La Vida en Porta - Life at Port

Dios trabajando: Bautismos

2012-01-18T15:56:00.003-06:00

Por Tom Marcus

Los bautismos son unsigno y a la vez un símbolo de la vida Cristiana. Ellos apuntan a una realidaden la que nos identificamos con Cristo y proveen una ilustración visual de lamuerte a nuestros esfuerzos así como dependemos de Cristo para que viva Su vidaa través de nosotros. Los bautismos realizados en Portantorchas en el 2011fueron de mucho significado para mí. Hubieron cuatro y fueron los primeros quetuve que realizar. Así como los bautismos representan la Vida Cristiana; estoscuatro bautismos simbolizan como Cristo trabajó en Portantorchas durante el2011

El primero simboliza comoCristo trabajo en la vida de nuestro staff. Alba, nuestra cocinera, escogió serbautizada en la durante el periodo de Primavera y ella expreso cuansignificativo ha sido el estar en Portantorchas donde ella continua creciendo ysiendo animada en su fe.

El segundo simboliza eltrabajo continuo de Cristo mediante el cual transforma vidas. Elvia había sidobautizada en la Iglesia Mormona cuando era niña y luego paso varios años en elorfanato en Honduras. Elvia acepto a Cristo poco antes de venir a Portantorchasy después de un año de crecimiento, ella quiso ser bautizada delante de su“familia” como una seguidora de Cristo. Que privilegio el poder ver como Cristotransforma vidas!

El tercer bautismosimboliza como el ministerio afecta a nuestras familias. Conocí a José, elsobrino de Marco y Janet, cuando el tenia alrededor de 5 años de edad. En elperiodo de Otoño, José volvió a Costa Rica como estudiante y experimento unrenacimiento de su fe y una solidificación en su caminar con Cristo.Portantorchas ha sido bendecido de manera abundante a través de los años porlas familias de Marco y Janet, de la misma manera fue muy significativo paranuestro ministerio el poder participar en lo que Cristo esta haciendo en lavida de José.

El cuarto bautismosimboliza la manera milagrosa en que Dios provee guía a los estudiantes aPortantorchas. Adriana también fue bautizada en el periodo de otoño. Ella llegoa Portantorchas debido a una serie de eventos que solo Dios podía haberorquestado. Ambos, la provisión de Dios en forma de becas y la asistencia deAdriana durante el periodo son parte de historias muy largas para contarlas eneste momento, sin embargo siempre me recordaran el trabajo continuo de Cristoentre Su pueblo y como esta trabajando en Su mundo.

Que privilegio el poder reflexionar en comoDios trabajó durante el 2011 y estoy deseoso de ver que es lo que Cristo tienepreparado para nosotros este año.

God is working: Baptisms

By Tom Marcus

Baptisms are both a sign and a symbol of the Christianlife. They point to a reality of identification with Christ and provide avisual illustration of dying to our own efforts as we depend on Christ to liveHis life through us. The Portantorchas baptisms of 2011 were verymeaningful to me personally. There were four of them and theywere the first four that I have ever performed. Just as baptismssymbolize the Christian life; these four baptisms symbolize how Christ was atwork at Portantorchas in 2011.

The first symbolizes how Christ worked in the lives of ourstaff. Alba, our cook, chose to be baptized in the Spring and expressedhow meaningful it has been for her be at Portantorchas where she continues togrow and be encouraged in her faith.

The second symbolizes Christ’s continued work in transforminglives. Elvia had been baptized into the Mormon Church as a child andlater spent many years in an orphanage in Honduras. Elvia accepted Christshortly before coming to Portantorchas and after a year of growth wanted to bebaptized in front of her “family” as a follower of Christ. What aprivilege to see Christ transform lives!

The third baptism symbolizes how the ministry affects ourfamilies. I met Jose, Marco and Janet’s nephew when he was around 5 yearsold. In the Fall, Jose came back to Costa Rica as a student andexperienced a renewal of faith and a solidification of his own walk withChrist. Portantorchas has been abundantly blessed by Marco and Janet andtheir families over the years and it was meaningful for our ministry toparticipate in what Christ is doing in Jose’s life.

The forth baptism is a symbol of the miraculous way God providesand brings students to Portantorchas. Adriana was also baptized in theFall. She arrived at Portantorchas because of chain of events that onlyGod could have orchestrated. Both God’s provision in the form ofscholarships and Adriana’s attendance last Fall are part of stories too long totell this time, but they will forever remind me of Christ’s continued workamong His people and how He is working in His world.

What a privilege to reflect on how God worked in 2011 and I lookforward to seeing what Christ has in store for us this year!

2011-12-16T12:35:00.000-06:00

Lo que he aprendido

2011-11-21T16:12:00.001-06:00

Por Meghan Rundle

Cerca del comienzo y a lo largo de todo elsemestre he comenzado inmediatamente a aprender sobre comunidad y el cuerpo deCristo y como se ve esto en la práctica. Como Dios trabaja en cada individuo demanera diferente, pero ¡es el mismo Dios! Todos hemos recibido diferentes donesy roles para poder edificar y alentar a la iglesia como un todo. Dios nos hadiseñado para vivir en comunidad y relacionarnos con otros herman@s cristianos.¡Me he dado cuenta que me estaba perdiendo de todo esto! Antes de venir aquí,fui a la universidad un año. Fue un año muy duro para mí. Mientras estudiaba,trabajaba en una cafetería Starbucks. Así prácticamente, o estaba en launiversidad, en el trabajo o estudiando. Cuando tenía tiempo libre, estabademasiado cansada para hacer cualquier otra cosa. Estaba emocionalmente cansaday no tenía tiempo para involucrarme en mi iglesia o tener realmente una vidasocial. Al venir aquí, Dios me ha enseñado mucho sobre mi deseo de estar conpersonas y de estar en comunidad. Aprendí y todavía sigo aprendiendo a poner aotros primero, ser sensible a las necesidades de los demás y buscar formas deservir a las personas y alcanzarlas a donde estén. Antes de venir, pensaba quepodía hacerlo por mi cuenta. Yo no sabía lo que faltaba. Pensaba que Diosestaba bien conmigo solo orando con Él yo sola y haciendo mi mejor esfuerzopara encontrar tiempo para Él en medio de mi ocupado horario. ¡Cuán equivocadoes esto! Por más callada e introvertida que sea, realmente deseo estar conpersonas. ¡El contraste de mi crecimiento, gozo y paz aquí en Porta y en casaes increíble! Sé que poder enfocarme en Dios y no tener que trabajar tienemucho que ver, pero ¡estar y servir en una comunidad es toda la vida de uncristiano! Las cosas a las que Dios nos ha llamado, vivir en justicia, serpacientes, amables, a tener dominio propio, poner a otras primero que nosotros,servir como otros lo han hecho, ¡todo esto afecta a otras personas! Por lotanto, necesitamos a otras personas para poder cultivar todo esto, para queDios nos continúe santificando y moldeando en el santo sacerdocio que debemosser. Sé que todo lo que necesitamos es a Dios, pero Dios escogió y desea quevivamos en comunidad para usar la unidad y el compartir que ocurre ahí paraenseñarnos y ayudarnos a crecer. Cuando regrese a casa, decidiré buscarcomunidad y trataré de que involucrarme en mi iglesia sea una prioridad. Voy aseguir buscando las necesidades de los demás a mi alrededor por encima de lasmías. No voy a ver mi vida como mía, sino más bien Dios primero, después losdemás y por ultimo yo.

What I have learned

by Meghan Rundle

Near the beginning andall throughout this semester I instantly started learning about community andthe body of Christ and what this looks like in practice. How God works inindividuals differently, but is the same God! We are all given different giftsand roles in order to edify and encourage the church as a whole! God hasdesigned us to live in community and relationship with other Christian brothersand sisters. I realized that this is what I have been missing! Before I camehere I went to university for a year. This year was a hard one for me. Whilegoing to school, I worked at Starbucks. So pretty much, I was either at school,at work, or studying. When I did have time off, I was too exhausted to doanything. I was emotionally exhausted and had no time to get involved in mychurch or really have much of a social life. Coming here, God taught me so muchabout my huge desire to be with people and to be in community. I learned and amstill learning about putting others first, being sensitive to other’s needs andlooking for ways to serve people and reach them where they are. Before I camehere, I thought I could do it on my own. I didn’t know what was missing. Ithought that God was okay with me just praying with him on my own and trying mybest to find time for him in between my crazy schedule. How wrong was that! Asmuch as I am quiet and a little introverted, I really do desire to just be withpeople. The contrast of my growth and joy and peace here and at home, is aninsane one! I know that being able to focus on God and not have to work is partof that, but being and serving with community is the whole life of a Christian!The things that God calls us to - to live in righteousness, to be patient,kind, self-controlled, to put other’s above yourself, to serve like other’sserved... all these things affect other people! Therefore, we NEED other peoplein order to cultivate these things, in order for God to continue to sanctify usand mold us into the holy priesthood that we are to be. I know that all we needis God, but God chooses and desires for us to dwell in community and to use theunity and sharing that occurs there in order to teach us and help us grow. WhenI go home, I will make the choice to seek out community and to put gettinginvolved at my church as a top priority. I will continue to seek the needs ofothers’ around me above my own. I won’t see my life as my own, but rather forGod first, other’s next, and me last.

Portantorchas Newsletter

2011-11-08T13:41:00.000-06:00

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LA VIDA NUEVA - NEW LIFE

2011-10-28T11:37:00.002-06:00

LAVIDA NUEVA

Por tanto, mediante el bautismofuimos sepultados con él en su muerte, a fin de que, así como Cristo resucitópor el poder del Padre, también nosotros llevemos una vida nueva. Romanos 6:4

Enla actualidad muchos cristianos recurren a diferentes medios tratando de“encontrarse ellos mismos”, de definir su “identidad” o de descubrir que cosasdel pasado los afectaron para que ahora actúen de determinada manera. Porsupuesto que los primeros años de nuestras vidas van a determinar muchas denuestras conductas, pero que sucede ¿cuando “nacemos de nuevo”? Si nosconsideramos cristianos, es porque hemos nacido de nuevo, pero ¿estamosviviendo de acuerdo a esto? o ¿seguimos viviendo como si todavía viviéramos esavida pasada?

Si alguno está en Cristo, nuevacriatura es; las cosas viejas pasaron; he aquí todas son hechas nuevas” 2Corintios 5:17

Cuandodescubrimos la verdad de quienes somos en Cristo, nuestra vida pasada sedesvanece. ¡Tenemos una nueva vida! ¡Cuán maravilloso es esto! Todo lo viejo hapasado ahora todas las cosas son hechas nuevas.

Olviden lascosas de antaño; ya no vivan en el pasado. ¡Voy a hacer algo nuevo! Ya estásucediendo, ¿no se dan cuenta? Isaías 43:18-19ª

Entonces¿quiénes somos en esta nueva vida? ¿Quiénes somos para Dios?

Somoshijos de Dios, santos, amados, fieles, embajadores…

Debemosdedicarnos a descubrir esta nueva vida, quiénes somos para Dios en Cristo, noseguir viviendo en el pasado y en lo que vivimos en aquella vida antes de serhabitados por el Espíritu de Dios.

Ya que hanresucitado con Cristo, busquen las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado ala derecha de Dios. Concentren su atención en las cosas de arriba, no en las dela tierra. Colosenses 3:1-2

Estanueva vida es Cristo viviendo a través nuestro. Él murió en una cruz por nuestrospecados, pero no para quedarse en esa cruz, sino para resucitar y vivir através de todos aquellos que deciden recibir esa nueva vida que Él estáofreciendo.

Ahora que se hanquitado el ropaje de la vieja naturaleza con sus vicios, y se han puesto el dela nueva naturaleza, que se va renovando en conocimiento a imagen de suCreador. Colosenses 3:9b-10

Vistámonosde esa nueva vida, vistámonos de amor. Debemos convertirnos en agentes de amor,en función de quiénes somos a la luz de la Palabra de Dios.

Por lo tanto,como escogidos de Dios, santos y amados, revístanse de afecto entrañable y debondad, humildad, amabilidad y paciencia, de modo que se toleren unos a otros yse perdonen si alguno tiene queja contra otro. Así como el Señor los perdonó,perdonen también ustedes. Por encima de todo, vístanse de amor, que es elvínculo perfecto. Colosenses 3:12-14

Cuandotomamos la Palabra de Dios en serio, en fe creemos y obedecemos, entonces cosassuceden en nuestras vidas y la paz de Dios gobierna nuestro ser.

Lavoluntad de Dios es ser agradecidos con Él, vivir vidas conscientes de lapresencia de Cristo en nosotros, 24 horas al día.

NEW LIFE

Therefore we have been buried withHim through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the deadthrough the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans6:4

Today manyChristians try different ways to "find themselves", to define their"identity" or to discover things of the past that affected them andcause them to act now in a certain way. Of course the first years of our liveswill determine many of our behaviors, but what happens when we are "bornagain"? If we consider ourselves Christians, it means that we are bornagain, but are we living up to this? Or do we live now as if we still live thatpast life?

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, heis a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17

When wediscover the truth of who we are in Christ, our past life fades. We have anew life! How wonderful this is! All the old things have passed away and nowall things become new.

Do not call to mind the formerthings, or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, now itwill spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? Isaiah 43:18-19a

So who are wein this new life? Who are we to God?

We arechildren of God, holy, beloved, faithful, ambassadors...

We need todedicate ourselves to discover this new life, who are we to God in Christ. We must not live in the past life that welived before being inhabited by the Spirit of God.

Therefore if you have been raised upwith Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at theright hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things thatare on earth. Colossians 3:1-2

This new lifeis Christ living through us. He died on the cross for our sins, but not to stay on that cross, rather,to resurrect and live through all of those who choose to receive this new life thatHe is offering.

Since you laid aside the old self withits evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a trueknowledge according to the image of the One who created him. Colossians 3:9-10

Let us putthis new life, let us put on love. We must be agents of love,depending upon who we are in the light of the Word of God.

So, as those who have been chosen of God,holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentlenessand patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has acomplaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love,which is the perfect bond of unity. Colossians 3:12-14

When we takeGod´s Word seriously and in faith we believe and obey, then things will happenin our lives and the peace of God governs our being.

The willof God for us is to be grateful to Him, and to live life aware of the presenceof Christ in us, 24 hours a day.

What is the life at Port?

2011-10-06T09:36:00.000-06:00

Life at Port represents many new things: a new country, newfriends, different foods and a new bed. In the midst of so many new things, itis important to consider why we are here. For some, it is time toconsider the next step in their lives. For others, it is the beginning of alife of truly walking with the Lord in total dependency. No matter what the reason we have for coming to Port, we can all learn to decrease in order that God, by His HolySpirit living in us, can change who we are so that we can allow Christ to liveHis life through us to reflect His character (John 3:30). What then is thereason for being here? It is to grow in our understanding of why we werecreated, to live fully dependent on God by the indwelling life of His Spirit withinus, and as a result of this dependency, to allow Christ to live that life thatwas offered to us in the cross and powered by the victory of the resurrection.This is our hope. Everything that He is, reflected in the way we live(Colossians 1:27).

La vida en Portantorchas significa muchas cosas: un país nuevo, nuevos amigos, comida diferente e inclusive una cama nueva. Sin embargo lo que debemos tomar en consideración es la razón por la que estamos aquí. Para algunos es solo un tiempo para poder entender cuál es el siguiente paso a tomar en sus vidas, para otros es el comienzo del camino que nos llevara de manera verdadera a vivir en dependencia total de Dios. Sin importar la razón que los traiga aquí, durante el tiempo en Porta, podemos aprender nuestra necesidad de disminuir para que Dios a través de Su Espíritu que vive en nosotros, cambie quien somos, para que podamos permitirle a Cristo vivir Su vida a través de nosotros para que podamos reflejar Su carácter (Juan 3:30). Entonces, cual es la razon de estar aquí? Para comprender el propósito por el cual fuimos creados, el cual es vivir en dependencia absoluta de Dios mediante Su Espíritu que mora en nuestro interior. De la misma manera debido a este estado de dependencia, Cristo puede vivir esa vida que fue ofrecida a nosotros por Su muerte y resurrección. Esta es nuestra esperanza, que todo lo que Él es, pueda ser reflejado en la manera en que vivimos (Colosenses 1:27).

2010-09-07T14:35:00.002-06:00

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2010-07-01T14:10:00.001-06:00

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2010-06-25T16:04:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!

2009-12-28T11:35:00.002-06:00

Dear Friends of Portantorchas,

2009 was another great year at Portantorchas. Once again we had a full group of students. We had a students from all over the World: Costa Rica, Honduras, Cuba, Peru, Mexico, USA, Canada and Norway. We had two married couples as students. But more importantly, the Word of God was taught. Christ was proclaimed. Students and staff grew in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord and Life. We reached out to the children in the community, receiving upto 60 kids from the neighborhood for camps, bible club, and "afternoons with friends." Our students reached out to multiple ministries on a weekly basis including orphanages, rehabilitation centers, camps and churches, taking the message of life in Christ to others. We received groups from the US in June and July for a short-term missions' experience, and with their help remodelled churches, and built a large dividing fence at an orphanage. We also received a group of 25 leaders from all Latin America as they were trained in outreach.

The year began with the donation by Chris Crookston, a professional landscaper in Michigan who donated his time, effort and experience to beautify Portantorchas. He completely redid the entrance, the circle in the middle, moved many trees, removed many stumps, and most noticably, build a beautiful pergola. It ended with a new wall at the bottom of the property, and the replacement of the porch in the back. We continue to try to keep the property that the Lord has given us beautiful.

2010 will bring new changes. New growth. New experiences. As an example, one of our married couples is expecting to have a baby in the middle of the term. That in itself will be an exciting experience, and will be a first for all of us. There will be a lot of staff changes, including the transition of leadership. We'll share more about that later, but please begin praying for Tom and Sara Marcus, as they will have a lot more responsibility with their role at Portantorchas, and pray for the rest of the staff as they will fill new shoes and also assume more responsibility. We continue to have full enrollment, and will continue to discuss whether or not we need to increase our facilities to accept more students. It is difficult to have to turn students away because of lack of space, but at the same time, moving into further growth has implications that cannot be taken lightly.

Please keep us in your prayers this new year. Pray for our students, that they will continue to grow and mature in Christ. Pray the same for our staff, but also that they may share the message of Christ with their whole hearts, and through their responsibilities. Pray for wisdom and direction for those who lead the ministry. Pray that 2010 will prove to be even better than those years that came before.

Also, let us know how we can be praying for you. If you are an alumnus, we would love to hear from you. Drop a note on our facebook page, or a comment on our blog. We want to know how God is working in your life.

May God bless you in this New Year. "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." 2 Cor 13:14

To our financial partners... Para los contribuyentes financieros...

2009-10-29T09:36:00.004-06:00

We have been working with Torchbearers to once again be able to provide a means by which donors could send a donation with credit card to us. We think we finally have it!

If you are an alumnus or have seen the impact that the Lord has done in somebody's life through Portantorchas, please consider contributing financially and encouraging others to do so. Donations are the main factor that allow us to provide the Bible School experience to many young people who otherwise could not afford it, and to supply the finances for other capital expenditures.

If you are willing and able to send a donation, thank you very much. You can go to the Torchbearers website and follow the instructions. Category is Ministry Location, and recepients is Costa Rica. Or you can go to this site and press Donate. Follow the paypal instructions, and your donation will be received.

Thank you for your patience and for accompanying us in different ways in this ministry.

Blessings in Him,
Marco

Hemos estado trabajando con Torchbearers para una vez más tener la posibilidad de proveer un medio mediante el cual donantes puedan enviarnos una donación con tarjeta de crédito. Creemos finalmente haberlo logrado.

Si usted es un egresado de Portantorchas o ha visto el impacto que el Señor ha hecho en la vida de alguien por medio de el ministerio de Portantorchas, por favor considere contribuir financieramente y motivar a otros a que lo hagan. Las donaciones son la principal fuente que nos permite proveerle a muchos jóvenes que de otra manera no podrían, la oportunidad de venir a la Escuela Bíblica, y para suplir las necesidades de otros gastos capitales.

Si usted está dispuesto y tiene la posibilidad de enviarnos una donación, muchísimas gracias. Pueden ir al sitio de Torcbearers y seguir las instrucciones. La Categoría es "Ministry Location" y el recipiente es "Costa Rica" o puede ir a este sitio y presionar Donate. Sigan las instrucciones de pay pal y su donación será recibida.

Gracias por su paciencia y por acompañarnos en muchas maneras en este ministerio.

Bendiciones en Cristo,
Marco

Rediscovering Christ!

2009-10-23T11:40:00.003-06:00

Here is a message by Major Ian Thomas. Founder of Torchbeaerers International, of which Portantorchas is a member.

Bocas del Toro, Panamá.

2009-10-14T14:11:00.006-06:00

Because of immigration laws, US, Canadian and European students can't remain in Costa Rica for more than three months without getting a visa. The cost of the visa is over $500. Another option is to have them leave the country, spend a four day weekend in Bocas del Toro, Panama ... a truly tropical paradise
for close to $400. So which do you think our students prefer, traveling to another country or paying immigration in order to stay here?

This week our students went to Bocas del Toro. Please keep them in your prayers, that the Lord will continue to provide us with safety in travels.

We have peace with God...

2009-08-19T17:11:00.004-06:00

This term, we have started a new change, that would perhaps be relevant only to those whom have been with us in the past. We are beginning Bible classes during the first month of Portantorchas, along with the language classes (Spanish and English), and the Leadership classes for the returning students. It can now be said that Portantorchas begins the first day of the term, and not that we have two beginnings, as we used to in the past.

As far as Bible classes, I am teaching Romans and Tom is teaching Mark. I must say that I have abused my position as Director for many years, and elected to teach those courses that I really enjoy teaching. Romans is a book that although very difficult to condense into two classes is crucial for our understanding and our Christian walk.

After sharing the "bad news" of our hopeless state of lostness, due to our sinfulness and God's justice, we get to a beautiful summary in Romans 5 of what the good news in Jesus Christ is. "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God."

I illustrate this from an experience I had while opening a business for a group of investors in Costa Rica. This particular company had an owner, and had a general manager. Perhaps because I am not as lovely as I assume I am, the manager began to lose his patience with me often on the phone, and I was becoming used to getting an earful, every time I talked to him. On one ocassion, he called to request dropping something that we had spent a couple of months working on, and starting from scratch under the premise that this would speed things up. Upon disagreeing with him, once again he yelled at me, and told me simply to obey. He assured me this was the owners wish, and that I would be wise to obey without questioning the decision.

Upon hanging up, and within one or two minutes, I received a call from the owner. I was sure I was going to be treated in the same manner and with the same tone. Upon asking me for my opinion, I couldn't lie, and shared what I had shared before with the general manager. I simply got "I agree with you. It was just an idea." When I asked him to please respond in writing to this, I received the response that I feel helps explain why I got into this long story in the first place.

"Why do you want it in writing?"
"Just to avoid having problems later."
"Why would you have problems? Don't you know that I'm the owner, and that you and I have no problems? The only person you should worry about is me."
"I'm glad to hear that you and I are o.k."
"I never said we were o.k."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I misunderstood."
"I said, we have no problems. That is better than o.k."
"That's great to hear. Do you mind still sending that in writing?"

I still laugh at this interaction, as the owner of the company did at that moment. But my point is deeper. When Paul tells me that because of my faith in Christ, I have peace with God, it means that He and I have no problems at all. That's better than o.k. I don't have to be watching my back to see if God is waiting to catch me doing something wrong so that He can punish me. I don't have to worry that the pain or suffering I may endure is in any way related to some sin that made God angry at me. I don't have to worry that one day He may dismiss me from His purpose. No. He and I are cool. We have no problems whatsoever. Sure, I've got problems. I've got sins. Paul will talk about those in Chapters 6-8, but first he needs me to know that I am at peace with God, and God is at peace with me.

This to me summarizes very quickly that wonderful news.

We have peace with God...

2009-08-19T17:11:00.003-06:00

A new semester.

2009-08-11T17:54:00.004-06:00

Blessings friends and supporters of Portantorchas.

On Monday, August 3rd we began a new semester at Portantorchas. As mentioned in a previous message, we have some 32 students from various countries, including two married couples. We are very glad and thankful to our Lord for every individual that He has brought, and we eagerly anticipate what He is going to teach us this year. As I explained to many of them, one of my greatest joys is seeing the friendships and relationships that are formed here, many of which become a lifelong emotional and spiritual support.

This year, we have been blessed with the help of some of our alumni. Eugenia and Fresia continue to support Paola in Spanish classes. Hannah has come from the US to help Tom with the English classes. For the leadership group, due to Freddy's departure (which I ought to write about later, that you may be praying for his next endeavours) I have asked the group of Lideres Creativos to join us and speak on leadership, while I continue to teach the Spiritual Disciplines course.

Please continue to pray for us and for our students. Our greatest prayer request is that the Lord be glorified in this place, in the life of our students and our staff. As Paul says, "for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ." Eph. 4:12-13

We thank you very much for this support, and the financial support of many of you. Particulary, I ask you to pray for the financial support of many of our students. There are some who are trustign that the Lord will provide the needed finances to continue this term with us, and there are some who are trusting that the Lord will provide for their monthly expenses. Also we have some staff whose financial support has diminished and are also trusting that the Lord will supply their needs through other people. If you would like to be part of that support please contact me directly.

Sincerely in Him,

Marco

A new semester.

2009-08-11T17:54:00.003-06:00

Un nuevo cuatrimestre.

2009-08-11T17:53:00.004-06:00

Bendiciones amigos y colaboradores de Portantorchas.

El Lunes, 3 de agosto, iniciamos un nuevo cuatrimestre en Portantorchas. Como mencioné en un correo previo, tenemos unos 32 estudiantes de varios países, incluyendo dos parejas de matrimonio. Estamos contentos y agradecidos con el Señor por cada individuo que ha traído, y esperamos ver todo lo que El va a enseñarnos este año. Como les he explicado a muchos de ellos, uno de mis mayores gozos es ver las amistades y relaciones que se forman aquí, que muchas veces llegan a ser de gran sustento emocional y espiritual el resto de la vida.

Este año, tenemos la bendición de la ayuda de varios egresados de Portantorchas, durante el mes de idiomas. Eugenia y Fresia están ayudandole a Paola con la enseñanza del Español. Hannah ha venido para ayudarle a Tom con la enseñanza de Inglés. Y para el grupo de liderazgo, yo sigo enseñando el tema de las Disciplinas Espirituales, y le he pedido a Líderes Creativos que nos suplementen con un curso de liderazgo.

Por favor, continúen orando por nosotros, y por nuestros estudiantes. Nuestra máxima petición es que el Señor sea glorificado en este lugar, en la vida de los estudiantes, y en la vida del equipo de trabajo. Como dice Pablo, "a fin de perfeccionar a los santos para la obra del ministerio, para la edificación del cuerpo de Cristo, hasta que todos lleguemos a la unidad de la fe y del conocimiento del Hijo de Dios, a un varón perfecto, a la medida de la estatura de la plenitud de Cristo." Efesios 4:12-13

Agradecemos mucho este apoyo, y el apoyo económico de algunos. En particular les pido que oren por la provisión económica de varios de nuestros estudiantes. Hay unos que están confiando que el Señor va a proveer para poder completar su tiempo con nosotros y pagar la matrícula, y otros que necesitarán provisión para cubrir sus gastos personales. Contáctenme directamente si les gustaría apoyar a algún estudiante, o el ministerio en general.

Bendiciones,

Marco

Un nuevo cuatrimestre.

2009-08-11T17:53:00.003-06:00

¡El final de un semestre!

2009-06-01T06:39:00.004-06:00

Este Jueves tuvimos el cierre de un cuatrimestre más de Portantorchas. 34 jóvenes que vivieron con nosotros vuelven a sus casas pronto, a siete países diferentes.

Ahora viene el tiempo verdadero de formación. Es fácil que las ovejas engorden mientras están en el corral. Si permanecieren allí por mucho tiempo terminarían con la vida el uno del otro. Pisarían toda la comida. Ensuciarían el corral. Se reparterían las enfermedades. Eventualmente tienen que alimentarse en los campos. Eventualmente tienen que dispersarse por todo el mundo.

Nuestro deseo es que ahora estos jóvenes regresen con una visión del Reino de Dios que verdaderamente marque sus propósitos y vidas. Que regresen entendiendo que todo es basura a la par del conocimiento de Jesucristo y del poder de su resurrección. Nuestro deseo es que regresen a casa a ser sal y luz en la tierra, a ser Portantorchas.

Ahora tenemos dos meses de vacaciones. Les pido oración por estos meses. En mi caso, debo participar en dos conferencias. Una para jóvenes universitarios este fin de semana. La otra es en conjunto con RAICES, una organización de capacitación del liderazgo júvenil para unos 30 líderes latinoamericanos. También tendremos un grupo de jóvenes de EEUU que vienen a servir en Costa Rica. Les pido oración por la situación de estudiantes el próximo cuatrimestre que inicia en agosto. Por alguna razón nuestros números han bajado significativamente para el próximo año.

WOW!!

2009-05-22T10:19:00.004-06:00

This July, Leah and I will be celebrating 10 years of working at Portantorchas. There have been some incredible times. There have been some very difficult times. And most of the time, its just normal. Among those we have had some moments where we have truly been blessed by the students. Most of those have been individual, one on one situations. There have been a few intentional situations where the students have wanted to do something special for the staff.

I still remember five years ago how touched I was the first time a student let me know that they were praying for us as staff. Last semester, students interrupted our staff meeting, gathered around us and prayed for us. Then they brought us donuts. That week, unbeknownst to them, one of our staff members was making an important decision about taking a job that would pay him much more than what we could afford to pay, at a time when he could really use the extra income. I knew then, that he would choose to continue with us. Some moments truly are priceless.

This week, we had a beautiful event that I think will stay in my mind for years to come. The students prepared a wonderful meal for all the staff. They decorated the classroom beautifully. They designed personal invitations. They wrote each member a small note. They organized babysitting for the children. They prepared a great salad, a wonderful main dish, and an incredible dessert. They played a video of pictures of staff with students. Then they gathered in the room, layed hands on us, and prayed.

THANK YOU! You have been a blessing, and we will miss you all.

Why Study Abroad?

2009-04-28T15:05:00.003-06:00

I found this at the following website, if you're thinking about coming to Portantorchas. http://www.vistawide.com/studyabroad/year_of_study_abroad2006.htm

Why the U.S. Senate thinks study abroad is a good idea

In recognition of the long-term national benefits of sending American students abroad, the U.S. Senate issued a resolution designating 2006 as the Year of Study Abroad to raise awareness and to help increase the number of U.S. students studying abroad. The resolution itself lists the 13 reasons why broad-based support of study abroad programs is important and necessary on a national level:

1. Ensuring that the citizens of the United States are globally literate is the responsibility of the educational system of the United States.

2. Educating students internationally is an important way to share the values of the United States, to create goodwill for the United States around the world, to work toward a peaceful global society, and to increase international trade.

3. 79% of people in the United States agree that students should have a study abroad experience sometime during college, but only 1% of students from the United States currently study abroad each year.

4. Study abroad programs help people from the United States to be more informed about the world and to develop the cultural awareness necessary to avoid offending individuals from other countries.

5. 87% of students in the United States between the ages of 18 and 24 cannot locate Iraq on a world map, 83% cannot find Afghanistan, 58% cannot find Japan, and 11% cannot even find the United States.

6. Studying abroad exposes students from the United States to valuable global knowledge and cultural understanding and forms an integral part of their education.

7. The security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States in an increasingly complex global age depend largely upon having a globally competent citizenry and the availability of experts specializing in world regions, foreign languages, and international affairs.

8. Federal agencies, educational institutions, and corporations in the United States are suffering from a shortage of professionals with international knowledge and foreign language skills;

9. Institutions of higher education in the United States are struggling to graduate enough students with the language skills and cultural competence necessary to meet the current demands of business, government, and educational institutions.

10. Studying abroad influences subsequent educational experiences, decisions to expand or change academic majors, and decisions to attend graduate school.

11. Some of the core values and skills of higher education are enhanced by participation in study abroad programs.

12. Study abroad programs not only open doors to foreign language learning, but also empower students to better understand themselves and others through a comparison of cultural values and ways of life.

13. Study abroad programs for students from the United States can provide specialized training and practical experiences not available at institutions in the United States.

Officials in the federal government are becoming increasingly cognizant of the dire need for citizens who possess the skills to communicate, negotiate, and do business in diverse regions of the world. This Senate Resolution is one in an increasing number of initiatives to train Americans to cope successfully with the globalization, migration, increasing economic interdependence, communication, and travel that are increasingly bringing cultures into ever closer contact with one another.

The Life of Christ!

2009-04-16T08:47:00.003-06:00

This week, we have had the priviledge of the teaching of Dr. Dann Spader, with the message of the Life of Christ. Dr. Spader is the founder of Sonlife ministries (now Sonlife Classic), and Global Youth Initiative. Both these ministries have the task of training youth, pastors, and leaders to develop disciples by studying the Life of Christ, knowing Him, and following in His footsteps. Over the years, Sonlife has reached out to more than half a million leaders around the World. GYI has the goal of being in 100 different countries by the year 2020, training and mobilizing youth leaders around the World to fulfill the Great Commission. He has been sharing with our students this message, as he walks through the Gospels teaching on the Life of Christ.

¡A Panamá!

2009-04-04T10:02:00.004-06:00

La mayoría de los estudiantes salieron para Panamá el sábado en la mañana. Van a pasar cinco días fuera en Bocas del Toro para disfrutar de las vacaciones y cumplir con un requisito migratorio. Oren que tengan un viaje seguro y que logren descansar. Otros de los que quedan van para la Isla Chira el Lunes, adonde fue el viaje misionero el semestre pasado.

Marketing Campaign

2009-03-24T17:14:00.004-06:00

Have you noticed the Portantorchas Ad on facebook?

Some people have already contacted us about it. Most of our advertising is done through Word of mouth, where somebody who has been to Portantorchas in the past, or a Torchbearers school tells somebody else about it. They look up one of the websites, and then decide to come to Portantorchas or another Center around the World. This has and continues to work great. After almost 70 years of existence, Torchbearers or Capernwray have enough recognition for people to look us up, without spending any money on marketing.

For many Christian organizations marketing is taboo. Believing that the Lord will draw whom He chooses, when He chooses, and how He chooses, they will avoid marketing. This has and continues to work for many organizations. Some would argue that if the numbers begin to fall, perhaps it is the Lord saying that it's time to say goodbye to the organization.

I personally don't have any problem with marketing. I am thankful for the people who press on their friends or family the urgency of them attending a Torchbearers Bible School. Nonetheless, I believe so much in the message of Christ in you, as taught in our Bible Schools, in the value of community life as experienced in our centers, in the preparation for full-time Christian ministry no matter what our occupation (ie. preach Christ ALWAYS), that I think every young Christian around the World should have an experience like Portantorchas. I'm not kidding. I really, truly believe that every young Christian around the World can postpone one year or one term of their life plan and invest it in Spiritual growth. But there are millions of young people out there who would long for an opportunity like Torchbearers offers, but they don't happen to know anybody who has been to, or will ever be to a Torchbearers Bible School. They may need to be the first.

So I have started advertising on facebook. Unfortunately it is a limited form of adverstising, since I have to guess key words that will help me target an audience. Christians don't have common key words. For instance, you need to target musical preferences. I can pick Christian bands (since I'm so hip on what's going on in the Christian music scene.) But some Christians don't listen to any Christian music or at least don't want to mention it on their facebook profile. Either way, there are about 3,000,000 people who may one day see our ad. If you see it, let us know. That way we know it's getting around. You'll have to put a Christian band in your profile, or perhaps a Christian author, or a Christian book.

If you don't see it, and you've been to Torchbearers, then consider letting others know about your experience.

El principio de clases de Biblia.

2009-03-08T15:57:00.006-06:00

El lunes pasado (2 de marzo) iniciamos las clases de Biblia de este semestre. Tenemos 34 estudiantes en total. Tenemos estudiantes de Costa Rica, Cuba, Estados Unidos, Canadá, Perú, Honduras y Noruega.

El primer curso fue de Gálatas. Este curso es escogido específicamente por el hecho de que se presentan los principios de la fe crisitana a través del libro de Galatás. El libro nos recuerda de que debemos estar tan familiarizados con el Evangelio auténtico, que nadie nos podría desviar con un evangelio falso. El evangelio verdadero nos explica que nada en nosotros mismos podría ameritar la salvación, sino que esta es un resultado de la obra de Dios en la persona de Cristo Jesús. Cualquiera que crea merecer la salvación por medio de sus obras, aún si son obras maravillosas, está creyendo en un evangelio falso.

Este curso fue seguido por un curso de Introducción a la Biblia. En este curso se estudia la Biblia como un libro. Temas como la inspiración, revelación y autoridad Bíblica son importantes de entender para poder darle el lugar a la Palabra de Dios que este se merece.

Acompáñenos en oración por nuestros estudiantes. Nuestro anhelo es ser partícipes en lo que Dios está haciendo en la formación y desarrollo de nuestros jóvenes.

Emmanuel Orphanage!

2009-02-21T08:06:00.003-06:00

As many of you know, Emmanuel Orphanage in Honduras has been sending 2 students a year to Portantorchas. Portantorchas provides a full scholarship, but this in no way means that there aren't costs associated with these students for Emmanuel. With travel expenses, insurance, immigration procedures, health issues (insurance is for emergencies), etc., we recommend that these students bring $450 additionally. This is an added burden for Emmanuel as they already have over 400 kids that they are trusting the Lord for on a daily basis.

Personally, I would like to relieve Emmanuel of this burden, and would like some of our Alumni to consider giving toward this specific need. I usually don't like asking for money for Portantorchas' needs (although I've been breaking with tradition lately), but I have no problem asking for money for others. You can follow the link at the top of the page to www.portantorchas.org to donate through paypal. If we have a high response, we will simply put that money in the bank for future students from Emmanuel.

Take this opportunity as well to remember to keep Portantorchas in your prayers. We are always longing for them.

Capital Fundraiser Update!

2009-02-11T07:47:00.004-06:00

On December 8th I began the official capital campaign fundraiser for Portantorchas. Obviously, there is a little bit of jesting here, as I am obviously not expecting to raise $65 million dollars for the school. But there are some very real needs that we could use donations for.

Recently, somebody asked me how the capital campaign fundraiser was going. After two months, we have managed to raise $320 total on this attempt (I see Development Job offers lining up). These donations come from two sources, total. One of those donations was of particular encouragement to me. One alumnus sent a $10 donation through pay pal (check the link on the right column).

When I wrote her to thank her, this is what I received.
"Thank you for your Email! I am thinking very often about Port - and my aim is to come back one day as student, visitor or something else, we will see.
I am going to support you regularly. I don't know why that only occcured to me now, but better late than never ;-)"

Yesterday, I received the second $10 donation, and felt that I needed to publicly recognize that gift. Obviously I won't mention names, but I do want to say "Thank you."

Anna Jimenez (Strom)

2009-02-09T17:27:00.007-06:00

In the Fall of 2000, Anna Strom came as a student to Portantorchas from Estes Park, Colorado. With excellent Spanish, a servant's heart and attitude, and great leadership, we were happy to have her as a part of our family. As is the case with many of our students, we never heard from Anna again, until a few years back I heard again (I can't quite recall the reason or occasion).

Anna had moved to Honduras to work in the slums through a ministry called Servant Partners. Anna has been serving the urban poor through multiple means (you can check out her blog at http://annajstrom.blogspot.com/ or http://annadejimenez.wordpress.com/), from sharing the gospel with children, to partnering with churches to send missionaries into the harvest field.

In August of 2008, Anna married Guillermo Jimenez, a Honduran who shares Anna's passion for reaching out to those around him with the Gospel. Guillermo has a MA in Economic Development from Eastern University. Pray for Anna and Guillermo as they are finding ways in which the Lord will use their gifts and talents for His glory and honor.

His Protection Exemplified!

2009-02-08T18:56:00.005-06:00

As many of you are aware, Portantorchas is on a beautiful campus filled by the grandeur of God's creation. On a very small campus, we have beautiful fields, beautiful trees, beautiful plants, flowers, and even fish. On Thursday, I was commenting to our students how much I love admiring God's creation, as a way of seeing God's glory.

That same Thursday, I both got to see the truth of God's fallen creation, as well as another reminder of his constant and continuous protection. For some reason, that I will never understand, God has used the trees at Portantorchas as a sign of His protection. We have had too many close events with trees, that have never amounted to more than that... close events.

Years back, while sitting in the office, I heard an incredibly loud crash. Running to the back, from where the noise originated, I saw Morris, one of our former staff members standing next to the lawn tractor, and right behind a branch the size of a tree. His story is fascinating. Seconds before the crash, as he was mowing the lawn right under the tree, the tractor just stopped for no reason. When he got down to check it, this huge branch, fell less than a couple of feet in front of him. Clearly, the Lord's hand was over him.

We have been cutting many trees, for safety reasons in the last week. Some of our huge pines (over 100 feet high) are being cut. On Wednesday a cold front entered Costa Rica which forced us to stop cutting trees, although there was only one more tree left in that area to cut. Thursday the wind picked up to speeds of about 85km per hour reeking havoc all over the country but pounding on that one tree. The tree did not hold against the wind and literally snapped in half, something that I didn't know was possible, and that is really amazing to see, were it not so dangerous. Most of the tree landed in empty space, but the end of the branches reached out to our neighbors' home, and did about $600 worth of damage to their roof. Had the tree snapped one or two feet lower, we would be telling a different story as it would have done significant damage.

I often wonder why $600 worth of damage, and not simply no damage at all. One more day, and the tree guys would have eliminated that danger altogether. Perhaps the neighbors got to see our responsibility in covering the damage immediately (we got to work on it right away, and were done by Saturday morning, even making improvements on their roof), which I believe is part of our Christian testimony. But, why did Morris have to be right next to the branch, and not watch it fall from a distance? I don't know. Some people don't even get the privilege of close calls. But I can say that when I walked over there, it was very clear, as it has been in my many years of working here, that God's hand is on this place. Sure... I'll keep cutting down old and dangerous trees, and replanting new and healthy ones... but that only means that as we continue to try to make this place safer, He will show us through other ways that He is still protecting us.

(the picture is not the actual tree. I'll post a picture of the actual one, when I get one.)

¡Un Nuevo Inicio!

2009-02-04T16:37:00.003-06:00

El lunes, 2 de febrero empezamos con un nuevo grupo de estudiantes de Portantorchas. Presentemente tenemos 25 de los 35 que se supone que han de venir. Le damos Gracias a Dios por la oportunidad que nos brinda cada año de recibir a estos hombres y mujeres para que crezcan en su conocimiento de Jesucristo como Señor, Salvador y Vida.

Por favor recuerde orar por nosotros. Recuerde orar por los muchachos, porque el Unico capaz de traer un cambio a las vidas de ellos es nuestro Dios. Oren para que todos (estudiantes y staff) podamos experimentar la Vida Abundante que sólo Cristo puede dar.

Student Spotlights

2009-01-21T17:35:00.007-06:00

So, thanks to facebook, I have seen what some of our alumni are doing around the world. The Message translates John 1:14 "The Word became flesh and blood,and moved into the neighborhood." I have believed that throughout Scripture, the Lord has strategically placed His people in order to maximize the shining of His glory through them, in different neighborhoods. When Adam and Eve were in the garden they reflected His glory. When Israel was given a land, it was a land in the center of the World, so that people would cross through it and see His glory. The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood, that we may see His glory. Today, the Word is doing the same through His people, the church. Simply moving into different neighborhoods in life to reflect the glory of Christ.

It is my intention to highlight these facts regarding our alumni. I want to avoid the typical Bible School cliché, where we talk about what God is doing through those who have chosen a path of full-time vocational Christian ministry. Of course, those of us in those positions "reflect God's glory." We get paid big bucks to do so. (those who know me can read the sarchasm intended.) I want to begin to include ways in that God is reflecting His glory through business people, mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, and even singles. There will be pastors, computer programmers, nurses, doctors, missionaries, and aquarium/pet shop owners. But I don't want to just assume that because someone is now in University, and a former Portantorchas graduate, she is necessarily reflecting God's glory. "Preach Christ always, and whenever necessary, use words." You heard this a million times here at Portantorchas. If you have never used words, I would wonder if people are hearing you preach Christ always. There ought to come a time when you share with people what Christ has done and is doing in your life, vocally.

Let us know what God is doing through you. What neighborhood has Christ moved into, through you? I would love to spotlight some of you. You can email me (mperez at portantorchas.org)or leave a comment.

Earthquake in Costa Rica.

2009-01-13T19:22:00.003-06:00

Earthquake News

I have been getting some concerned emails regarding the earthquake felt in Costa Rica. On Thursday, January 8th Costa Rica experienced a 6.2 earthquake. As many of you know, earthquakes are a part of life in CR, and therefore not that strange or rare. Nonetheless, this one was close to the surface, and created a lot of damage. Some might be familiar with Fraijanes where we have often sent missions' groups to Roy Soto's church and some are very familiar with the Poas Waterfall Gardens. These are the regions worst hit by the earthquake. The road to and from the waterfall gardens has collapsed and the gardens were falling apart. The bottom where you get picked up by the bus, and further down have completely been buried under landslides. There have been close to 20 deaths, and about as many disappearances.

We have a student from that region whose grandfather lost his home. There are over 2500 displaced people. The mountains basically fell on some homes.

Portantorchas is fine, and no damage occurred.

Thank you for your prayers.

$65 million dollar capital campaign fundraiser.

2008-12-08T16:20:00.004-06:00

As many of you know, I am a current student of Thunderbird School of Global Management. Thunderbird is the #1 international MBA (little bit of bragging rights), and as such has a $65 million dollar capital campaign. If you donate over $1,000,000 you get a special custom made hat, with Thunderbird written on the front. Interestingly, I can't find what exactly they plan to do with the $65,000,000. I imagine they are planning on using it as en endowment fund. En endowment fund is a big huge fund that generates interest, and sits there, but is available. The largest endowment fund in universities is Harvard's which has close to 30 billion (this is pre-economy crash, so I have no idea what it is right now... but probably around $5) Seeing as how tuition, room and board, is still close to $1,000,000 at Harvard (not exact figures), it is clear that the fund does not serve to lower tuition costs at all.

So this inspired me to imitate my future alma matter (assuming I pass all the economics and financial courses.)

I am officially launching Portantorchas $65 million dollar capital campaign fundraiser.

What are we going to use the $65 million you ask? We'll create an endowment fund.

What are we going to do with the endowment fund? Compete with Harvard... except in our case we'll use it on scholarships and future ministry projection.

What do you get if you give $1,000,000? You will get a koi fish. I will even tatoo this fish with the logo of portantorchas. If you want a memory of you in Portantorchas, I will tatoo a Portantorchas koi with your name... these things live for a century.

OK. Being a bit more serious. In the midst of an economic crash year, would you consider giving to Portantorchas? If you've got the million, and want to give it... great. But perhaps you can give $10, $20, $100 or even $1000. How to do it? Follow the link. You can also find this link on our website. If you are from the US and want a tax deduction, you can send a check to Torchbearers, PO Box 2620, Estes Park CO, 80517 and mention that it is for Portantorchas.

Portantorchas could use your help this year. With your gift, we can supply the scholarships for our latin american students who can't afford the real costs (annual scholarships approx. $100,000). We can look toward the future with our facilities, including the building of a waste-water treatment area (cost $25,000), perhaps a new dorm building (approx. $100,000), and perhaps a new classroom/auditorium where we can give broader conferences (approx. $100,000). We can finance the latin american youth ministers conference that we hold each two years, next being in July of 2009 (our commitment $11,000). We can project to future ministry in Latin America (no idea what the cost of this would be... since we are only limited by our finances.)

Perhaps you would like to support individual staff members who are here out of a calling, and certainly not out of financial rewards (average staff salaries are $600 a month). If so, please add a note to your gift in order to let us know what you are giving toward.

If these seems a bit more forward than we have been in the past, it is because I believe we need to be a bit more direct with our needs. Portantorchas is falling behind, and we can no longer project to the future without the help and gifts of our partners in ministry. Please consider giving.

Tom and Sara

2008-12-04T17:08:00.004-06:00

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They're gone and we're not.

2008-12-02T11:26:00.001-06:00

Students have all left, but one. As far as I'm reading most are home and doing well. This year was an exceptionally good one. Our students were young, and as Tom described it, their accident proneness showed it. Yet, year after year, it is encouraging to me to see such young men and women truly committed to serving Christ with their life and as their life.

This year, it was my turn to give the final lesson. To a degree, I don't really look forward to this. It's hard to be on the spot giving final "significant" words. To another degree it formalizes an event that we just want to be enjoyable and memorable. We served the students a turkey dinner (it was Thanksgiving after all.) I really enjoy seeing the staff serve the students, wash the dishes, pick up the plates. It reflects in a very real moment, what I hope is our attitude throughout the term. We are there to serve them. I think the students enjoy it as well.

Keep them in your prayers as they have to learn to put to practice some of those lessons they learned while here. Some of you havebeen there, and gone through your own cultural shock. Perhaps you could add some words of encouragement in the comments here for them.

El tiempo se acaba.

2008-11-28T06:50:00.001-06:00

Una vez más, los estudiantes se van. Estos son días de muchas lágrimas. Como todos los años, hay dos grupos de estudiantes. Están los de primer semestre, de los cuales casi todos regresan en dos o tres meses. Sólo una no está planeando regresar. Están los de segundo semestre. Con excepción de los de Costa Rica, que espero verlos de vez en cuando, de estos nos despedimos en su gran mayoría para siempre.

Este año fue muy especial. Ayer vinieron todos los estudiantes a la oficina, nos trajeron donas al staff, y oraron por nosotros. Aunque a través de los años, han habido gestos de agradecimiento por medio de los estudiantes, puedo decir que nunca habíamos experimentado eso: una acción unánime de agradecimiento y fortalecimiento espiritual. ¡MUCHAS GRACIAS!

Confiamos que un día nos reuniremos en una gran actividad de Portantorchas. Para entonces, quizás hayan miles de egresados. No sé si vendrán con sus hijos e hijas, y aquellos quienes son hijos e hijas espirituales. Quizás los que hemos trabajado y servido aquí por años veamos finalmente el resultado y la recompensa de el servicio que brindamos. Yo sueño que en la presencia del Señor, nuestras coronas serán las vidas de las personas que hemos impactado para la eternidad, directa e indirectamente. Los extrañaremos hasta entonces.

Viajes Misioneros

2008-10-30T07:43:00.001-06:00

Este viernes (31 de octubre) todos los estudiantes y algunos miembros del “staff” van a la Isla de Chira. En esta pequeña isla un poco lejos de la costa de Guanacaste hay una pequeña iglesia que se reúne bajo un árbol. Los estudiantes van a ayudar a construir unas aulas para la escuela dominical, además de tener unas actividades de compartir el amor del Señor Jesucristo y el mensaje de Salvación con la comunidad.

Por favor recuerden orar por ellos, y por Jorge y Julio que los estarán acompañando. El viaje misionero continuamente es una de las actividades que parece tener un más impactante efecto sobre las vidas de los estudiantes. Aunque sabemos que se logra impactar a la iglesia local y a la comunidad, verdaderamente el impacto mayor que se vive es en los estudiantes. Oren por ellos.

De igual manera, yo estoy en mi propio “viaje misionero” enseñando la Palabra en Colorado. Torchbearers, la organización de la cual somos parte tiene dos centros en Colorado. Esta semana estoy en Timberline Lodge enseñando el libro de Jueces, y la próxima estaré en Ravencrest Chalet enseñando el libro de Ezequiel. Por favor oren que el Señor se manifieste.

Reading the Bible, part II

2008-09-08T16:44:00.002-06:00

In my last post, I wrote about how we "encourage" our students to read the Bible and I want to further to encourage you to do so by mentioning a way in which my personal Bible study has been enriched during the last year: listening to good teaching. I bought myself an Ipod last Christmas and I have been surprised by how little I have listened to music (I still love music and my Ipod has more music than I can probably listen to in a year). Instead, I have enjoyed listening to Bible teaching through Podcasts. One of the sermons I listened to was talking about the "means of grace" and listed the teaching of the Word of God among them. In many ways, I feel that I have experienced God's grace towards me through listening to His Word being taught. I would like to encourage you to consider listening to one of the following teachers and see how God's Word speaks to you as you listen (click on the name below):

Alistair Begg

Jill and Stuart Briscoe

Also, all of these, except Charles Price, are also available through iTunes.

Reading the Bible, Part I

2008-06-17T14:23:00.005-06:00

We “encourage” our students to read through the Bible (if they don’t they wash dishes and/or don’t graduate), but it seems to be the one “rule” that I repeatedly receive verbal appreciation for enforcing. At the beginning of each semester, I ask our students if they have ever attempted to read through the Bible…most say they have. I then ask how many have read the entire Bible…almost all say they have not. There are many reasons why it is good to read the Bible, but here are my top 3 reasons:

1. To know Christ, our Life. “Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. “We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69)
2. To be formed into Christ’s image, by having our minds renewed. “But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus, that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. (Ephesians 4:20-24)
3. To bless others as we are blessed. “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
(Col. 3:16)

If you would like a Bible Reading Plan write to me or visit BiblePlan.org

Listen, Trust, Obey

2008-05-30T14:29:00.003-06:00

The intention of this paper is not to condemn any person, or point out the flaws of man, but simply to bring to your attention how critically human works and purpose needs God and to recognize His sovereignty over all things. I certainly hope that through these words you will be able to see the power of God, and the way in which He speaks to us.

In Acts, chapter 5:35-39, we are presented with the speech of a Pharisee named Gameliel, one of the most respected men in the council of the Sanhedrin at the time. He is addressing the council, after the defense of the apostles. The apostles, have been continuing on the work of Christ and preaching the Name of Jesus. The council has become furious with the actions and words of the apostles and wants them put to death. Gameliel stands up and orders the apostles out. What he says is a shocking contrast to his own character. Being a zealous Pharisee, one might assume that he would be in the same attitude as the other members of the council. Instead, he tells the council two stories, both of historical accuracy, referring to previous “similar” uprisings that ended up in the destruction of their leader and all the men involved. He calms the council by telling them that, “…if this purpose or this work is of men, it will come to nothing. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Fairly convincing, Christ-like words for a Pharisee aren’t they? This can be taken as a valuable lesson from an unlikely messenger. Listening for God’s voice in every situation, and in every person is important. He may not speak through the medium you expect. This is clearly the work of the Holy Spirit through an unlikely person. These words are even used in other passages of the Bible as we see in Matthew 15:13: “He replied, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

What God is really saying through this man, is that when we rely on human strength, we can’t accomplish anything. Before we even define our purpose and begin in our works, we need to determine whether we are truly under God, and running solely on His work. Sometimes we even think we are accomplishing the will of God when we are not. This is a very careful point to approach and should be taken with much caution and prayer. Throughout history we have seen the work of those who do not follow the will of God, and act using their own authority. When we are working under the authority of God nothing can stop us. We see this as the promise of God in Luke 21:15 “For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.”

If we are accomplishing God’s will, nothing can stand in our way or pull us down. Now, there is a problem. Humans like to be in control, and running on their own ideas. We like to have the steering wheel in our hands, and the power to change circumstances. Humans have so much pride that gets in the way, because we like to take the glory for our own actions. At the same time, we don’t want to take the persecution of our actions. The apostles would not have been able to suffer the persecution they did, without Christ. People tend to depend upon a person who is physically visible; a leader who can do the physical work for them, and who will take the blame for them if there is ever conflict. How much bigger God is then any human! We need to remember to let go of your own ambitions, and carefully evaluate our purpose.

As the apostles stood before the Sanhedrin and were judged, only the careful words of Gameliel saved them from likely death. The Sanhedrin flogged the apostles, ordered them to stop speaking in the name of Christ and let them go. The most amazing thing about this passage is the apostle’s reaction. They don’t feel sad or sorry for themselves, they simply leave “…rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” The question is then: why do the apostles react this way and what does this mean for me when I face difficulties?

The first thing is that the apostles knew difficulties would come. In the words of Jesus in Matthew 10: 17 he foretells similar circumstances to those which the apostles are subject. “Be on your guard against men, they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.” It is an error that some of us fall into to think that hardship is a judgment from God. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. Passages about hardship and persecution are all over the New Testament, none of them speaking negatively about the topic. The Bible tells us to rejoice, and tells us that we are blessed in our persecution. Matthew 5: 10 says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

How can you rejoice in suffering? How can you consider them a blessing? This is easy to say but hard to put into practice. Before I explain how this is possible, let me first say one thing. Trials will still be trials, and hardship will always remain hard. I am not saying these things will cease to be difficult, I am only saying that we must approach them differently if we are to get through them with joy. In order to have joy in our trials and see the blessing of God we must first rid ourselves of the idea that difficulties are bad. Let us take up the opposite idea, that trials are good. Trials produce in us good fruit, they help us mature. Trials bring us closer to God! They help us understand that we can’t stand alone. The only way we can move on is with God. It is hard to be any clearer about this than the Bible on the topic of joy in sufferings: 1 Peter 4: 12-13 says; “… do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ…” As the apostles did in Acts we can rejoice in suffering. For as Jesus Himself suffered, is it not an honor to suffer as He did and for His sake? Therefore, rejoice if you suffer in the same way as your Savior. Rejoice that you are found worthy of “…suffering disgrace for the Name…”

In concluding, through this paper, I hope you find encouragement, hope, instruction and a certainty of the faith we have in Christ Jesus. Letting God do the work through you is one of the biggest lessons in trust you can learn. If you let God work through you and use His authority, even in persecution, the outcome will be uncontainable. Rejoice in the trials set before you, and as you continue in your walk with Christ, “…never stop teaching and preaching the Name of Jesus Christ.”

- A Portantorchas Assignment by Andrew McKeeth and Andrew Geddert

Listen, Trust, Obey

2008-05-30T14:29:00.002-06:00

- A Portantorchas Assignment by Andrew McKeeth and Andrew Geddert

Laura Dytynyshyn

2008-05-29T21:58:00.001-06:00

So, I got an email from one of our alumni, and decided that I should post it. It's great to highlight what some of our alumni are doing. Please let us know how you too are serving the Lord, whether overseas or at home, whether as a vocational profession, or in your profession.

Dear Family and Friends,

I have just walked home from an evening church service, safely accompanied by a few friends to my door. I gaze up at the sky, admiring a beautiful starlight night, smiling as I see the big dipper upside down. I cannot stay out very long as I will get eaten alive by the bugs here, but this is life in "la selva" (the jungle region of Peru). Two weeks have already gone by since my arrival in Peru! Praise the Lord for safety traveling and protection so far. I love it here!

The first weeks have been full just getting acquainted wit my surroundings and soaking everything in. A few challenges for me have been the heat and the generous quantities of bugs! I suddenly require so much more sleep than I used to! Although, these past few days are getting better. It has also been a challenge to recognise the people that I meet and starting to build friendships with them. Thankfully I live in a small town so this has allowed me to see the same people. I am learning as much as I can about the town, the people, the language, the culture, the missionaries and the challenges they face.

I live in a poor town of about 1500 people. The church is comprised of mostly children and teens, but very few adults. The focus of the ministries at this time are youth and family issues. Marriage is uncommon here, girls tend to have children quite young, and are often left as single mothers. Many times when they find new partners, the new partner does not want to care for the children who do not belong to them, so the mothers abandon them. Many children are brought up by the grand-mothers or an aunt.

My role here for the time being, is helping out with the girls club. We just had a mother's day party, where all the mothers were invited for a presentation of what the girls have been learning over the past few months. This included home skills, songs and verses. I will be teaching the bible story tomorrow. I am also working in the garden, preparing, planting watering every day as it is dry season here. Our next theme will revolve around agriculture.

I am enjoying getting to know the staff here at TEC. There is one American family and two Peruvian families. I am teaching english to a few of them. They have encouraged me and given me freedom to organise any activities that I would like with the youth or children of the town and since I am the only person living in the guest house right now, I am free to invite them into my home. So I have a group of 7 girls from the church ages 12-19 coming to my home to cook a meal and for english lessons on friday evenings. (It was funny last time, because although I just used the vegetables that I found at the market, half of the girls had never tasted broccoli before!). I am also trying to decide what to do with the younger girls, as our times together require more entertainment. Last week we baked bread, but I am not sure what's the best at this time.

Please pray for this town as the only way to break these cycles of poverty, suffering and abuse are through the power of Jesus-Christ. Also pray that I would really be attentive to the Lord's voice, in what He wants to teach me and how I can glorify Him. Pray especially for my girls group as the staff would like me to use the time for dicipleship, so for guidance and wisdom in how to approach this as well.

Thank you for your prayers and support. I would love to hear from you so feel free to write me. Internet access is limited, but I will do my best to answer. Unfortunately I can't send pictures do to the time it takes to download.

With love,

Laura

Taller para Padres

2008-05-26T10:56:00.002-06:00

!!Hola amigos!!

Imagino que muchos ya sabrán que desde hace ya dos años hemos estado trabajando de una forma más intencionada con los niños del barrio. Realmente ha sido una bendición poder compartir con todos estos niños que de una u otra forma ya son parte importante de la vida de Porta. Ellos esperan cada una de las actividades que planeamos y para mí es realmente gratificante poder verlos disfrutar y aprender del Señor.
El pasado viernes 16 de mayo el Señor nos permitió empezar a trabajar con los papás de estos niños. Era un sueño que teníamos desde que empezamos a trabajar con los niños. Queríamos darles las gracias por la disposición y el apoyo que ellos nos dan en cada una de nuestras actividades al darles permiso a sus hijos de venir a compartir con nosotros.
Lo que hicimos fue una charla para padres. El tema que se expuso fue "Criemos hijos seguros de sí mismos". Los papás estaban muy contentos y satisfechos al terminar la charla. Fue realmente un tiempo muy especial.
Gracias por sus oraciones. Y no duden que si vienen por aquí siempre tendrán un lugar para trabajar con los chicos.
Los quiero mucho a todos.
Pao

FW: FW: FW: FW: FW:

2008-05-16T11:54:00.004-06:00

I don't really like email forwards of stuff that people found on the Internet. In most cases, the only reason we receive them is because we're in someone's address book. So, unless it has a personal note or has been sent specifically to me (ex. "Hey Tom - check out this article"), I send them straight to the trash. I'm not on a campaign to stop "friendly spam" and I'm not trying to lose any friends who happen to be gross offenders (you know who you are). The real reason I write this is because I got a few laughs over some of the following comments and I know others would too. However, I'm not about to forward it to anyone. So here it is.... (By the way, I have already put a filter on my email for all of you who think it would be clever to forward me this brief article) :

They Said THIS In the Church Bulletin?

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water."
The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's "Hamlet" in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

Sunday School: Children will be led in sinning and Bible study.

Don't let worry kill you. Let the church help.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community.

After the worship service...
This evening at 7 p.m. there will be a hymn sing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

The ladies of the church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

Ladies' Bible Study will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Pequeños grandes problemas.

2008-05-11T14:13:00.001-06:00

El jueves pasado tuvimos la visita de un grupo de ingenieros y arquitectos a Portantorchas de una empresa llamada UNGOF. UNGOF es la empresa que está manejando Don Marco para crear un oficentro de Alta Tecnología. Las visitas vinieron por invitación tanto de don Marco, como de su servidor para considerar unas soluciones a algunos pequeños grandes problemas de Portantorchas.

Portantorchas ha crecido y continúa en crecimiento numérico. Hace 16 años, Portantorchas empezó con una sola estudiante. En ese entonces se llamaba Stephanie McIntosh (hoy en día cambió su nombre al casarse). Stephanie vivía sola en las instalaciones de Portantorchas. Aunque habían algunos estudiantes que venían durante el día, y aunque habían unas personas del staff viviendo en Portantorchas era prácticamente Stephanie. Mi esposa y yo vinimos hace nueve años. Cuando llegamos, ya había crecido a tener unos 11 estudiantes a tiempo completo. Igual comían y vivían aquí.

Para el próximo semestre hemos tenido que hacerle frente al hecho de que Portantorchas en un momento tenía 38 solicitudes de estudiantes, verdaderamente interesados en venir. Esto implica varios problemas.
1. No hay suficientes camas para que todos estén cómodos.
2. No hay espacio en el aula para tantas personas. Máximo podemos meter 36.
3. El sistema de tanques sépticos está alcanzando el colapso.
4. No hay espacios para el staff que está creciendo.
5. Hay demasiados patos, peces, conejos y ratas. Aunque esto no tiene nada que ver con el verdadero problema, tengo que incluirlo porque es un dolor para mí.

Por lo tanto, los ingenieros recomiendan:
1. Construir dormitorios.
2. Construir un auditorio.
3. Investigar una planta de tratamiento de aguas.
4. Prohibir que el staff se case.
5. Comer pato, conejo, y peces. Dejar que las ratas convivan con nosotros.

Esperemos a ver que pasa con este lugar.

Pintando una malla.

2008-05-11T13:52:00.001-06:00

Los estudiantes regresaron de un viaje misionero a la fortuna de bagaces. Allí trabajaron en un campamento, donde ayudaron a pintar. Aunque no he escuchado todos los detalles, varios me han dicho que pasaron muchas largas horas bajo un intenso calor, pintando una malla.

Quien haya en algún momento pintado una malla, sabrá que en la vida pareciera ser uno de los trabajos más contraproducentes. Uno pasa más tiempo pintando el aire que pintando la malla en realidad. Súmenle a esto, el hecho de que el calor era abrumador (algunos describieron que la temperatura era de 38° C, lo cuál me parece un poco exagerado, pero como los estudiantes jóvenes nunca exageran, sé que debe ser verdad.)

Para darle un tono alegórico a este "post", me pregunto cuántas veces en la vida sentimos que estamos pintando una malla. Mucho esfuerzo para pocos resultados. Yo tiendo a tener luchas existenciales grandes, dónde a menudo me hago la pregunta ¿y para qué tanto esfuerzo?

El trabajo en Portantorchas es una mezcla de todo un poco. Hay tiempos donde le calor y el agotamiento son abrumadores. Hay tiempos donde uno siente que todo el esfuerzo no valió la pena (estudiantes que apenas salen se enrredan en relaciones que no glorifican a Dios, o estudiantes que "vuelven al mundo", o estudiantes que deshechan todo lo aprendido por alguna nueva opción que les apareció.) Hay veces que uno siente que está pasando más tiempo pintando el aire que marcando una diferencia en la vida de los muchachos.

- Me parecía tonto que nos pusieran a pintar una malla. - me dijo una estudiante.
¿Por qué pintamos mallas?
1. Porque los elementos (lluvia y sol) con el tiempo dañan la malla, si esta no está bien protegida.
2. Porque la hace más atractiva y visible a los demás, aunque muchas veces la diferencia sólo la perciben los que conocen bien la malla.
3. Porque el jefe nos manda hacerlo.

Sigo pintando. A veces frustrado, a veces viendo lo bonita que se vé la malla. A veces quiero darme por vencido.

Oportunidades en Torchbearers

2008-04-30T23:06:00.002-06:00

Para los que tengan interés. Aquí hay unas oportunidades en Torchbearers (Portantorchas). Si les interesa alguna busquen el sitio en Capernwray. Si tienen algún problema, quizás les pueda ayudar.

*Wongabri (Australia) Needing an account manager (room Australia or New
Zealand)
*His Hill (Comfort, Texas) Still looking for camp counselor/interns for
the summer camps - girls and guys. Training will start May 26.
*Timberline Lodge (Colorado, USA) - looking for a business manager,
worship/program leader, administrative assistant.
*Champ Fleuri (France) - a handyman needed (either full-time or
part-time), a housekeeper (missionary status, speaks french,
able to lead young adults)
*An Tobar Nua (Ireland) - one or two interns (see Day 31)
*Sweden - summer temp staff for program and hospitality, permanent
Swedish speaking person for the office and also a part-time
Swedish accountant
*Harvest Haven (Malaysia) - a housekeeper who can cook
*Schloss Klaus (Austria) - a kitchen manager and skilled carpenters
*Capernwray (England) - Needing Outreach Director, Second-year
Leadership Director
*Asia Practicum (working in our Asian Centers) - See Day 10 for the
details. . . Looking for interns desiring a year of practical missions
within Torchbearers. Contact Jason Martens
*Sudan (Schloss Klaus ministries) - needing a dedicated leader (male)
for the children's home there.

Mercy not Sacrifice

2008-04-02T13:59:00.005-06:00

Esqueleto: I hate orphans!
Nacho: Say it to my face!
Esqueleto: I hate them!
Nacho: Come again?
Esqueleto: I hate all the orphans in the WHOLE WORLD!

-Nacho Libre (2006)

If you have seen the movie, you probably remember the scene. Among other reasons, I laugh at this dialogue because it is both exaggerated and unrealistic that anybody would actually “hate all the orphans in the whole world.” It just wouldn’t make sense. What would be the point?

Contrary to what “El Esqueleto” facetiously proclaims, most of us find it easy to have compassion on those with legitimate needs. But what do we do with the people that bother us and get on our nerves?

In Matthew 9: 9-13, Jesus confronts the Pharisees when they question why he is hanging out with the tax collectors and sinners. Jesus teaches, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

Although we can agree that we need to love the tax collectors, it would be a misunderstanding of Christ’s teaching if we merely made a list of who Jesus was specifically talking about and made sure that we loved and accepted them alone.

If we think about what Christ is teaching when he says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” we can include just about everyone in the list of who we should love and accept. Who among us doesn’t need Christ, the great physician?

However, it is Christ’s next statement that challenges me the most:

“But go and learn what this means: I desire mercy, not sacrifice”.

In this instance, the Pharisees weren’t critical of Jesus healing the blind or sick, but of Jesus loving those that the Pharisees couldn’t stand. They were resentful of the tax collectors who had been ripping them off (and everyone else) for years. There were legitimate reasons why the Pharisees didn’t care for the “sinners” in the company of Jesus. And it was in this very situation that Jesus responds, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

And that is why it is difficult.

While it is easy for most to show mercy and compassion to those who deserve it; a widow in need or an orphan left with nothing. Where is that same mercy and compassion for those that get on our nerves?

As Christians, we are the visible expression of the invisible God, allowing Christ to live through us and to continue to minister today just as he did on the pages of our New Testament. As difficult as this is for me, I know that, this too, is "possible through Christ who gives me strength".

Consider how Christ wants to apply that through your life today. How does He want you to be an agent of His mercy? Where and how can you dispense His grace?

Salmo 19-Un recordatorio útil y necesario

2008-03-15T20:25:00.002-06:00

La gloria de Dios es la expresión física y visible de Su espiritualidad e invisibilidad.

Como a Dios nadie le ha visto, ni le puede ver (Juan 1:18), Dios utiliza su creación para que aquellos seres por El amados; es decir, nosotros… podamos reconocerlo mediante Su creación.

El Salmo parece dividirse claramente en dos secciones:

Vs. 1-6 Tiene que ver con la creación. En esta sección son revelados tanto la deidad como el poder de Dios.
Vs. 7-14 La revelación manifiesta por medio de la Escritura. Aquí se nos da a conocer la voluntad de Dios y por ende, nos son manifiestos nuestros deberes y responsabilidades para con Dios.

El salmista nos muestra no sólo la excelencia del contenido de la revelación de Dios por medio de Su Palabra sino que, muestra el camino cómo se puede sacar provecho de esa revelación. Evidentemente, por este enfoque, la Palabra de Dios tiene una aplicación inmediata a la vida de cada uno de nosotros y también, para cada instante que gozamos de vida terrenal.

Hay algo que parece que se nos presenta en el Salmo: nuestra experiencia no sólo puede o debe basarse en lo que se ve –aquello que podemos apreciar como parte de la creación- también debe mirar a lo que no se ve: “no mirando nosotros las cosas que se ven, sino las que no se ven; pues las cosas que se ven son temporales, pero las que no se ven son eternas. (2 Cor 4:18). Esta condición sólo se puede dar mediante la fe depositada en Dios como único y suficiente proveedor para nuestras vidas.

Leía recientemente una triste historia de un joven que, antes de tomar las riendas para manejar los negocios de su padre, decidió hacer un largo recorrido por algunas partes exóticas del mundo. Pues se metió en uno de los enormes desiertos del África y allí su carro sufrió un desperfecto. Transcurrieron horas y no pudiendo comunicarse con nadie empezó a sufrir el efecto de la sed en el desierto y se echó a morir debajo del auto que lo había dejado abandonado en el aquel lugar.

Cuando lo encontraron muerto debajo del auto leyeron una nota que describía el horror de morir de sed. Alguien abrió el radiador del auto y notó que en él había 10 litros de agua.

¡Con cuanta frecuencia podemos hallarnos en condición similar! Dios es nuestro proveedor, pero no acudimos a El para satisfacer la sed de nuestras almas. Es menester que aprendamos a aprovecharnos de la provisión de nuestro Padre.

Las cosas invisibles de Dios son manifiestas en la gloria de Su creación. Por esta razón, el ateismo es una rotunda insensatez.

La creación de Dios muestra Su gloria y anuncia la obra de sus manos (ver Stgo. 1:17) y en ello, nosotros debemos regocijarnos. Es un absurdo aceptar la Creación como efecto de un grave accidente cósmico.

Un desorden absoluto y monumental como causa, no puede dar un como efecto un orden perfecto universal.

La gloria de Dios es visible en la creación, pero es comprensible en Su revelación a través de Su maravillosa Palabra.

En el Salmo, hay seis referencias claras respecto a las excelentes propiedades de la Palabra de Dios:

“La ley de Jehová es perfecta” (vs 7ª). En la Palabra de Dios no existe corrupción y está llena de todo bien y diseñada para alimentar el alma (véase 2 Ti 3:17). No se le debe añadir ni quitar nada y restaura, alimenta, reanima y convierte el alma.
“El testimonio de Jehová es fiel” (vs 7b). Es decir, fiable, seguro duradero, indefectible, trae consuelo, esperanza y conforta. Satisface al sencillo.
“Los mandamientos de Jehová son rectos” (vs 8). Responden a un código de absoluta perfección, o sea, no puede haber engaño alguno en ellos porque brotan del corazón mismo de Dios. La ley de Dios en las manos de Jesús, producen gozo perpetuo, alegría y fortaleza al alma y sobre todo, traen sanidad al alma.
“El precepto de Jehová es puro.” (vs 8b) En 1 Juan 1:5 nos dice la Palabra: “Dios es luz, y no hay tinieblas en él.” Cuando Dios prescribe, Su prescripción para cada corazón es absolutamente perfecta (ver Efesios 1:18-19).
“El temor de Jehová es limpio.” (vs 9ª) El respeto y la reverencia de Dios es incorruptible y permanece para siempre porque emana de Su voluntad.
“Los juicios de Jehová son verdad.” Lo que Dios dicta siempre es claro y transparente; no puede haber en ninguno de Sus juicios tela de duda, ni sombra de malentendido porque en El sólo puede haber justicia. ( ver Juan 17:17) .
Por otro lado, el salmo expresa el gran valor que se puede obtener de la palabra del Señor (vs. 10 & 11) y considera su efecto mayor que toda la riqueza de este mundo.

Finalmente, convoca al arrepentimiento y a la oración… sea esta nuestra experiencia.

por Marco Pérez Sr. (y el Salmista)

"Rancho Portantorchas"

2008-03-05T15:46:00.001-06:00

Don Roberto converted our boathouse into a "Rancho" and made it a usable space on campus. Last semester we had an awesome "cafe night" with live music, coffee/tea, dessert, and creative decorations that beat any of the million Starbucks in existence.

This semester, it has been put to another use: small groups (at least for my group as we were there first). At the request of past students and current staff, we have implemented small groups to further develop community, accountability, fellowship, and spiritual growth.

We are enjoying a great start to our semester and are excited to see what Christ will be doing in our lives.

-Tom

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