TeamDuggan

“What will you do when ‘they’ tell you to leave or face death?”

A godly Mexican pastor…we’ll call him Jose….was asked this question by a trusted mentor as he works to expand the church’s ministry in a difficult area in Mexico. Jose and his congregation are running AWANA programs for kids, job-skills training for adults and other outreach ministries in an area of town controlled by drug gangs. I was struck by Jose’s opennes when he told me, “I took two months to think through the answer. I discussed it with my family and we came to a decision together.” Their answer is evident as the ministry continues to reach those without hope in a region facing daily threats to life.

To this point he has not received death threats, but Jose knows what his answer will be when they come. Far from being a theoretical possibility that invites glib responses, Jose and his family know it is just a matter of time before the threats become reality. As I travel to various “interesting” locations there is theoretical danger, but the risk is miniscule compared to that faced by Jose and other faithful believers like him. These amazing servants increase their risk the longer they persevere in reaching the lost and hopeless.

My response? Pray for Jose, encourage him, and honestly consider my response if that question is asked of me.

Father, give your people the courage to persevere in the face of danger.

Living life outside the U.S. is filled with pros and cons. Delicious fruits, a variety of veggies and rich coffee are in abundance. Life flows at a much slower pace which is good on a relational level, but often frustrating when transacting business or keeping to a specific schedule. Many a family would be dismayed about missing out on scores of new products, popular books, the latest movies and music, and current fashion. Oh, eventually those products might make it to our part of the Western Hemisphere, but unless someone travels to Costa Rica, and has perused a book or magazine in flight or lugged a suitcase of surprises, it may be months or years before such items crossed our path.

I had heard of the Advent Conspiracy in the past, but never understood what it was all about until I purchased and read the book pictured above. After spending four years living in Latin America, and another year in Pakistan many years ago, I completely understand the author’s premise. And vow not to succumb to the advertiser hype and accumulation of goods while on U.S. soil.

But living life this way is…nearly impossible….the average Westerner is bombarded by advertising, peer pressure, and the idea of perceived need multiple times per day. And yes, while living in the Southeast, we are wooed as well. Others will benefit by foregoing toys and desires that often break and wane post-holiday season. In fact, we as a couple have committed to sacrificially giving not only during Advent, but throughout the year as well…won’t you join us?

Reachglobal leaders are encouraged to carve out time each month for a personal retreat day. Although Brian and I often have a difficult time fitting this into our schedules, God always shows up. This past Saturday morning was more of a “family retreat day”. A time to breathe fresh air, laugh with the kids, and enjoy the lake that we have missed for four years! The boat cooperated, and the rain held off until late afternoon.

Living life in the US, even though it is only for a few months, has presented challenges unique to our home culture. Fast-paced lives slow down for a few minutes on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. I long for the spontaneous porch chats with personnel and Latin church leaders and missionaries. Chatting with storeowners and neighbors while walking on foot, an impossibility with America’s sprawling suburbs!

But God is present and has interspersed calm moments with Him and others in the midst of a tightly-packed schedule. And among the blessings that are found in both countries? F-A-M-I-L-Y.

My brother Glenn is an incredible example of a life transformed by the gospel. From self-centered to God-centered, from spiritual indifference to bold proclaimer, and from a life of causing pain to a life of sharing God’s grace with as many as possible. This week he took me to a ministry in Canton Georgia where I spoke to 50+ people about Christ’s love for them….in Spanish. These folks are not your typical southern culture. They are undocumented Latinos, mostly from Guatemala, who are just trying to survive in a world that is foreign to them and that does not welcome them. This ministry, Church on the Street, is reaching those who live much of their lives in hiding, wondering if there will be work for the men and how they can raise their children in a safe environment. The words of the gospel are words of hope, even in my poorly spoken Spanish. And my brother, who does not speak Spanish, was engaging with the men, sitting with them and listening to their stories, entering into their world. Before Christ he would have ignored them and only thought about their illegal status. In Christ his focus is on their hearts and sharing the news of Christ’s love for them. I found myself in awe of the power of the gospel to change lives dramatically. What a privilege to see what God is doing in the lives of Latinos and the life of my brother and his family. This is one of those times I feel like I’m just holding on to the ride as God takes me from place to place all over the western hemisphere and shows me his power and his love for the world.

Two weeks ago I needed some welding done so I went to a country shop that Bob (not his real name) owns. He is 74 and has been a faithful servant of the Lord, visiting Mexico regularly to encourage and support church planters. We spent a few minutes on what I needed then talked a half hour about ministry and the world's need for Christ.

Yesterday as we were preparing our eldest son to head to medical school (he left today) I called Bob to see if we could get a small welding repair on our son's car. When he answered his voice was broken and he told me of a tragedy that occurred just a day after I had seen him two weeks ago. Besides welding jobs Bob leases and runs large equipment. Some neighbors were walking by as he was backing up a big machine. His wife saw them and tried to get them out of the way, but it was too late. The machine ran over and killed a baby and severely injured his wife. Bob was as broken a man as I've ever heard. The burden of what happened has him in constant tears as he sits by his wife's side in the ICU, fighting for her life.

What can one say to bring comfort? Christian platitudes are clearly not what is needed. I did what should be for me (though too often forgotten) the most natural thing. I simply asked Bob if I could pray for him and trusted that God would give me the words. They weren't fancy, and really just came from my heart that was so heavy for this brother. I prayed just a few minutes, simple and short, asking the Father for mercy and grace. Bob thanked me and as I hung up I knew something special had just happened. I could have called anytime over these past few weeks, but God knew that Bob needed prayer right then. I have no idea how else he will give Bob his grace. I did know that I had been used in a small way by God to show Bob that there may not be satisfactory answers, but God is with him in this deep pain. My words were not what ministered to Bob, it was God's demonstration to him that in the valley, he is still with his children and he brings his comfort at the right time from the most unexpected sources.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy travel. That's a good thing since I do so much of it. In fact I just had to have extra pages added to my passport for the second time. But sometimes I have to stop and think about where I am and where I just was then consider where I'm going next. If it were all in one language that might help. If it were all for similar purposes that would certainly make it more clear. But God has given me such incredible opportunities to experience variety in life that I have to laugh and just figure that life is nuts.

Three weeks ago I began with a couple of days with my wife of 27 years celebrating our anniversary by wandering San Diego's sights. A few days of meetings with my fellow international leaders were followed by a conference then several days with our mission leaders for Latin America. I was home two days then off to Atlanta where all six of us Duggans were in one place for 24 hours which won't happen again until Thanksgiving at the earliest. Then Matthew and I were invited by a friend to join him in Chicago for a couple of days and attend the U2 concert, all a generous gift from this very giving friend. Then a few days with my best friend for 37 years where went kayaking in the marsh waters of coastal South Carolina. Now I am in Haiti for a few days.

The next couple of months will see me in Colorado, New Orleans, Knoxville, Mexico, Atlanta, and Nigeria, all ministry related. It's crazy! It's fun! But it is also a bit tiring and challenging to balance family life and relaxation.

We moved to Charlotte in late May and I figure I've slept in the house we've been loaned a total of nine nights. Fortunately my family has been with me a good bit more than that! We are hoping to slow down a bit in late September and focus on the reason we are back…to connect with our supporters and develop more partnerships with people who want to be part of this great adventure. Before we know it Thanksgiving will be here and the Duggans will return to our Costa Rica home.

Ideas have been churning in my mind for this blog (and a few others) as our family engaged with a mission team from our home state around Costa Rica; as I sorted, gave away, decluttered, and packed prior to boarding our flight; on the airplane as we flew home to the U.S., and during rare quiet moments interspersed in my life since arriving in North Carolina three weeks ago.

Strangely, some days it feels like moments have only passed, while others it seems like time is passing too quickly. My present reality is strangely familiar, but passes through a lens that has been my reality for the last 4 years. Some days, English and Spanish intermingle and words don’t come easily in either language. Some days tears well up in my eyes at the strangest times, and emotion overtakes me. But then the quiet voice of my Heavenly Father comforts me and I acknowledge that time spent in another culture has changed me, my thoughts and desires, and now compels me to reach out to the poor in spirit wherever that may be. In all honesty, I enjoy the temporary pleasure that a six pack of Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets may bestow, yet yearn for gallo pinto, cafecito, and impromptu visits with Latino friends and clients. I momentarily bask in the cool refreshment that the icy air conditioning and a iced Starbucks latte offered in the local Target, but return items to shelves after selecting only a few, and return home overwhelmed by choices, assaulted by advertising, and seeking refuge with family and friends.

These days have been filled with blessing and provision. I came kicking and screaming, figuratively speaking. But I realize that the burden is deeper that originally defined. My heart’s burden is for all those who seek. Those in beautiful neighborhoods in the suburbs or decrepit urban areas in disrepair, at home or abroad –the rich and poor alike are affected. We all need love and encouragement, a hope and a future.

This baby was prayed for and anticipated long before she made her entrance. A donated crib awaited his or her arrival.God heard the cries of my heart as I seriously wondered if this postdates baby would be healthy and whether her mother would fare well. Practicing midwifery in a foreign country is far different than in the US. Fortunately,usually things are normal and normal pregnancy is what midwives specialize in.
Pre and Postnatal care is provided by our clinic providers, but the actual delivery is left to a random provider in a public hospital. My client feared this. Finally I texted her that it was time to have this baby. She calmly responded it wasn’t time. Well, tomorrow it is time…I thought, and prayed that this baby would make her entrance before my cautious management became worry. Late the following evening, I received a call that contractions were regular and my client was headed to the hospital after some tortillas and cheese. I prayed with her, and she thanked me for making her feel calm and capable, even though I wasn’t at her side. Several hours later a healthy baby girl finally arrived!
Here she is!

This client was one of the few that continue care postpartum, and was the first to receive home visits due to her lack of resources and need. I was overjoyed as I was able to continue a tradition I began during my final births in midwifery school–a birthday cake complete with pink or blue embellishments and a candle. I had to improvise here in Tres Rios, with a large slice of tres leches and some sprinkles, a pink candle, and a much desired Spanish Bible!

So much of my role involves talking, coaching and thinking.  Sometimes it is from my home office, sometimes in a wide variety of countries and conditions, but it always involves decisions, judgment calls, diplomacy and strategy.  That is why we love opportunities to completely change gears and draw on different skill sets and experience from years past.  Cathi and I joined the International Youth Group for their Spring retreat at La Cumbre, a camp high in the mountains (7,500 ft.) of central Costa Rica.  We weren’t leading, weren’t in charge.  We were just the nurses and for us it was a wonderful time of relaxation.

Anna came along and did her best to keep up with the teens.  The “Leap of Faith” high ropes was perhaps a bit too much for her though.

Ben plays guitar on the worship team and for the first time played his ukulele in public.

And of course, there was just time to be with my young girl and enjoy God’s amazing creation.

Work is God’s gift to us.  Yet even if we enjoy it we can recharge by doing something completely different for a time.  Time away can be an opportunity to get perspective on our “regular” lives.  Cathi and I love what we do and we love that we can take some short detours along the way.
There is a slogan by LG Electronics….Life’s Good.  It has nothing to do with electronics, but I have to agree, even when it’s tough, life’s good.  Thank God, not LG.