About a month ago, my partner, Pastor Daniel San Martin, eagerly told me that he had shared the Discovery Bible Study concepts with a colleague, Pastor Richard, who was excited to learn more. Pastor Richard is a chaplain of the Valdivia (a major city which is 2 ½ hours from Temuco) Prison System which has 1200 men and women and is pastor of a church which has about 50 members. We entered Valdivia not knowing what to expect. The pastor told us that he had invited about 8 to 10 people, some from his church and others who worked with him in the prison. At 6:00 pm we started the class with 4 people who included the pastor and his wife but by 7:00 pm we had over 25, what an awesome surprise. We provided an overview for 2 ½ hours with everyone fully engaged. Afterward, we demonstrated a group study which finished at 11:00 pm. As we watched the people interact with the study, it was amazing that we could capture their attention and their curiosity for 5 hours. As we left, we asked if they wanted us to return so they could learn more. We received a unanimous “Yes” except for one.
A week later we returned with great expectations. But this time, all prison related persons were missing along 4 to 5 persons from the church. Again, we taught some basic concepts of the Discovery Bible Study and afterward, had 2 group studies. Once again, there was great enthusiasm from the group present and they were understanding that this study was about doing and not only learning. They had good questions and good participation.
Third week, we entered with half of the group from the week prior. It was a little discouraging but I knew it was part of the process. One of the goals of the study is to find those who truly want to experience a transformation in life whether it is maturity in your Christian walk or coming to faith in Christ. As we proceeded to explain that the Discovery Bible Study is more than just a study but is a church planting strategy, they became very excited but when we explained that the first step is a transformation in your own life, I think we lost them. This seemed to be confirmed by the group bible study when each person had to give account of how they obeyed God’s word during the week. We found that only half completed their commitment statements they made between God and themselves.
Tonight will be our fourth training. We enter this training with prayer. There is a spiritual warfare in the form of apathy. We have seen it before, Christians that prefer the “status quo”, are bond to traditions and the religiosity of the church. When personal sacrifice is required or we are asked to leave our comfort zone in order to obey God’s word, our initial response is “No”. Our desire is that God would use this church body in mighty ways, within the prison system and within the city of Valdivia. It is a battle that we cannot win on our own strength but only with the power of Christ Jesus. Please pray with me that we will not lose this foothold within Valdivia which started with such great potential. -----Chad
