Hello again everyone!
So I've just been listening to Kari Jobe's song, 'We Are' in Spanish, and I'm feeling so inspired! I think I'm going to download more Spanish music today - this is the perfect way to learn! :D
Anyway, so the COM this past weekend was a
success! But before I tell you what happened, let me explain what a COM is. COM, stands for ‘Campamento de
Orientacion Misionera’ and in English translates to a Missionary Orientation
Camp. The name might sound intense in English, but this camp was really a
conference about missions and the call of God in the lives of the youth. About
50 youth from around DR who were interested in finding out about missions came
for this 3 day camp.
We did many workshops and activities to do with missions in the Church of the Nazarene, how to become a missionary, and other topics like culture shock and communication. One interesting activity we did at the beginning of the COM was that before the youth entered, they had to go through "customs". Scott and AJ were the customs officers - they dressed up in army uniforms, only spoke English and were searching everybody's bags. The youth were really confused as to why these two "gringos" were being so horrible to them! A few of them spoke a little English, so they were forced to translate for everyone. Some people were let in to the COM straight away, some had to take off their shoes, some had to sing, while others went to "jail"! Many of the youth were really frustrated by the end of this, but then we explained why we did it. All of the things they had experienced had happened to Nazarene missionaries in the past. We wanted to show them that travelling as a missionary wasn't all just fun and excitement, but that they would face situations like crazy customs lines and people who didn't speak their language. It was such a strong start to the camp!
Another activity did was during dinner one night, called the 'World Banquet'. The youth were split into three groups - A, B, and C. Group A (7 people) sat at a nicely set table, ate spaghetti with garlic bread and were waited on by Alan and Lynda. Group B (>20 people) sat at normal tables and shares and were given a bowl of plain white rice to eat. Group C (>20 people) sat in a taped off area on the floor, and had to share one piece of bread and a cup of water between them. Can you see the reason for this activity? We wanted to show the youth about the differences in the world. Sometimes we think we aren't well off, but we forget what others are living in. At first, the youth thought it was a joke, and expected real food. But then they realized what we were trying to get at, and for many of them it was a bit of a shock. This dynamic taught as all to be thankful for what we have, and that it's our responsibility to see the need, and meet the need.
We did many workshops and activities to do with missions in the Church of the Nazarene, how to become a missionary, and other topics like culture shock and communication. One interesting activity we did at the beginning of the COM was that before the youth entered, they had to go through "customs". Scott and AJ were the customs officers - they dressed up in army uniforms, only spoke English and were searching everybody's bags. The youth were really confused as to why these two "gringos" were being so horrible to them! A few of them spoke a little English, so they were forced to translate for everyone. Some people were let in to the COM straight away, some had to take off their shoes, some had to sing, while others went to "jail"! Many of the youth were really frustrated by the end of this, but then we explained why we did it. All of the things they had experienced had happened to Nazarene missionaries in the past. We wanted to show them that travelling as a missionary wasn't all just fun and excitement, but that they would face situations like crazy customs lines and people who didn't speak their language. It was such a strong start to the camp!
Another activity did was during dinner one night, called the 'World Banquet'. The youth were split into three groups - A, B, and C. Group A (7 people) sat at a nicely set table, ate spaghetti with garlic bread and were waited on by Alan and Lynda. Group B (>20 people) sat at normal tables and shares and were given a bowl of plain white rice to eat. Group C (>20 people) sat in a taped off area on the floor, and had to share one piece of bread and a cup of water between them. Can you see the reason for this activity? We wanted to show the youth about the differences in the world. Sometimes we think we aren't well off, but we forget what others are living in. At first, the youth thought it was a joke, and expected real food. But then they realized what we were trying to get at, and for many of them it was a bit of a shock. This dynamic taught as all to be thankful for what we have, and that it's our responsibility to see the need, and meet the need.
But overall, the COM was a really special time for the team and also for the youth. I learnt so much about missions and God really spoke to me during this time. It was also exciting to see the youth pumped about serving the Lord and responding to His call.
So now we've reached the end of our time in the DR. And what an amazing 3 weeks it has been! Eliezel and Tammy, you have been such amazing leaders, and have looked after us like we're family. I've loved being with the people of DR and trying out my Spanish. I've loved doing Remi and evangelism, and inspiring others to respond to God's call. God has been so close to me, and has been teaching me through the lives of the Dominicans, and my brothers and sisters in the 12:7 Serve team.
Tomorrow we go to Mexico! I'm really excited to go to Carlos and Alan's home country, and to serve the Lord there. Please continue to pray for the team as we continue on to site number 4 - Guadalajara Mexico!
On the journey,
Dani
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."
(Matthew 5:14)
Wow, Dani!!
ReplyDeleteThe COM sounds amazing!!! I would love to do that with our youth at some point!
Love to read this post :) :)