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A Pelo Cochino!
by Jeff Scott
Not knowing a word, (or at least very few) of Spanish prior to my trip to Venezuela, this was the one phrase that Daniel, one of the youth, made sure I learned. I repeated it often when he asked “como esta usted?” (“how’s it going?”). Translated, something akin to “awesome,” or “better than I have a right to be.” It is much better than just “bueno,” or “primo.”
That sums up my 8 day experience of working in mission with 4 others from the Rocky Mountain Conference, UCC. We were toiling along with approximately 15 others from the Evangelical Pentecostal Union of Venezuela in Maricaibo, that country’s second largest city. UEPV - along with Global Partners - is a joint venture of the Disciples of Christ and the UCC which has enjoyed a rich and growing partnership since the mid 1990’s. The partnership has grown to 3 annual trips with alternating emphases; construction, youth, and medical missions. I was part of a construction contingent.
Getting priorities straight:
Some might consider this relationship to be an unlikely one from at least two standpoints: a) these two countries have a tense relationship between governments and leadership, and b) connections have been forged between churches not often associated with one another. From day one, whether at the inception or this particular partnership or the beginning of our visit, one thing has been made clear. The priority of Christian love and hospitality and a devotion to mutual mission transcend any perceived political or cultural differences, particularly those prone to distortion. I think the words used in both languages by our hosts, including Bishop Gamaliel Lugo were, “We want you to know that we love you. This place is your place.” There was no misunderstanding that during our entire stay!
Off site:
A highlight of our stay was a 2 hour drive North, above the Limon River near the confluence of Lake Maricaibo and the Caribbean. There, amidst crashing surf, we witnessed the baptism of about 15 indigenous Wayuu from that region - a people with whom the UEPV has aligned themselves since their inception in the early part of the 20th century. In the 95 degree heat and comforting breeze, I and others in our party felt the shivers and the tears of the Spirit - knowing we had come a world away as sisters and brothers to witness this event which knows no nationality or division. With the 6’ rollers beckoning, I realized I have never been to a baptism and body surfed at the same place before!
Taking down walls:
Our mission didn’t involve completely taking down the existing block to make room for the new one. But we did make a start. More than one of us seized on the lessons and metaphors of our ‘work’ - in our worship, bible studies that began each day, and conversation. I was ever mindful that the actual scope of work had more to do with the relationships, understanding, and concrete gestures of care, than with the rather limited masonry work we were completing. But that’s the nature of the scope of work on a site where Christ is the CPM (Construction Project Manager.) The secular mantra “On time and under budget” plays second fiddle to more eternal and lasting realities - where hope, love, and faith (1 Cor. 13) are the preferred building materials.
A pelo cochino!
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