Where's the Hope?

Not the best question to start off asking in 2008… Or is it? Every time I ask myself this question, I think back to the introduction of Steven Curtis Chapman’s song “Heaven in the Real World”, where Chuck Colson, founder of Prison Fellowship, helping to promote prisoner rehabilitation as well as reform the prison system of the U.S. An exerpt from one of Colson’s speeches begins the title track:

“Where’s the hope? I meet millions who tell me that they feel demoralized by the decay around them. Where is the hope, the hope that each of us has? It not in who governs us, or what laws are past, or what great things we do as a nation. Our hope is in the power of God working through the hearts of people. That’s where our hope is in this country. That’s were our hope is in this life.”

First, feeling demoralized. A quick search online yields three definitions: 1. To undermine the confidence or morale of; dishearten. 2. To put into disorder; confuse.
3. To debase the morals of; corrupt. I think that amidst all the pomp and celebration of Christmas, New Years and “Reyes” (Kings Day, or Epiphany, is arguably a bigger celebration here in Spain than Christmas), many people, myself included, feel all of these definitions en force at this time. It’s hard (“hard” is an understatement… more like devastatingly and frustratingly tragic) to have been here for five months and feel like almost nothing has changed. To my knowledge, I haven’t lead anyone to Christ, we are still only one cell group (though we’ve grown substantially in four months), we have a very small and fragile leadership team, we can’t find a place to meet on Sundays, and the list goes on. Problems without solutions, questions without answers. In a country that, by most well-informed pastors and priests’ guestimates, is only 2-3% Christian in the evangelical sense of the word, it gets dismal (again, an understatement… the “slough of despondency” or the “swamp of sadness” or “the pit of dispare” or any combination of the three would probably get close)…

Dramatic? Maybe. Feels about right though…

So, I still ask: Where is the hope?

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”

Do I really believe that? Do I really stand on Christ? Maybe I’m self-critical. Maybe I need to be. Maybe this is just an emotional blog. But I know that there have been several times, several opportunities to stand on Christ, and I have sunk fast into the lightning sand. I have NOT responded in love, with grace, full of peace. Many times I have been hopeless, and washed (or have wanted to wash) my hands of whatever situation facing me. There are some hard people to love here, and there are some people messed up beyond repair. I have seen more crap, been more drained and felt like throwing in the towel and saying *&#(#(&^$)@)*@!#(@)*@(*&@$(&*#@)(*@#_@#)(@# (whatever that word or words might be), packing up all my stuff and moving back to the States, to live in the country, away from people, and not be involved or anything…

Dramatic? Maybe. Feels about right though…

So, still, I have to ask: Where is the hope?

I am compelled to say, even shout out “JESUS CHRIST IS OUR HOPE!” Am I saying this because I’m a missionary? Maybe, but I don’t think so. In talking with Muslims, atheists, agnostics, catholics, and even other “evangelical” Christians (lamentably some of the most hopeless people I know), I’ve become more and more hopeful in Christ, that He has the words of life (John 6:68), that he will provide words if I/we let him (Luke 21:15), and that he’s going to be here with me/us (Matthew 28:20). There are so many rays off hope piercing the darkness here, so many roses for the countless thorns. We have some great core people: Nara and Giuseppe. Please keep them in your prayers. We have baby cell group that is learning how to walk and talk and care for itself. Please keep the cell group in your prayers. I’m meeting several “focus” people and talking to them about Jesus… And they’re listening! (If you don’t know what I mean by “focus” people, email me! and ask, and I will tell you☺).

I agree with Chuck, but wish he’d gone a little farther. Our hope IS in God’s power working in the hearts of people, yes. BUT, hope is in found in Christ, God made man, who lived, died and rose again. Through him, God’s Spirit works in our hearts and (here’s the key!), like Christ himself, we can’t keep that work inside, but we’ve got to DO. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

In Barcelona, our hope is two fold: that God would work in peoples hearts to bring them into a profound, life-altering and saving relationship, yes, but that also these transformed beloved sons and daughters of the Most High God would go OUT and completely transform the society. That WE would be the ones not only bringing news of peace and hope and love, but also INCARNATING peace, hope and love in Barcelona.

Yes, there is hope!

Most of this blog is coming from reading a book called “The Shaping of the Things to Come: Innovation and Mission for the 21st-century Church” by Michael Frost and Alan Hirsch. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone who a Christian involved in ANY church or gathering. I’m sad this is not in Spanish (yet), as it would be much easier to transmit the ideas and passion.


Oh, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

"Good will henceforth from God to man begin and never cease!" Amen!

Grace and Peace,
Nate