Baby steps

As soon as I made my account, I reconsidered the name. Thinking perhaps Learning to Die may be what is more needed in my life and in the church today. However really as Christians they ought to be one in the same. Paul said “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” What does it mean to die to yourself and allow Christ to live in and through you? I don't fully know but as soon as I figure it out I will tell you. =]




What I do know is that what God desires for us is to obey him. In all the simple things He has already asked of us and we are quick to forget or ignore in our pursuit for "God's Will" for us. Perhaps at times we want his direction more than we truly desire His person His presence. When he does provide direction how quick are we to follow? This is what I'm trying to learn this is why I am here.



Here for now is in Argentina. Simply because I fully feel that this is what the Lord wants for me. Since God is sovereign and I am now sitting in "Palabra de Veda" in Manta, Argentina I am quite sure of it. I never thought I'd be in a place like this, especially after the disaster I refer to as high school Spanish. Spanish, language at all really, is not my gift.



However an incredible verse comes to mind I recently heard in Larry Murray's Sunday school class. I Sam. 14:6b says "nothing can keep the Lord from saving by many or by few."



In 1 Sam 14 we see Jonathan's faith in spite of human limitations. Jonathan and his armor bearer stand up and step out when everyone else is literally hiding in holes. Not because they have the strength on their own, but because they believed that God was faithful.



To step out... on a limb, a leap of faith. I think perhaps those are the seed beds for real vivacious life in Christ.



Sorry to take so long and not even have told you how things have been going but nore that you know a little of the why and where here is the status update.



On my first plane ride I got to witness to a Chinese who was in the medical field. It took almost a hour to build the courage to talk to her but it was wonderful sharing Christ with her. This woman was so intelligent in world events in medicine in everything. But she had never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. “How shall they believe in Him who they have not heard and how shall they believe unless they are told?” It made me think again over a passage in Rom 15. In verse 20a Paul says “ I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named…” So often I think we feel to fulfill that kind of desire we must be in a remote jungle with a tribe who does not speak our language. Yes, we desperately need to reach them with the good news, but also there are so many right around us who have never heard. Why are we not telling them? Why don’t I?



Qeiro abler espanol. I will, but for now no comprende =]



This has already been so humbling and God is already teaching me so much. Pray for me as you think of me. For boldness, sensitivity, and a miraculous ability to learn this language (if you want to pray for the gift of tongues for me I won’t stop you)

I am officially moved in and ready to start. Sadly, one week of orientation before Spanish classes start. Thankfully I am already learning much from the Latino students. Three of my roommates speak very good English (one speaks five languages! Talk about humbling!) but they are helping me by not using it unless I am completely confused.



Alright I have to go I’ve been thinking in English to long already gotta go make a fool of myself talking to some Latinos. Till next time



Much love in Christ
Josiah J. Brondyke

P.S. my spell check is now thinking in spanish and everything i just wrote to you is yellow.