One of the most vital elements of our work here is that of visiting in the parishioner's home. Today, we visited eight families. Someone might be thinking, "Oh, that's work? Sitting around in some one's living room chatting away?" It is not exactly that simple. In the first place, all of this fellowshipping is taking place in a cultural context very different from the United States. Secondly, it takes place in a foreign language. Thirdly, it takes place in what is best described as a racially tinted context. Like it or not, when people perceive one to be very different from them, it affects the relationship, however subtly. I forget that I am American. Most of our parishioners do not ever forget. And yes, "reverse racism" or whatever you want to call it is alive and well.
All negativity aside, this exercise in true listening takes place in several homes all on the same day. We have not even scratched the surface. It is quite possible that we will visit a couple of homes tonight and on Tuesday resume the task in another town not far from here. Mind you, this is NOT evangelism. These are people who already attend our church.
Of what, then, do these visits consist? Greetings all around to all present. Take a seat. Would you like something to drink? Here are some apricots (or cheese, or chili peppers, or you-name-it) we want you to have. Thank you. We also brought you a little something. How is your family? From here, it is any one's guess as to what follows. At this point the conversation takes on a course of its own and I have discovered something very important. My job is NOT to talk. My job is to genuinely listen. Some share their joys. Others share their sorrows. Some rejoice. Others only complain. For someone who really takes the time to listen, these visits are a bigger emotional roller coaster than any theme park ever invented. One learns to "rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". We say a brief prayer before leaving and try to end the visit on a very positive note.
Undoubtedly, someone is going to say that the preceding is further proof that religion is nothing more than a crutch and that religious leaders are nothing more than enablers. Think what you want. When it's all said and done, I've had the opportunity to give very practical advice and offer solutions where there seemed to be no hope. My profile states it best, "My work involves as much social work as it does spiritual and frankly, I have a hard time distinguishing where the one picks up and the other leaves off."
This personal, one-on-one visiting in the homes of our parishioners is a vital part of the catalyst that took this church from three or four families to around thirty strong. It's grueling. It's even dangerous now, with the threat of swine flu being very real here. It's taxing on the mind and spirit, but well worth it!