Garbage In, Garbage Out

Some of the kids practicing their skateboarding tricks in town.
Before Alternative Missions built the skate park, you would never have seen this.

On Friday I led a Bible Study for the youth entitled “Basura Adentro, Basura Afuera,” or, “Garbage In, Garbage Out”. We looked at what the Bible says we should be putting into our minds and how that relates specifically to our choices in music. Our key verse for the week was:

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—mediate on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 NKJV)

In the course of the discussion, most of the teenagers admitted that they listen to music which they know is bad. They also agreed that listening to music that promotes a sinful lifestyle will affect the way they think and how they act. Yet none wanted to get rid of any of their bad music. After all, they like it. Isn't that how we all are sometimes? We know something is bad for us, but we choose it anyway. The apostle Paul could relate to this himself: “...I don't understand why I act the way I do. I don't do what I know is right. I do the things I hate.” (Rom. 7:15 ESV)

This week we received a visit from Ryan and Lindy, newlyweds from Orange County, California, who are prayerfully considering joining us in the ministry here. Because they do not yet speak Spanish and Lindy is still in school, it is more of a long-term consideration. We had some fun times getting to know them and sharing what life and ministry is like here in Puerto Viejo. We definitely tried to present things as honestly as possible, so that they would not go home with an unrealistically “rosy” picture in their minds!

On a separate subject, I can definitely use your prayers for my safety, especially while a bicycle is my only mode of transportation, and I often can't be home before dark. There has been a real increase in burglaries, armed robberies, and home invasions in this area just in the past month. Masked gunmen have even robbed all the people eating dinner at a couple of the local restaurants, and an organized group has been pulling cars over and robbing the passengers on a stretch of road that I travel daily on my bike. I am considering buying a motorcycle...ironically, partly for the safety of being able to get home quickly at night! I also now carry pepper spray with me almost all the time as a safety precaution. I try to remember that God loves these people who are committing the crimes very much and is patiently waiting for them to turn from their ways.

I've been doing a little varnishing here and there on some new construction at the skate park. This is where we serve food to the youth during our monthly cook-outs.