Preparing the homecoming

For years the Augustinian Lutheran Church “La Resurreccion” had been living in exile—celebrating and worshipping in garages, in members homes and for the last months in the patio of the Monroy Lux family—rain or shine. The congregation’s church perched on the side of the ravine still lacked a roof. The congregation had worked to raise the walls with the Sunday offerings and special gifts but the roof remained the heavens due to increasing prices and the difficulty of bringing supplies down to the church on unstable steps.

On the 14th anniversary “La Resurreccion” decided to return from exile and reclaim the presence of the church in the midst of those in most need. The members were committed to come home even if they would be having the worship service under a tarp. A lemon tree had grown to about 5 feet within the church—life continues even in exile.

Marcelina Monroy and Ramiro Sarat agreed that a tarp would not be enough. They cleaned out half the church of years worth of dirt and construction waste. They bought and carried down 2”x4” boards and sheet metal by hand one at a time in order to proudly raise a roof that would allow worship to continue until funds could be raised for a formal roof. Others joined in the task and continued with a carpet of pine needles and a cross of rose petals over the dirt church floor.

The morning of the anniversary, we gathered in the house of the Monroy Lux family. As we celebrate in Guatemala Los Posadas during Advent—bringing Mary and Joseph house to house asking for a place to rest… this family had opened their home and hearts to the people of God.

Together we carried the cross, sacristy, bible and other items of the church through the streets of Zone 1 down into the ravine of El Tuerto. As we processed more and more people from the ILAG Lutheran Churches of Guatemala City joined in the joyous celebration.

One by one we descended slowly to the church, careful not to slip on the rain soaked steps… 14 years ago before the members placed the concrete steps arriving to the church was even more difficult as people had to descend into the ravine grasping at twigs and making their way through the dirt.

Entering the church on this morning we were greeted by the smell of pine needles, fresh flowers and incense. We were protected from the rain and found rest on benches and chairs occupying every corner available—until even the aisle disappeared sometime during the service.

A joyous return accompanied by brothers and sisters. We are abundantly blessed.

Now that we have made a very public return, prayers are needed so that no one tries to hush the voice of the church for selfish motives. We are sure that God will continue to bless His church.