Courage and Faithfulness

Yesterday evening, immediately after posting my brief update, I walked back to my hotel and looking up at the name and address on the wall out front, I called Mario, my Sipacapa contact, to let him know where I´d be in the morning when he´d arrive to pick me up. I told him the name of the hotel and asked if he knew where it was. He said, ¨Hotel K-Fear? I am in front of K-Fear!¨ So I turned around and there, across the street in a pickup truck, I saw him waving. As it happens, he had meetings in town which had brought him here earlier than expected. We spent about 20 minutes catching up on the past 15 years and then he left to go find a hotel of his own. Later, he came to meet us at dinner along with one of my interviewees from the Diocese, at which point I showed him some old photos of us that were probably taken twenty years ago.

In an hour and a half or so we´ll be heading on to Sipacapa where I'll be staying at his house and will be conducting the remaining interviews and participatory learning activities. I'd appreciate prayer for that. I hope to take care of my remaining work today and tomorrow, because Thursday Mario's brother is heading to the capital and I've been offered a ride with him.

I should also say that prior to coming out here several people somewhat familiar with the situation offered words of caution, which I´m thankful for and believe are based at least in part on fact. And maybe it´s just that I have been with people who can vouch for me, but I have not experienced a trace of animosity or suspicion, even when moving around on my own. Already I´ve had several conversations with perfect strangers and all have been very friendly and welcoming. One elderly man I asked for directions asked where I was from and after a brief chat concluded by saying he is honored that I´m visiting the area.

Of course the situation with the mine is serious and of course there are incidents of crime. But at the same time, as I walk these streets and meet these people and consider what they are facing, I also believe that the Enemy is quite happy to see well-intentioned followers of Christ diverted from pursuing righteousness and justice because of fear and misinformation, whether deliberate or not. There's a difference between courage and stupidity; I get that. But I think there's also a big difference between being faithful and being timid. The people I´m meeting out here are demonstrating a faithful courage from which I know I can learn a lot.

But enough of my soapbox. Mario just called and we´re leaving sooner than expected. I may or may not have internet access while in Sipacapa, but thanks for your continued prayer and support.