Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43: 16-19
Each evening that we were in El Salvador we met with our small group for devotions. We started by reading a bible verse together, then we reflected on some questions, processing together what we had experienced that day. Sunday was the day we read this verse from Isaiah. That morning we worshipped at Resurrection Lutheran church, heard the bishop of the Salvadoran Lutheran church preach, and then had the opportunity to sit with him in his office and listen to just part of his amazing life story.
Bishop Gomes told us about his involvement with the civil war in El Salvador, and how he was one of the people on a kill list. Because of his outspoken- ness about peace and justice, the government saw him as a threat and wanted him dead. He escaped that fate, but spent some months in jail experiencing torture. His life during those days of war did not belong to him. Fear for his life and for his family's safety kept them in hiding, sometimes needing to leave the country to remain safe. What he didn't mention when he was telling his story, but what we all knew, was that the U.S. government was supplying training and weapons to the soldiers who were killing the peasants and hunting him down.
God promises us, "I am about to do something new."
During those years since the war, Bishop Gomez has remained very involved with work for peace, justice and reconciliation not only in his own country, but around the world. The thing that remains with me from our conversation that Sunday afternoon after worship is what the bishop said about the United States and our government. He said, it is difficult for the United States to be the most powerful country in the world. That is a lot of responsibility, a lot of pressure. We must keep the United States in our prayers.
Such an example of amazing grace, amazing forgiveness, resurrection.
Each evening that we were in El Salvador we met with our small group for devotions. We started by reading a bible verse together, then we reflected on some questions, processing together what we had experienced that day. Sunday was the day we read this verse from Isaiah. That morning we worshipped at Resurrection Lutheran church, heard the bishop of the Salvadoran Lutheran church preach, and then had the opportunity to sit with him in his office and listen to just part of his amazing life story.
Bishop Gomes told us about his involvement with the civil war in El Salvador, and how he was one of the people on a kill list. Because of his outspoken- ness about peace and justice, the government saw him as a threat and wanted him dead. He escaped that fate, but spent some months in jail experiencing torture. His life during those days of war did not belong to him. Fear for his life and for his family's safety kept them in hiding, sometimes needing to leave the country to remain safe. What he didn't mention when he was telling his story, but what we all knew, was that the U.S. government was supplying training and weapons to the soldiers who were killing the peasants and hunting him down.
God promises us, "I am about to do something new."
During those years since the war, Bishop Gomez has remained very involved with work for peace, justice and reconciliation not only in his own country, but around the world. The thing that remains with me from our conversation that Sunday afternoon after worship is what the bishop said about the United States and our government. He said, it is difficult for the United States to be the most powerful country in the world. That is a lot of responsibility, a lot of pressure. We must keep the United States in our prayers.
Such an example of amazing grace, amazing forgiveness, resurrection.