Three days in Buenos Aires
Three days in Buenos Aires were filled with anticipation and excitement as the team of Dale and Dawn Assink, Fabio Sosa, Eddy and Daysi Aleman, Ted and Andrea Goodwin, Rick Clark and Luis Ruiz embarked on a mission to connect with pastors and church leaders. Their destination was the heart of the city, where government offices stood tall amidst the bustling streets.
The first day arrived, and the trio found themselves in the company of around 30 pastors and church leaders. It was an essential gathering, for many of these individuals had never before been exposed to the Reformed Church in America (RCA). As the conversations began, Dale, Fabio, and Eddy took turns sharing their experiences and insights.
The atmosphere was filled with curiosity and intrigue. The pastors and church leaders posed excellent questions, seeking clarity on various topics. Some inquired about the role of the Holy Spirit in their ministries, while others were keen to understand how the RCA approached regeneration—specifically, the ministry to individuals grappling with poverty, drug addiction, abuse, and other struggles.
Dale, Fabio, and Eddy were deeply moved by the passion and dedication of these leaders. They engaged in meaningful discussions, offering guidance and sharing their perspectives. The exchange of ideas was invigorating, allowing everyone to gain fresh insights and broaden their understanding.
However, as the days progressed, a sense of unrest began to loom over the city. The planned meeting with government officials, initially scheduled for the final day of their visit, was thrown into disarray. Buenos Aires was caught in the grip of a political crisis, plagued by rampant inflation and people’s demonstrations.
With the situation escalating, the government officials were compelled to convene urgently, leaving Dale, Fabio, and Eddy disappointed. Despite their hopes of engaging with the authorities and discussing ways to address the pressing issues at hand, circumstances conspired against them.
Although their original plans were disrupted, the time spent with the pastors and church leaders turned out to be invaluable. The three days in Buenos Aires allowed Dale, Fabio, and Eddy to forge new connections and impart their knowledge to those hungry for guidance. The discussions were fruitful, and the questions asked by the group resonated deeply within the trio.
As they bid farewell to Buenos Aires, Dale, Fabio, and Eddy carried with them a renewed sense of purpose. Their encounter with the pastors and church leaders had reminded them of the importance of empowering local communities and tackling the social challenges that plagued the city. Despite the missed opportunity with the government officials, they left knowing that seeds of change had been planted in the hearts and minds of those they had met, and that transformation would continue to take root long after their departure.
Three days in Mar Del Plata
The coastal town of Mar Del Plata became the backdrop for an enriching three-day conference. Pastors and their wives, a gathering of around 45 individuals, congregated for a time of fellowship, learning, and shared experiences.
Eddy, Dale, and Fabio took on the role of teaching sessions, providing insights and knowledge about the Reformed Church in America (RCA). Their passion and expertise were evident as they guided the attendees through various topics, shedding light on the values and principles that defined the RCA.
Simultaneously, two teams from the Central Plains Classis had the privilege of connecting with the pastors and their wives on a more personal level. Each team, consisting of three individuals, immersed themselves in meaningful conversations, eager to learn about the families, faith journeys, and the unique ministries to which God had called each individual. Over the course of the conference, they had the opportunity to engage with 27 brothers and sisters in Christ, forging connections that transcended geographical boundaries.
During the conference, meals were organized in a local restaurant, setting the stage for unforgettable moments of togetherness. Laughter and conversation filled the air as pastors, their wives, and the conference attendees dined together, breaking bread and building bonds. These shared meals provided an intimate space for participants to truly get to know one another, fostering a sense of community and kinship.
Behind the scenes, a couple from Mar Del Plata orchestrated the logistical details flawlessly. Their meticulous coordination ensured that every aspect of the conference ran smoothly, allowing the attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Their dedication and commitment to serving others were evident in the seamless execution of the event.
As the conference drew to a close, the impact of the three days in Mar Del Plata lingered in the hearts and minds of all who attended. The pastors and their wives left with a renewed sense of purpose, equipped with fresh perspectives and strengthened connections within the RCA. The memories created during the meals and personal conversations would forever hold a special place in their hearts, reminding them of the unity and fellowship shared among fellow believers.
Gratitude filled the air as participants expressed their appreciation for the warmth and hospitality extended to them by the couple from Mar Del Plata. Their dedication and attention to detail had made the conference a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had gathered.
As the attendees bid farewell to Mar Del Plata, they carried with them the memories of a transformative experience. The bonds formed and the knowledge gained would continue to shape their ministries and relationships in the days to come. The conference had achieved its purpose, uniting pastors and their wives, fostering growth, and igniting a passion to serve the Lord with renewed zeal.
Two days in Mendoza
With the majority of the team returning to the United States, Fabio, Ted, Andrea, and Rick continued their journey, venturing into the vibrant city of Mendoza. Excitement filled the air as they embarked on two eventful days, eager to make the most of their time in this new location.
Their first task was to conduct additional interviews, further enriching their understanding of the local community. The team’s dedication to capturing diverse perspectives led them to engage in 11 more interviews, adding to their growing collection of insights. With each conversation, they gained a deeper appreciation for the unique stories and experiences that shaped the lives of those they met.
Amidst their busy schedule, an unexpected invitation brought a delightful interruption. Jorge and Miryam Lescano, gracious hosts from Mendoza, opened their doors and hearts to the weary travelers. The team found themselves welcomed into their home, where an exquisite supper awaited them.
The evening unfolded with warmth and camaraderie. As the aromas of home-cooked dishes filled the air, the team and their hosts shared stories, laughter, and moments of deep connection. The Lescano’s hospitality touched the team’s hearts, and they felt truly blessed to be welcomed into their home.
The supper turned out to be more than just a meal. It became a cherished memory, a testament to the power of human connection and the bonds that form across cultures and continents. Through this simple act of kindness, the team experienced the generosity and love that transcends language barriers and geographical distances.
As they bid farewell to Mendoza, the team carried with them a sense of gratitude. Their time in this vibrant city had provided them with invaluable interviews, expanding their understanding of the local community. Furthermore, the hospitality extended by Jorge and Miryam Lescano had left an indelible mark on their journey, reminding them of the kindness and fellowship that can be found even in the midst of unfamiliar surroundings.
With hearts filled with gratitude and minds brimming with new insights, Fabio, Ted, Andrea, and Rick continued their mission. The days ahead held the promise of more connections, more interviews, and more opportunities to understand and embrace the diverse tapestry of stories that made up the human experience.
Reflections
The trip to Argentina proved to be a transformative experience, filled with encounters with high-caliber leaders who were both competent and experienced. These leaders sought to connect with the Reformed Church in America (RCA) in order to establish covenantal relationships that would enhance their leadership, promote accountability, and provide opportunities for continued training and learning.
Notably, these leaders were not only highly skilled in their ministries but also held professional careers. Many of them were bi-vocational, balancing their roles as church leaders with professions such as accountants, bankers, lawyers, and even seminary administrators. This combination of competence and professionalism showcased their potential to create a self-sustaining system of support for churches in Argentina and Chile, potentially leading to their own classis led by local leaders.
The team was deeply blessed by the hospitality and warmth of the people of Argentina. The delicious meals, particularly the preparation of meat over coals and pasta dishes, left a lasting impression. However, the challenge of having to pay for everything in cash proved to be significant but ultimately cost-saving.
The presence of Fabio within the team was viewed as a massive blessing. Fabio’s love for God’s Word, his winsome nature, and his ability to connect with Hispanic individuals amazed his teammates. He was recognized as a gifted coach who made people feel deeply loved and cared for.
The commitment level of the pastors in Argentina served as a challenge and inspiration to the team. Many pastors were bi-vocational, working long hours during the day and then dedicating themselves to leading a church. The sacrifices they made for the Lord’s ministry, such as selling personal possessions and hosting the church in their homes for extended periods, were truly remarkable.
The conference had an energizing impact on the participants, with many expressing that it opened their minds to new ideas. The RCA’s commitment to the Word of God and its structured approach resonated deeply with the needs of the pastors, who were facing heresies and spiritual challenges, including witchcraft. The pastors greatly appreciated the Heidelberg Catechism as a source of unadulterated truth.
Loneliness in ministry and the longing for support and encouragement were common themes expressed by the pastors. They displayed a deep desire to learn and were eager to share and connect with fellow pastors in their country.
Initially skeptical about the process, the team realized that God had brought these individuals to them for a purpose. It became evident that the partnership between the RCA and the pastors in Argentina had the potential to bring stability and spiritual strength to their ministries while also leading many more individuals into the Kingdom of God.
Looking ahead, the next steps pose challenges due to the significant number of individuals interested in joining the RCA and the process of credentialing and ordination. The team emphasized the commitment to maintaining standards while acknowledging the need for flexibility.
Overall, the trip to Argentina was a transformative journey that unveiled the potential for mutual learning, growth, and support between the RCA and the pastors in Argentina. The shared commitment to the Kingdom of God and the desire to bring the truth of the Gospel to the people of Argentina and beyond fueled the team’s determination to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact.