(This article, just like most of the previous articles in this series, was first written two years ago. We updated and posted it in recognition of Roger & Irma Santiago's role in starting and building our community, which is celebrating its 17th foundation anniversary in August 2009.)
It has been about seven years since Roger & Irma Santiago left Newark for Manila. During their long absence, much happened in the community they helped start. Now they are back, and at a momentous time in our community's short history at that! We met with Roger & Irma last week, and during our brief get together, we could not help but recall the early years of BLD Newark.
We do not want to sound nostalgic, but those were good and exciting years. Our community then was much smaller. There were not many members to spread around the few ministries that existed at that time. Every member was involved in just about everything going on in community, yet it seemed that our energies were inexhaustible. We could not wait for Fridays to come so we can gather for worship and fellowship. We devoured every page of the bible in search of Christ and His Wisdom. We were not content with our weekly Word Sharing, and scheduled a second session with brethren living in our general vicinity.
We eagerly looked forward to the visits of our elders and teachers from Manila. We gladly gave up our weekends and weeknights to attend the teachings. We were so Word-hungry that we could not have enough of our elders and teachers. We quite literally sat at their feet to learn from their wisdom and experience. We even rejoiced when our consultations resulted in our rebuke or correction by our elders. This is how we discovered the wisdom that await those who are open to correction.
Our treasury had little money. We owed BLD Manila a hefty amount of money. Despite our lack, the Lord called us to open up new communities in both coasts of the American continent. Our little started the many: there are now over 12 districts which Newark "fathered" in the US. I must admit that I entertained the thought that going into outreach without the necessary financial resources was irresponsible and foolish. Of course I was wrong. God makes great things out of nothing. All we needed to do was to believe and to obey.
I recall our almost weekly Board of Coordinators meetings with the Tricord and our once a month disciples assemblies. We worked hard to establish a two-way communication between leaders and members. Not that there were no contentious issues. In fact, one elder from Manila observed that our members were too vocal and critical, compared perhaps to our brethren in Manila. What we have learned since then was that although BLD is a global community, every district has its own unique traits and gifts. For Newark, proactive inquiry and critical thinking were necessary given the society we lived in. What we need to do is to constructively channel these traits towards the attainment of our mission.
We recall many meetings where leaders faced hard questioning from the members. We believed then and still believe now that this is a sign of a healthy community. Having an engaged, empowered, participative membership is a more desirable situation than having disinterested members who do not attend assemblies. We recall those days when members showed up to our meetings in large number, because they wanted to be involved in community discernment and action.
For sure, the community during those days was not perfect. As it is a reflection of our own imperfection, it will never be perfect. If we can accept this, then we will realize that we utterly need God and each other.
God has given us signs that better times await us. The return of Roger and Irma is one of those signs.
Thank You Lord for not abandoning us.
It has been about seven years since Roger & Irma Santiago left Newark for Manila. During their long absence, much happened in the community they helped start. Now they are back, and at a momentous time in our community's short history at that! We met with Roger & Irma last week, and during our brief get together, we could not help but recall the early years of BLD Newark.
We do not want to sound nostalgic, but those were good and exciting years. Our community then was much smaller. There were not many members to spread around the few ministries that existed at that time. Every member was involved in just about everything going on in community, yet it seemed that our energies were inexhaustible. We could not wait for Fridays to come so we can gather for worship and fellowship. We devoured every page of the bible in search of Christ and His Wisdom. We were not content with our weekly Word Sharing, and scheduled a second session with brethren living in our general vicinity.
We eagerly looked forward to the visits of our elders and teachers from Manila. We gladly gave up our weekends and weeknights to attend the teachings. We were so Word-hungry that we could not have enough of our elders and teachers. We quite literally sat at their feet to learn from their wisdom and experience. We even rejoiced when our consultations resulted in our rebuke or correction by our elders. This is how we discovered the wisdom that await those who are open to correction.
Our treasury had little money. We owed BLD Manila a hefty amount of money. Despite our lack, the Lord called us to open up new communities in both coasts of the American continent. Our little started the many: there are now over 12 districts which Newark "fathered" in the US. I must admit that I entertained the thought that going into outreach without the necessary financial resources was irresponsible and foolish. Of course I was wrong. God makes great things out of nothing. All we needed to do was to believe and to obey.
I recall our almost weekly Board of Coordinators meetings with the Tricord and our once a month disciples assemblies. We worked hard to establish a two-way communication between leaders and members. Not that there were no contentious issues. In fact, one elder from Manila observed that our members were too vocal and critical, compared perhaps to our brethren in Manila. What we have learned since then was that although BLD is a global community, every district has its own unique traits and gifts. For Newark, proactive inquiry and critical thinking were necessary given the society we lived in. What we need to do is to constructively channel these traits towards the attainment of our mission.
We recall many meetings where leaders faced hard questioning from the members. We believed then and still believe now that this is a sign of a healthy community. Having an engaged, empowered, participative membership is a more desirable situation than having disinterested members who do not attend assemblies. We recall those days when members showed up to our meetings in large number, because they wanted to be involved in community discernment and action.
For sure, the community during those days was not perfect. As it is a reflection of our own imperfection, it will never be perfect. If we can accept this, then we will realize that we utterly need God and each other.
God has given us signs that better times await us. The return of Roger and Irma is one of those signs.
Thank You Lord for not abandoning us.
Those were the good old days - fun days - We were young, we were new, we were eager beavers - wore many hats! Saturday, Sunday and weekday teachings! A lot of time spent in community - we didn't know how to balance our time between family and community...
ReplyDeleteThe return of Roger and Irma is surely welcomed and much needed! I recall the prophecy not too long ago during one of the Friday worships before the recent emergence ... "I will bring back the old!" Thank you Lord!