CWOC the Blog

For the past couple of months I’ve had the privilege of worshiping with the Hispanic ministry, Victory Pointe, meeting here at CWOC. Led by Pastor Manuel Flores, they meet Fridays and Sunday nights at 7 PM. I’ve gotten to know the pastor and praise team pretty well and have been asked to play drums with them. So far I’ve only played a couple of times, but it has been a fun, humbling couple of times.

I never really realized just how different the Hispanic culture was musically. The rhythm is so much different, but in a good way. Arturo, the worship leader, has been gracious in working with me and at least one song during the service will be a Spanish version of an American song and I can relax a little bit, but the rest of them I am learning. But, I’ll have to admit, I’m getting better.

The atmosphere is what I’ve come to enjoy. Their laid back, I’m-just-happy-to-be-here, attitude is refreshing, and I look forward to spending time with them and learning from them. The only draw back so far is the language barrier. I am not by any stretch of the imagination, fluent in Spanish. Heck, I can barely speak English good. But, I am learning the language as I go and am getting considerably better at understanding it. When it comes to playing in a group, body language goes along way, and is the same in any language. I am slowly being able to understand more and more Spanish and can start to follow the vocal directions better.

I think there is a drummer who is Hispanic that they are getting ready to give the reigns to, and that is awesome. I’ve heard him play and he is good. If and when that happens, they’ve asked me to play guitar. Honestly, I can’t wait. Playing the guitar with these guys would be exciting and humbling as well. I just want to help any way I can.

As for listening to the sermons, I’m getting better. I can pick out enough words that I understand the gist of the message. I have to listen very carefully for the Bible verses because he says them so fast, I can’t follow. I have to write them down and look them up as I can. But, I do have a translator on my Blackberry. So, if I hear a word or phrase that I don’t know the meaning of, I can enter it –assuming I spell it right— and figure out what it means. I get looks sometimes from people because I’m sure they think I’m texting during the sermon, but that’s life I guess.

God has blessed me with an incredible opportunity to get to know a group of people that many here in Columbia, can’t. I don’t take that opportunity lightly and treasure the time I have with a wonderful group of fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Pray for Victory Point (Punta Victoria), that the people in the community will embrace them, that CWOC will continue to be a strong resource for them, and that God will use them to minister to a huge, vastly unreached, people group here in the Midlands of South Carolina.

royb

I can’t put my finger on it, but there is just something about ministry to the Hispanic Community. Maybe it’s the fact that most of them are always smiling. Maybe because they seem to genuinely want to be there (not because of some ridiculous sense of entitlement). Maybe because they are so friendly and welcome anyone that wants to come and worship.

Whatever it is, I like it and am honored to be a part of it. I’ve known Pastor Manuel Flores and the worship leader, Arturo, for years and have kept in touch periodically. But it wasn’t until a few months ago that I had the opportunity to really sit down with them and talk. And the more I listened, the more appreciation and respect I gained for them and their ministry.

You know how churches can sometimes get bogged down with all of the “stuff” that goes with it –announcements, special announcement, dedication, etc…—at the Hispanic service, they just worship, that’s all. They come together and sing with all they have and listen to the pastor share from his heart what God is saying.

But you know what else I’ve discovered? They have a crazy belief that prayer actually works…seriously, they want prayer for everything. Imagine that. A church full of people that actually believe what the Bible says and can’t get enough of it. I admire that type of faith. The type of faith that literally believes if their child is sick that God will heal him. The faith that believes God will provide a job or money for a situation. I don’t know about you, but that is the type of faith I want and need in my life.

I keep referring to the Hispanic Community as “them” or “they”… I think it is time for me, and CWOC, to start saying “us”. I have a feeling that Victory Point Hispanic Ministry will be a huge part of what God is doing in and through Crossroads World Outreach Center.

royb

This past Sunday we hosted Victory Pointe, a Hispanic Ministry here in Columbia, SC. More than 50 Hispanic people from the community showed up to hear Pastor Manuel Flores share from his heart about Jesus Christ.

From the very beginning of the service, with praise and worship, the night was special, even to those of us who don’t understand much Spanish. Worship leader Arturo led the congregation in singing and did a fantastic job. His enthusiasm was contagious and we couldn’t help but be excited about worshiping Christ. Pastor Manuel gave a message about friendship and how we can be “Friends of God”.

I encourage all of us at CWOC to pray for this awesome ministry. Like Pastor Tim said Sunday morning, it is hypocritical to send money overseas to help the Hispanic community and not reach out to those down the street. Keep this ministry in your prayers and keep checking for updates on upcoming services.

royb