Building a Foundation

We’re in the middle of building this ever so fragile federation of young men who hope to become, one day, a real music group. My days are mostly filled with things surrounding this group and the “groupies” that have now surrounded them. No small group now. Most Friday nights we have between 20 and 30 people.

It’s not really my hope that they become a great musical group; that’s their hope. My hope is that we’re building a team of young Christians that will hopefully understand ministry and be able to minister at a level that can truly make a difference to those who are seeking, searching. People not so different from myself. But I don't want their ministry to be what you would normally associate with American churches. I'm continue to think we've really missed the boat. I believed it before I got to the DR; I believe it more now that I'm here.

In some ways they already are a music group; in some ways they may never be. They do get together and play music and sing, (every day last week at my house!) but what you might call singing is not quite what most of them do. It seems several are fairly unaware of the notes they can sing, and notes they can’t. It’s really funny at times. I’ll turn to the summer intern, Jacob, and we’ll ask one another, “do they NOT hear that.”. They can be as flat as a pancake, but they belt it out there like it’s pure and smooth. In some ways, it is pure and smooth; because it comes from their hearts. I believe they love the Lord and I believe they have great great hopes.

It’s hard to know how to deal with a group of young people whom you are growing close to, knowing that the hopes they have may never materialize. And, that’s true for so many in third world countries. No, these people are definitely not starving. They generally have food to eat but their lives are nothing like ours. No where near the choices and options we have. Rarely can they choose what school to go to; they can’t choose to travel; can’t choose to move to another town; can’t choose one job over another; can’t choose which of several career paths to take; can’t choose what hobbies to have. Can’t choose what to eat based on cabinets full of food. Can’t choose what clothes to wear based on closets full of clothes. Rarely do they get to choose, because rarely do they have a choice. The one job they may have, is the only job; the meager food they have is the only food; the clothes they have are…. Well, you get the picture.

So, I struggle with the clash between my world and theirs. Is mine better? Is theirs better? Should I hope they change to have more of my world? Should they hope that I change to have more of their world? This I do not know.

I do know that the things that exist in our worlds are the things that consume 80 or 90 percent of our energy. Like our jobs; our schooling, our hobbies, our dreams.

So, as much as they hope, which is the name of the group, hope is really all most of them have. Most of them have had very bad educations, even if they did finish high school. Public schools here in the Dominican are incredibly bad. Most of them will only get a job based on tourism in one form or another. Most of them will probably never be able to afford to buy a car, let alone a house. So, I see these kids (young adults) with futures that are very very limited. And in some ways (the American ways), it breaks my heart to think that most will never have any of the opportunities that I had, or you had (have). In some ways, I look at them and think that if they did have our opportunities, they’d probably make the same bad choices we (I) do. So, now that I have just a bit more of a glimpse into their lives, what truly do I offer them? What should I offer them?

I’ve been in most of their homes. Homes that are mostly shacks. Built very close to one another. Mostly houses that I can only best describe as homes you might have seen in the deep rural south back when all the jobs were agriculture and share cropping. I don’t know what the depression was like in the US, but I have a pretty good idea when walking through their neighborhoods.

The best picture I get of that life style is from my mom. She grew up very poor. But I rarely hear her speak of things she didn’t have. Most of the time, it was the stories of her family, her father in particular, that loved and made a home for her six sibling and her mom. A house full of love springing from her father. I’m sure it wasn’t easy being poor (realitive to American standards) but I’m also now more sure that poor is not a curse. Any more than being rich is a blessing. How you live, rich or poor, is the blessing.

So I’m getting closer to the heart of these guys, and it some ways it gets harder and harder. I can’t begin to know how to help; how to encourage; how to minister. I can’t take one step in their shoes.

Meet Willie. Willie really started the group. And takes his music seriously. Willie is 21. Willie saved probably at least 3 months of salary to buy a guitar and an electronic piano. The first instruments for the group. But, Willie also now has a very low paying job; only works about 3 hours a day selling trinkets to tourist in the countryside. And, dreams of a real music group. And Willie is a hugger. He hugs everyone; all the time. He’ll probably hug you if you come to visit. I’m especially fond of Willie.

Meet Esaul. Esaul is trying to finish high school by going to school at night. During the day, he works with his dad making iron fencing for windows, doors, gates, etc. Esaul plays the guitar; and plays it all the time. But, Esaul likely will work for his father for years to come. And will likely live with his parents for years to come, in a half finished home with interior walls made of cardboard. I’m especially fond of Esaul.

Meet Joelfry. Joelfry has a really sad but typical family story. Joelfry is about 18. Has rarely lived with either of his parents. Gets passed between relatives to live. Joelfry is the lead singer for now. He’s funny; loves to joke; loves to laugh. I don’t have a clue what will happen to Joelfry. He finished high school this year, with nowhere to go. No job; no money for more schooling. But I’m especially fond of Joelfry.

Meet Samuel. Samuel is the drummer. We just got the drums. It was like a dream come true for him. He’s always dreamed of playing the drums. We were afraid he couldn’t. Well, he can. Not sure where he learned, but he’s pretty good for not having access to a set of drums. And, when asked recently of a time he had a real connection with God, he got emotional and said it was when he was able to play the drums we had bought. I’m especially fond of Samuel.

It’s a real fragile group for many reasons. Maybe reasons I’ll go into later. But, for now, they guys are working hard to honor God with their music and their ministry. And, those that hear them are being blessed.

I hope this group can make it through the tough times ahead, and they will continue to have a reason to hope. I also hope that God shows me how to be a blessing in their lives and how I can share all that I’ve been blessed with, with them.

(For those of you who have read “The Shack”, you know why I’m especially fond of these guys; for those of you who haven’t read it; I recommend it. Thanks Rayburn.)