I have written in the past of the fact that I like to attend chruch (la iglesia) and that when I am home in the US, whether I am in El Paso, where I currently live or visiting family and friends (familia y amigos) in other parts of the country, both Sarah and I like to attend a church service. I have done this since my youth (mi juventud), and currenly consider myself a nondenominational Christian, but I have my roots in Methodist and Episcopalian churches. I think the fellowship that one can get from thiese public displays and gatherings of worship are both important and necesssary in life, especially in my life. When I travel, I often like to see historic churches (iglesias históricas) that were founded by missionaires and came to be established as centers in communities (las comunidades) that often are still operating and in many cases thriving. While travleing one summer throughout the Baja California, we visitied a number of historic churches established on mission trips by the Spanish. These churches were beautifully designed and often sit at the north end (el lado norte) of the plaza, and can be found not only in Mexico, but throughout the United states, including the great mission churches along the California coast, the old churches established in the 1600s in Santa Fe, NM and even mission style chruches in El Paso. There are of course a number of beutiful chruches here in Santiago, many which have their roots from the mission times associated with the Spanish Conquistadors (los conquistadores españoles), but none more exquisite and hisoric than the San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco) near downtown.
I also like to see and atttend churches that are not merely historical, but actually up and running and serving a local community. Often these churches are not only the moral and spiritual centers (los centros morales y espirituales) of a city or town, but also the backbone for local aid in dealing with concerns like substance abuse, homelessnes and violence against women and children. Provding support, especially financial aid, to these local churches is one great way to contribute to a city, even a great and huge city like Santiago. With its great size and expanse, there is not only need everywhere you turn (en todos los partes), but also a local sense in the various sectors of town, whether it be here in Nunoa or elsewhere in places such as the Quinta Normal.
Recenly, Sarah and I took the time ot visit a local church, Calvary Chapel Santiago, which we found on the Internet, as it has a connection to the network (un red) of churches we attend at home and have attended for many years in New Mexcio and Calfornia. The style back home is “come as you are”, and is not built on pomp and circumstance or symbols of wealth and prosperity, but is often a small local community based church that mearely preaches from the Bible (la Biblia) and sings songs of worship. What we found here was a wonderful loving congregation who welcomed 2 strangers (extranjeros) into their service.
Once we found seats, we opened the book of songs (los himnos), and read the lyrics in Spanish, recogniing the tunes and ultimatley the songs, as they were translated versions of things we sing back home. Once we got into that rhythm, we could also feel the love in the room, and when a paritioner lent us a Spanish Bible we were able to follow along with the message (el mensaje). As the pastor spoke, he taguht in an open, relateable style that was not accuing or condescending, it was purposeful teachign that was applicalbe to life, even for foreigners in Santiago. Located in a rough part of town, you can see the light (la luz) that this church provides, and the service that it provides, not only in a spritiual sense, but also as a tangible center for outreach in the community. Yes, there is need everywhere, but it is often important to recognize (importante para reconocer) that support can come from anywhere as well.
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