Jeff Adams

It’s amazing how spoiled we are and how desperate we (I) become when cut off from cyber communication. These are good times, though, to recharge the batteries literally and figuratively. Anyone ever heard of this concept called fasting? Well, this must be something like that — a cyber fast.

After a fabulously beautiful drive through the “Little Mountains” outside of Cordoba we arrived at a Baptist Camp where CEC‘s leadership encounter would take place. I have no idea what the altitude is, but this is stunningly beautiful country in all the beauty of early Fall and the air is crisp.They are called little mountains only because of the comparison with the Andes range to the west.

I was the speaker to kick things off after dinner Thursday night. I’m always a bit nervous that I will be able to “connect” in that all important first impression moment, especially with such an eclectic group from so many different countries, backgrounds and languages. At least I didn’t have to worry about speaking through a translator. I spoke on multicultural ministry as a biblical mandate. I know that might sound a bit academic and dry to you, but I promise it wasn’t. In fact, it was a very special service and ended with what some have called a “holy hush” falling upon the place. We are all pleased and thankful for a good start.

In all, I would speak three more times. Joining me were some other speakers I felt blessed to hear. My roommate for the week has been Hans Walter Schütze, a German missionary with WEC in Brazil for 20 years. Ever hear of C.T. Studd, missionary to Africa. This is the mission that grew out of his life and influence. Frank Dietz is one of the original Operation Mobilization folks and for many years directed one of their famous boats, the Doulos. He’s a guy who can tell you some amazing stories. Jonathan Lewis grew up as an MK here in Argentina and is currently associate director of the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA). Daniel Bianchi, Argentine, is the head of COMIBAM for the southern cone of South America.

Perhaps the most personally rewarding moment of my time here was a reunion with a man I had not seen for over 25 years, Junior Zapata. His uncle began a church in El Salvador not long before Cheryl and I arrived. We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with that church through the years. Junior is from Guatemala and directs a 5,000 student private school. He has become one of leading voices in youth ministry in the Americas and recently wrote a book on the emerging generation that has sold over 100,000 copies. He’s another man who has been there and done that, yet he seems to see and understand more than many of the rest of us put together. If you ever want to stir a pot, just toss in Junior!

When I saw Junior’s name on the list, I had a momentary flash back of recollection, but couldn’t believe this was the same guy I met so many years ago. He was! He came up to me, right in my face, and said, “Do you remember me? It’s your fault and my mother’s that I’m in ministry today. You spoke at Mount Sion campground in Guatemala over 20 years ago and my life was changed forever. Getting even closer he said emphatically, “I’ve read your book on Job FOUR TIMES!”

When they introduced him to the crowd, he called me up and gave me a copy of his book and read the inscription, “To Jeff – This book is fruit of your ministry in my life.” I had no idea. I guess that’s why they say what you don’t know won’t hurt you.

We finished at noon today with the Lord’s Supper, drove the hour and a half back to Cordoba and they put me on the flight to Buenos Aires. I’m getting established in a hotel here and will be here until I head home Tuesday night. I’ll tell you more tomorrow, but wanted to get this off to those of you who are helping me in prayer on this trip.