^the Bridge    

 A New Church for Granada        

The Bridge is up.

Sunday, September 02, 2007

Granada, Nicaragua

Today a dream became a reality.   With 16 souls, one guitar, 12 Morning Glory muffins and just enough good Nicaraguan coffee, we witnessed the first English service in Granada, at least in gringo memory. After a year on the field, I think everyone suddenly felt how much we'd been missing fellowship and worship, maybe like finally being able to take a deep breath or throw off the winter cold.   Some drove an hour and a half over axle-breaking roads, some were strangers to each other, but all felt liberation from having to downplay their faith among the post-modern tribe.   I wonder if I've ever heard or felt the deep sense of release and reverence we shared as we sang "Beautiful". Faces tipped to the rafters above, eyes closed, vaguely aware of the jazz-like riffs from the throat next door, this was good.

It can be a little noisy on Calle Cuiscoma, particularly if the entire Nica neighborhood strolls by to check out the unfamiliar music.   One sturdy soul even took the opportunity to try for a handout.   We talked about adding a fan and closing the front doors to the noise next time, but agreed maybe it's better if the neighbors know some of the ex-pats are capable of worship. So there's a flag in the sand. Maybe word will filter down to the grizzled pedophiles holding court on the corner, making their daily selections with obvious impudence.   Maybe some seeking soul will cross the line and find us ready to offer welcome.   I wonder whose heart is ready for release.

It was improvisation all the way.   Meeting in the local O.I. office, serving communion wine from styrofoam, fending off forgotten cell phones.   It's a first church plant for all of us, and we're generally making it up as we go, but it's deeply satisfying to finally get going.

It just feels good after all the delays, the fear and opposition.   So, we're on our way.   TheBridge is up.   So Beautiful.