacher does not hand down his own "opinion" of what the Bible says--an "opinion" that others may take or leave, accept or reject. He teaches the Word of God--an authoritative message that must be accepted and obeyed.

Now, I say these things because I fear that some of us have gotten the wrong idea about our Bible class periods. Some of us seem to think that Bible class is a time for us to all get together and share our "opinions" or "what this passage says to me" with one another about some Bible topic or Bible text. But folks, that's not Bible STUDY! It might be one thing if we were sharing with one another the fruit of our own diligent, honest and careful private Bible study. In fact, if that were the case, I'm sure that some real and significant Bible learning would take place in such a class period. But that most often is not the case!

More often than not, these "opinions" we express are not based on any real, personal Bible study; in fact, they're often not even based on having previously read the text before coming to class. More often than not, they are the result of whatever might pop into our heads as we read the text for the first time while already in class. I'll be honest and tell you that, as a Bible class teacher who works hard at preparing to teach Bible classes, I find that insulting. How dare you come to class and challenge a teacher's conclusions by expressing your "opinion" when you haven't even taken the time to read the text (much less study it) before coming to class! We're not saying that error should not be corrected--if a Bible class teacher teaches something wrong, he should be challenged and corrected kindly. But how can we do that if we have not studied the text before coming to class?

Bible class is not about sharing "opinions" (especially unstudied opinions) with one another. It's about helping one another learn correctly what God's Word says, so that we can use it to change our lives. And it is the teacher's place to do that--and do it with authority, so that all feel the need to do what God says. Vision for the future demands that we make our Bible classes periods of real learning, and that requires teachers who are prepared to teach and students who come to class prepared to learn.

The work in Puerto Rico

After two Sundays here I thought I would give an update on the work. We have had 11 people at the English speaking congregation both Sundays, counting Dana and I. That is everybody with the exception of one brother who works 2 jobs, one of which is sometimes on Sunday. The Spanish speaking church did not meet the first Sunday, but last Sunday there were 6 of us, which is everybody.

With us here I'm confident the Spanish speaking group will be much more consistent--the brother who has done most of the preaching has to work a couple of Sundays a month, but I should always be there, so we will meet.

We also have 4 contacts to follow up with already--Christians who have fallen away. 3 of them were members at Dorado but live in our area so Caparra Terrace would not only be closer in distance but it time as well. Besides, it's in San Juan (the big city) not some little town on the outskirts--I know it shouldn't matter, but there is a psychological factor there. The other is from the Dom. Republic and just fell away because of the pressures of the everyday world. We also have the wives of two of the members who are good prospects--Arnaldo has already suggested that we need to come eat with them, so we can meet his wife, etc.

Please pray for us as we work here.

Tol

The Babyhood of Babies

Have you ever tried to tell a 3 year old that they are a baby? Almost without exception they will quickly correct you—“I’m a big boy/girl.” Why, our oldest son was “a big man” from the age of 3. Although they are certainly not infants anymore they are still babies, whether they recognize it or not. This is one of the characteristics of babies—they never see their own deficiencies or babyhood (if there is such a word).

Spiritual babies (immature Christians) are no different. In the beginning they recognize that they are babies in Christ, but it isn’t long until they learn just enough to think of themselves as spiritually mature. We all recognize that the brand new Christian is vulnerable and needs friends who are Christians to counteract the pull of the world and their old friends. This is a dangerous time in their spiritual life, but the next stage is only slightly less dangerous. If they are not careful they enter the stage where they know just enough to become arrogant and often self-righteous. They don’t need to study the Bible or listen to older, more mature Christians as much (at least in their own mind) anymore and if they continue in this stage they never mature. The words of Hosea become true of them also; they are “a cake not turned”—burned on one side and raw on the other.

Working with these babies (whether they’ve gotten stuck in this stage or whether they’re only passing through on their way to maturity) requires a great deal of patience. Instead of just telling them what to do we need to both tell them and do it ourselves. As our children model what they see their parents do, so babes in Christ will model what they see older Christians do. In fact, that is often a big part of the problem—Christians with more time in the faith aren’t doing what they expect newer ones to do, so when they tell them what Christians should do they don’t listen. The older Christians aren’t doing it, so why should they?

This is where consistently doing what is right can have a great effect. Most of our first year in St. Croix we would drive the 45 minutes to where the church was meeting for Wed. night Bible class and one other member would show up, eventually. But over time more and more started coming and 7 years later every member would come for every service. Of course there was teaching about the importance of attendance, which is necessary, but a consistent example is at least as important.

Those of us who are in fact spiritually mature must patiently teach and set the example for those who aren’t yet there. It’s much easier, as well as natural, to “let them have it” about attendance, Bible study, or whatever and this may even produce results for a short time. But until the heart (or understanding) is changed, there will be no permanent improvement. Often we must swallow our own pride and anger and continue to be consistent in our actions. You will probably have to do it alone for at least awhile, but keep quietly and loving pushing them to grow—some will and some won’t.

There are those who won’t grow, perhaps because of their character or perhaps because of mistakes of others. Notice in 1 Tim. 3, in the qualifications of an elder, why a novice should be selected—so he doesn’t become puffed up and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Obviously, if someone who doesn’t know the Bible well is an elder, it will be easy for him (and the church) to go astray, but that’s not the reason the Holy Spirit moved Paul to write here. I have known a number of spiritual babies who have been put into leadership positions in the church and have ruined not only that church but every other church they become members of. Since they have been “leaders” they don’t see their need to study or grow in any way and “once a leader, always a leader” so they feel free to give their advice (usually as laws) to anyone who will listen. It is so tempting to humiliate them publicly by showing how ignorant they are, but such is usually counterproductive—they are not humble, only embarrassed and you have made an enemy for life. Frequently they will stir up trouble and may even divide the church. Better still, in my opinion, to try and work with them, not only teaching them, but showing them, what should be done. Don’t be surprised though if they fall away or start their own church.

It’s not easy working with babies—they aren’t always reasonable and worst of all, don’t even realize their immaturity. Just remember that we have all been immature at one time and good brethren loved us and taught us and showed us in spite of our babyhood.

Tol

Life in Puerto Rico---slooooowwwww!

Dana and I arrived in Puerto Rico last Friday and have been waiting for everything under the sun since. We got here in time to go to the shipper to get a car and the trailer with our furniture, etc. Well, I didn't have the paperwork for either one and it would take us at least 1/2 hour to go back home to get them and customs closed at 3:30 PM, so nothing doing that day. Our neighbors supplied what we needed for the weekend.

Saturday and Sunday was doing some shopping--Wal-mart is about 1 mile away, but that's 20 minutes in our neighborhood. Services actually started about 5 minutes late, which is not even late here. All were present except one in English. The Spanish speaking group did not meet. (We'll work on that).

We spent all day Monday back at the shipper and customs--duty on the car was ridiculous, payable in cash only. Fortunately, there was no duty on our household goods. We cleared that trailer, then had to call a trucker, to go leave the papers at his office--a gas station. He brought the trailer to the house around 5:30 PM. After going to the bank, getting cash advances, etc. we finally paid out the car and left with it around 4 PM, arriving home 30 minutes later. It's only 7 miles, but the traffic.

We are still waiting on phone and internet--it was supposed to be installed Thur. but they couldn't find the cable so it is postponed until Tues. afternoon. Our phone number is suppossed to be: (787) 998-2098. I'll let you know when it is activated.

We're at Starbucks catching up on internet everything this afternoon. I only circled for 5 minutes to find a spot to park (it would probably be illegal to park there anywhere else but in PR it is SOP). We're adapting to driving here--we can turn left out of any lane and zip in and out of traffic like everybody else.

We are both fine and should be fairly well settled in by the end of next week.

Tol

Prayers for Nino

Nino Estevez has been an integral part of the work in Venezuela for some years. He started the church in Barinas, which has since grown to around 100 while sending 15 or so to start another congregation downtown. He also has worked with churches in Maracaibo, Caracas, Guanare, and other places. He helped start the church in Valencia and San Cristobal.

He is suffering from kidney stones in both kidneys and is now facing surgery to remove at least one of them. Please remember him in your prayers--the date has not been set, but is projected to be within the next 6 weeks. He will need some financial help with this, but is asking the gov't. first to see what they will do. Please pray for him and his wife Chela.

Tol

"A very large family"

Dana and I have been traveling for about 10 days now, on our way to Puerto Rico. We're finally in FL, at Port St. Lucie, with our youngest son and his family. Sunday I preached at 2 of the churches that support me, where I've never been before. As usual, I was reminded what a large family the church is.

At one of them we didn't think we knew anyone, but there was a former member from Sweetwater where I preached from 1985-1990. At the other one I publicly said I didn't know anybody, but afterwards a brother we knew from Abilene met me almost at the door. Another young man told me of a young lady I've been corresponding with about living in the Dom. Republic this summer. And this doesn't include all the connections that were made with other brethren in other places we both knew.

I was also visiting with a preacher I know from KY a few weeks ago who had visited a church I know well. He told me it was a little strange--out of 200 or so people only 5 spoke to him at all. Sometimes, our family doesn't act like the family they are. If someone were to visit the church where you worship, how would they be treated?

Tol

Could this be part of the problem?

Recently I was in another city and needed a ride to the airport. After locating a church on one of the internet directories, I went to their website and called one of the elders. I didn’t really know anyone in this town, so I had to pick someone at random. As it happened, we made a connection (someone we both knew) within about 5 minutes and he was going to work on finding someone to give me a ride.

A couple of weeks later I actually needed the ride and the night before, I called to find out who would give me a ride—name, phone #, etc. Another of the elders had agreed to take me, but like so many of us, he had forgotten a prior engagement, so couldn’t. The two conferred and could not think of anyone in the congregation who might be available to taxi me. To their credit, they did offer to reimburse me for my taxi fare. Again, I don’t know how large the church there is, but 4 elders would generally indicate a larger church.

Brethren, are we tooooo busy? If no one has time to help a preacher, will we make the time to become friends with the lost? Will we take the time to serve a brother or sister in need? Do we have the time to evangelize, or are we too busy?

Could this have anything to do with the fact that most churches of Christ in the States are not growing? True, brethren are always shifting from one congregation to another—whether they have moved to a new location, they got upset with another congregation, etc. But how many churches are really growing by baptisms, whether their own children or “outsiders”? Conversion takes a lot of work, which takes time—are you willing to make the time it takes?

Tol

It's official!

As of about 11:45 PM, April 30th we now own a home in Puerto Rico. The closing was set up for 7:30 PM and by the time everybody explained everything in great detail to Dana and she signed all the papers it was 11:45.

Our new address is below in the proper format:

Urb. Valle Verde 1
Rio Turabo AW15
Bayamon, PR 00961

We will retain the same cell phone number for awhile: (931) 797-2300 I will post our new landline phone # when we get it. My e-mail address has also changed to: tolburk@gmail.com. Dana’s remains the same: danagburk@hotmail.com

We have 3 bedrooms so we have room for company—just check with us for dates.

Tol

The one talent man

You remember the one talent man of the parable in Matt. 25:14ff? He hid his talent the master had entrusted to him because "I was afraid"--I presume he was afraid he might lose it if he invested it.

It seems to me that many American brethren are much like this man--they're afraid to use money (or take the time) to do everything they could for the Lord. After all, they might need it for retirement, or they might have some catastrophic illness, or some emergency might arise (after all, a disaster might strike), or . . .

Brethren, do we really believe the Lord will take care of our needs? If so, then we can stretch ourselves more than many of us do. The promise of 2 Cor. 9:8 is very promising to me: "And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work."

I wonder if this is one of the reasons more preachers don't want to go into "foreign work"?

Tol

"Mule Day" in Columbia, TN

It's Mule Days in Columbia. It started out with the Mule Trail Ride that pulled into town Wed. PM. Then there have been Mule Pull's, prancing mule shows (they call them gaited mules), Mule Show and the mule part ends today with a 2-3 hour parade of every kind of mule pulling every kind of cart you can think of. There are black ones, red ones, grey ones, white ones a mixes of some of the above. They range from just bigger than a malamute to almost perceron horse size. It's pretty amazing the first time to watch the various kinds and sizes.

Of course you have a huge flea market and vendors of all kinds. This is the first year I remember seeing the food trucks, so we must have finally arrived. Many on the main roads into town now have garage sales as well, so if traffic wasn't bad enough with the 150,000 extra people coming in, just add in those stopping, parking, and leaving the edge of the highway. It's a mess!

It's interesting that 150,000 will come from who knows where to watch a bunch of mules walk and buy somebodyelse's junk but you would be hard pressed to have 15 come to a Gospel meeting. Even in a county where there are 8 sound churches, around 500 Christians, that Gospel meetings are poorly attened. Does that tell you where people's priorities are, even Christians?

Tol

"People don't want a friendly church . . . "

As you read the title you were probably questioning it. Is it true people don’t want a friendly church? If they don’t want a friendly church, why are we always talking about being friendly? If they don’t want a friendly church, what DO they want?

I don’t remember where I heard this quote but I believe it is true: “People don’t want a friendly church. They want a friend.” What does this mean? Do people not really want a friendly church? Yes, they do, but that is only the beginning—what they are really looking for is a friend. If you are looking for a friend you usually begin with someone who is friendly, not someone who ignores you or is rude to you. But the fact that someone is friendly doesn’t necessarily mean they will be your friend. Being friendly doesn’t require the sustained effort that being a friend does. It is one thing to be friendly for the 4-5 hours a week that we spend together “at church”. It is quite another to be a friend at not only those times, but at other times during the week. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Prov. 18:24) Friends spend time together—that’s what builds their friendship. They may work together, they will certainly worship together, and they will also do fun things together. They may go out to eat, have a picnic, put on a fish fry, play games, or just sit and talk.

Being a friend requires much more than the investment of time—it will require you to listen, to share, and even to open yourself up to another. There is an emotional commitment—to share the good times, the bad times, even to correct them when you must. “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” (Prov. 27:17) You will probably have to laugh at some of the same jokes over and over (just like they do at yours), you will have to not only vent to them, but really listen when they vent to you. “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” (Prov. 17:17)

The quote is right—what people really want is a friend, or friends. Are you willing to make the commitment to be a friend to a new Christian, or a new member or family in the congregation? They will benefit, but so will you.

Tol

How the Gospel spreads

This photo of Gerardo and his family, including the first (and only) grandchild. He preaches in downtown Caracas, within steps of the Presidential Residence. Several days a week he, along with other brethren, preach in different squares and parks, passing out tracts and invitations to study the Bible. They will be placing ads in the newspaper offering Bible studies this month.

In December a man was baptized after about a month of studies. In February he and Gerardo began studying with 2 people in the neighboring town of Guatire, where his Mother lives. Unfortunately, his Mother was not willing to study, at least now, but two others were and have been studying weekly for about 5 weeks now.

The book of Acts records that while Paul was preaching in Ephesus that the Gospel was spread throughout "all Asia". From this most important city of the province, the commercial center, the Gospel spread to other towns and villages. When "Joe" was converted, he immediately thought of his brother Moe in another town. When Moe heard the truth he obeyed it, as did his wife and her Mother. The Mother-in-law had children in yet another village and so it went. When people are really converted they must share the message.

As we teach people we must keep our eyes open for their contacts as well--those they have some influence with.

Tol

Our new house

We were in Puerto Rico last week and found a house, which you will see the front of in the photo. The address is: Calle Rio Turabo, AW-15, Urb. Valle Verde I, Bayamon, PR 00961. Our P.O. Box is: Box 50182, Levittown, PR 00950.

If the Lord wills, we will be closing at the end of April. We have 3 bedrooms, so we will be ready to receive visitors in mid-June. There is some work we'll have to do in the kitchen, but much less than we thought we were going to have to do in the first house we found. This whole process went very smoothly and much more quickly than we had expected.

Please continue to pray for us as we make the actual move.

Tol

Yes, we really are moving!

Dana and I have been in Puerto Rico since Wed. looking for a house. Tonight our offer to buy a house was accepted so the next to the last step has been taken for our move. We have both marveled at how the whole process has gone so smoothly--the Lord has made it very obvious that we need to be in Puerto Rico. We continue to thank Him for His care!

We also met with both churches in Caparra Terrace on Sunday and everyone was very happy not only with our presence that day, but especially because of our upcoming move. They have already made some improvements on the building itself—some paint, new blinds on the windows, etc. Members of both churches (English speaking & Spanish speaking) talked to us about contacts they have been thinking about, so we are encouraged with that.

Brethren, please pray for us and the work here. With 4 million people here and only these three sound churches there is a lot of potential. Once the brethren are grounded I believe these churches can be a good base to spread out from.

Tol

"comiendo sapos"

Some years ago I was discussing with another preacher some of the things we do to serve others, particularly the brethren. He summed it all up in a very colorful expression--at times we have to "comer sapos"--eat toads. Obviously he didn't mean literally eating a toad, but rather do something that would be as odious as eating a toad. There are a lot of things I will eat and have eaten, from nutria to crawdads and frog legs, but the very thought of eating a toad almost gags me.

In our work as preachers we are often called upon to perform just such tasks, for the good of the church and frequently a particular brother or brethren. Whether we have wronged someone (intentionally or unintentionally) the preacher is the one who must humble himself and begin the "confession" process. How often have I thought to myself, "why do I always have to be the bad guy?" because it doesn't seem to matter whether I am really or not, that's the way it comes off. What is particularly galling is when it happens over and over with the same person.

At other times we are asked to perform menial, even unpleasant physical tasks--running people to the Dr., caring for them, etc. As that is part of the work of every Christian and since preachers frequently are more flexible in their time use, some of this is expected and just part of the job, but it can also get out of hand.

Then are those times that we are called upon for "counseling". Usually by the time it gets to you, it is a fullblown crisis, so not only is it painful for all involved (including the preacher and/or his wife) but takes a lot of effort and time to resolve it, if it can in fact be resolved. How disheartening it is to spend hours over several months time with a couple, only to have them divorce anyway. Or there are those people who aren't really seeking counsel, but rather approval, or just someone to listen to them. Again, we all need a shoulder to cry on sometimes, but this can be overused too.

But before we begin bemoaning our lot, and how the brethren "abuse" us, let us remember that the word minister means servant--in choosing to be a preacher or minister we are choosing to be a servant. Service to the brethren is what binds them to you and gives you the influence with them to "kick em in the pants" at times when needed. It also gives you the credibility to teach them things they may not want to accept. Service is part and parcel of the preacher's job.

This is true not only of preachers though, but of all Christians. We are called to be servants of God, not masters for Him. Should we not be willing to suffer a wrong if it will strengthen another? Paul said he would never eat meat again if it caused his brother to stumble--do you have that attitude? As servants of God it is our duty to obey His will, not my desires.

Tol

Our new "digs"

Everything is coming together for our move to Puerto Rico--our monthly support is committed, our house is under contract (it should close the 27th of March), and we are well on our way to having enough to move.

So, I thought it might be appropriate to show the church building where we will be working and worshipping from mid May onward, for at least 5 years. The churches (Spanish speaking and English speaking) in Caparra Terrace meet in a house that has been converted. The auditorium is in the middle and will seat 60-70 easily and there is one room there are using as a classroom on the right. There are 2 bathrooms and a couple of other rooms that could be used as kids class rooms, so we have a good start.

The brethren are very excited--they have been sprucing up the building, trying to do what they can to clean it up. Funds are limited, but they are making the effort.

I will post our new address, phone number, etc. when we get it. We plan to be in Puerto Rico from the 29th of March for 6 days to look for a house, set up a bank acct., get a P.O Box, etc. The blog will continue at the same address but my e-mail address will change. More on that later.

We first of all thank God for all of this, as well as those of you who have been praying for us. This has all come to pass in record time. Please continue to pray for us as we begin our labors in Puerto Rico. Also remember Edward Rangel, that things may go as smooth for him as he moves to work with us there.

Tol Burk

"Tengo un proposito"

In the Dominican Republic and Venezuela particularly before services begin there is likely to be a time for anyone to ask for the prayers of the church. Often times it is for someone who is sick--the member themselves or some relative or friend, but another common request is our title, which I think translates more or less "I am planning something and ask for your prayers". The plan or intention is seldom specified, it is just "I have a plan and need your prayers." The first time I heard this I was struck by it, as it is very different than our custom in requesting prayers in this country. Normally we are more specific (in the islands they can be embarrasingly specific--you wish you didn't know what they were asking for prayers for).

Which one of these three customs is "right"? I suggest it is the one that fits their culture. I started musing about this today when a brother called me and asked Dana and I to pray for him concerning an unspecified high point in his life. He said, "I believe that prayer has an effect, as I know you do, so I'm asking you to pray for us about this."

Brethren, do we really believe prayer can change things? If so, why don't we ask each for prayers more often? James tells us, "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed." He goes on to cite the example of Elijah--he prayed that it might not rain and it did not rain for 3 1/2 years--until he prayed again that it would. He goes on to point out that Elijah was just a man, a man like you and me.

As we are gearing up for our move to Puerto Rico I ask you to pray for us, that the move may go smoothly and that we may find a house we can both afford and enjoy.

Tol