The Language of my Heart

I visited the States over Christmas and for Convocation at Luther Seminary. While in the States and worshipping in my own language, I was in tears at times. To hear the benediction, the absolution, and the words given and shed for you in my own language was powerful. It helped me realize two things. Here in Guatemala, in a country with 23 languages, it is important to worship in part in the language of the people. Especially in communities where the women do not know Spanish… to deliver the gospel in K’iche’ or Q’eqchi’ or Mam is remarkable. The other realization I had is that just like when we, in the States, had to begin worshipping in English rather than in our immigrant languages so that the next generation would understand the worship, now it is important that we provide opportunities to those who do not speak English to worship in their native tongues.