Pangea Day 2008

In 1995, when I was flying back to the United States from Russia, I remember reflecting on my trip and writing in my journal. Although, I did not write what I was thinking, but rather what I had been through during my short trip. However, I clearly remember thinking (praying), "Father, why was I born in the United States? Why not some 'Third World' country? Why was I born in the richest nation on Earth?" Today, I still beleive I could have easily have been born into poverty in a country where hope hangs by a thread. The fact that I was not means that God has given me a greater responsibility within his call to discipleship.

In Paul's message of good news to the people of Athens he said, "The God who made the world and everything in it, being the Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, in the hope that they might feel their way toward him and find him" (Acts 17:24-27).

As someone who was born in the United States, it would be easy to take things for granted... but I can't do that anymore. Who is to be thanked? According to Paul, God has determined these factors. There is something about crossing boundries that has been transforming my perspective of who God really is and what his purposes are for my life.

Here is a Pangea Day video that I found... an American chorus singing the Mexican National Anthem:

A line in the sand determines differences, but our God determines how we respond to those differences.

The Palo Verde Tree

In the Sonoran Desert that stretches across the boarder of Mexico and into the Southwestern United States there is a peculiar tree, called the Palo Verde, which grows wild and flourishes year around. In Spanish, Palo Verde means “green stick,” which refers to its thin green trunk and branches. With small leaves and the ability to photosynthesize through its bark, the Palo Verde is well adapted to living in one of the most extreme environments in the world.

Another interesting fact about Palo Verdes is that they serve as nurse plants for the Giant Saguaro Cacti by providing a canopy, creating a micro-habitat, which provides warmth in the winter and shade in the summer. The slower growing, longer living Saguaro will eventually replace its one-time protector. However, without the help of the Palo Verde very few Giant Saguaros are able to survive their first years of life in order to grow to maturity and develop their characteristic arms.

Likewise, the Christian journey in this world can be compared to life in the desert. At times the world can be a hostile environment, filled with many struggles and dangers. In order to grow in this environment, developing Christian leaders need help from more experienced leaders who are on the same journey. In that sense, the mentors in my life have been like Palo Verde Trees. They have provided much needed protection, emotional support, guidance, and wisdom that have helped me to grow toward the heavens, like the Saguaro Cactus. One day I hope to leave strong Saguaro Cactus-type leaders in Mexico City. The Palo Verde tree helps remind me of my task as I journey in this great city.