In America the phrase creates a few mental pictures. Hispanic comedian Carlos Mencia would say it is a family immigrating to America from Mexico. Some may recall the Chevelle with a truck bed on the back of it known as an El Camino. But in Neuquen, Argentina it is the church where our first gathering of the Million Leader Conference has begun. El Camino means, "the way". How appropriate, for leaders show the way.
Tonight was an awesome experience. We greeted more than 400 people tonight with "Olla" and "Buenos Noches." In Argentina everyone, women and men, kisses you on the side of the cheek. I haven't been kissed this much since that stint I did in that 80's rock band. It is a wonderfully warm experience. (Some Argentines who moved to the States moved back because they missed the affection of the people here.) The singing of the Argentine national anthem was amazing...we all need to do better at football games after hearing them. The praise and worship was simply incredible. Doug my co-teacher said it may have been the greatest worship experience of his life. The band was tight, both musically and with God--it was a killer combination.
Manny, my interpreter did a great job for me as I opened the conference teaching about God's Call to Lead. I started at 9:40 and finished at 10:45, five minutes short of the alloted time (believe it or not). This is normal for Argentines. They live after midnight. We just finished supper at 12:30 AM. In fact they only have church on Sunday nights not Sunday mornings. Most restaurants get busy at 8 and stay open often until 1 or 2.
Today we met some government officials at a place you would not believe...McDonalds! I had a Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese and fries that tasted just like home. Those officials truly have a passion for God and for their work in the government. Argentina has a bright future.
I have a busy one. I will teach two of the five sessions tomorrow and preach at the Iglesia Del Nazareno (no, that is not Spanglish; it means: Church of the Nazarene) tomorrow night. Thanks for checking in and for praying. I will be praying for you and for Karl as he preaches Sunday...I know he will do well!
You are loved!
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