Assaulted with Exuberance

We invite you to share with your congregation the following story written by Janet Plenert on her return from a visit to Cuba. It should take no more than 2-3 minutes to read aloud. You might also wish to include this story in your church newsletter. This story is part of Equipping #62 January 2006.

I felt assaulted by exuberance. We had endured the bumps and potholes of a road that appeared to lead to nowhere in the middle of rural Cuba, and finally arrived at a humble home in a small town.

Lupe came bubbling out of the house. Her toothy grin showed damaged teeth, her grey hair was cropped short. Her face was aglow with joy. Her body language welcomed us with unconditional acceptance.

We had never met her, but we were her people. Hugs and kisses ensued like those of long lost family. “ Come in, come in!”

We commenced our visit. “How is the church doing?” we asked. “Oh, so well! Our pastor is such a gem! She does so well, she cares for everyone. She encourages everyone. She is such a blessing to us. She is such a blessing to the community!” Rarely does one hear such enthusiasm from parishioners about their pastor. What a wonderful testimony. Then Julia, the pastor arrived. And it was her turn to bubble and glow. “Lupe is such a dedicated servant! These young men are so good with the children and youth! The congregation is such a delight to work with!” We were witnesses to an assault of exuberance and praise, of affirmation and edification.

As is usually the case, we go to Cuba to teach, we return having been taught. We go to model healthy church models and practical Anabaptist theology, we return having witnessed love in action in the congregation and to the community. We go with ideas of what might be inspiring to the church in Cuba, we return inspired by how the church is engaging the gospel of Jesus in their context.

We witnessed in abundance the people’s exuberance, praise, affirmation for leadership, and commitment to collaboration with leadership. How might we in Canada assault our leaders with similar encouragement? Would we become more Christ-like if we were to deliberately and intentionally practice such exuberance?

Lupe may never know what an encouragement she has been. And in her wildest dreams she might not imagine that anyone in Canada would tell stories of her genuine enthusiasm. But she is a model of something important to the kingdom. May God bless her as she has blessed us.