Our time in Uruguay has truly been an eye opening experience for me. Up to this point in my life, I have only experienced Christianity and witnessing in the United States. In our culture, I feel that so much of Jesus' message has been lost by adding religious aspects to the "church". Jesus did not come to start a religion (Christianity), He came to start a movement of love, compassion, and acceptance for all people. He never forced people to change in order to be accepted, but simply invited them into a more fulfilling and satisfying way to live with purpose.
When I look at the staff at La Ruta, I see the example that Jesus set for us to live by more clearly than I ever have. The way the team loves and cares for the students who attend the group, no matter their beliefs, is having a noticeable effect on their willingness to further explore why that is the case. I view La Ruta as the perfect example of the groundwork that Jesus calls us to set, providing Him the opportunity to show Himself when the time is right.
Through conversations with numerous students, it is clear that the culture in Uruguay is one of extreme pessimism and many do not have much hope that life will improve for them. Christ is the ultimate example of optimism and it is awesome to see La Ruta bring a different outlook on life to the students that they are coming in contact with. I can see the seeds being planted in the students, inviting them to reconsider aspects of their lives without forcing them to change who they are. I can see God working through La Ruta in ways that could have everlasting effects on future generations in Uruguay.
Stephen
When I look at the staff at La Ruta, I see the example that Jesus set for us to live by more clearly than I ever have. The way the team loves and cares for the students who attend the group, no matter their beliefs, is having a noticeable effect on their willingness to further explore why that is the case. I view La Ruta as the perfect example of the groundwork that Jesus calls us to set, providing Him the opportunity to show Himself when the time is right.
Through conversations with numerous students, it is clear that the culture in Uruguay is one of extreme pessimism and many do not have much hope that life will improve for them. Christ is the ultimate example of optimism and it is awesome to see La Ruta bring a different outlook on life to the students that they are coming in contact with. I can see the seeds being planted in the students, inviting them to reconsider aspects of their lives without forcing them to change who they are. I can see God working through La Ruta in ways that could have everlasting effects on future generations in Uruguay.
Stephen