Lessons taught by humble people

There has been a noticeable growth in love among the Spanish speaking brethren that meet in Upper Manhattan in New York City. A number of ladies of the congregation have begun to call each other on a regular basis for prayer over the phone. There is less bickering, and more patience and kindness.

The influence of three or four individuals has inspired this development more than any public teaching Two of them are Miguel and Santos Uribe who came to the congregation about two and a half years ago while on an extended visit with a daughter. They left us several months ago to return to the Dominican Republic but have left their mark!
Miguel and Santos don't look like the kind of people who can transform a congregation. Like many elderly people from rural parts of the Dominican Republic, it is obvious from their appearance that they are relatively uneducated and know little of worldly ways. Though brother Miguel has "taken a liking" to wearing a coat and tie, the thought of coordinating colors or patterns seems beyond his comprehension. His outfits display wild combinations of pinks, oranges, stripes, plaids and checks. His weather beaten face and rough hands indicate a long, hard life scraping together a living from subsistence farming.

Santos is unable to read and Miguel does so with difficulty. They would have a difficult time grasping many modern controversies. In spite of a few odd ideas, they comprehend the simple truths of how to become a Christian and follow the example of Jesus.

Though out of touch with our modern sophisticated ways, Miguel and Santos are in touch with something that is missing in the lives of too many Christians. They have an intense love for the Lord and for their brethren that quickly rubs off on all that are around them. They have had a remarkable impact on the congregation simply by showing joy, affection and happiness in an open, heartfelt way.

When Miguel comes into the room it is always with his toothy smile and a big hug for everyone. He is thrilled to see his brethren! Santos wants a hug and also a kiss! (I hope she doesn't mind if I turn my head about ten degrees when she comes for me so that she gets me on the cheek instead of the lips.) As others have seen the genuine happiness of Miguel and Santos when they are with brethren, perhaps without realizing it, they have begun to enthusiastically greet others as well. It's hard to be grumpy or unfriendly in the presence of such joy. Authentic love is contagious!

Prayer is very important to Miguel. He mentions those who are sick by name and often sheds tears as he does so. When I recently visited their little house in the country near San Cristobal, Miguel showed me a grove of trees behind his home. "This is where we like to pray," he told me. I know he often mentions me by name in that little grove. The brethren at Upper Manhattan know he mentions them by name as well. That's the kind of person he is!

Miguel spends his days talking with anyone he can about the gospel. I'm sure that many consider him a crazy old man, but a few listen and several whom he has contacted have become Christians. He knows nothing of "personal work" methods. He simply talks to anyone on the street who will listen. He has a hard time understanding, however, why so few have the time to accompany him. He says more in amazement than complaint, "These people are lost. Why can't more brethren find time to go with me since I am unable to explain the more difficult texts?"

Jesus said, "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." When I see fault finding brethren maneuvering and plotting to gain little advantages over each other, when I sense a kind of icy coolness upon entering a gathering of saints or see suspicious glances and glaring eyes among those who claim to follow Jesus, I wonder how anyone could identify such brethren as true disciples of the Lord, according to the mark of His church which He specifically gave in John 13:25. Highly educated, intelligent and clever brethren who are unfair, unloving or indifferent have missed the very essence of true discipleship which semiliterate Miguel and Santos have found: ardent love for God and for others.

How can love overcome where aloofness and distrust reign? How can wary brethren learn that convictions need not be accompanied by paranoia and coldness? The loving examples of a few humble Christians can instill more love than hundreds of sermons or "fellowship" programs! May God help us to find more people like Miguel and Santos to help turn the tables in the fight against suspicion, cynicism and sterile indifference which have done so much to stunt spiritual growth

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