Kyle Berg

I don’t know how many non-denominational type churches exist in Buenos Aires. Given the recent revival of the late ’90s and early 2000s, there should be quite a few available. It started me thinking about what it will be like to worship with and make friends with Christians of another culture and language.

While at ORU, I made friends from Sweden, Ghana, Guatemala, and several other countries. They helped enrich my life and brought a unique perspective to Christianity. However, they were still on my home turf of the USA. We attended English-speaking services with an American cultural influence. It should be distinctly different to attend Spanish services with a Euro-Latin flair. It will be great to watch someone be healed while being prayed for in Spanish (silly I know). I pray I learn to understand God in a more complete manner and grow to love him more passionately. Hopefully, the Argentine Christians will challenge and stretch me to be a better man.

The first Sunday in BA will probably be too overwhelming for me to attempt navigating to church. However, the following Sunday, I eagerly anticipate attending Rey de Reyes (King of Kings). This is Claudio Freidzon’s church and was instrumental in the Argentine revival. It has over 10,000 members, so we’ll see if I find a home there or search for a smaller church. God will direct me one way or the other–and speed my Spanish ability so I can join the church service and not merely observe.

When I made the decision to travel to Argentina, I didn’t feel nervous or overwhelmed. Now that the departure date is quickly approaching, I find myself thinking, “Holy crap! This is actually happening!” Despite the unknown, I eagerly anticipate this opportunity and thank God for his direction.

I spent this last weekend visiting Paul and my friend Wes in the Twin Cities. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed spending time together. We ate in the Hispanic part of Minneapolis during Mexican Independence Day, went to Oktoberfest, played poker, and had an all-around good time. Last night we drove down to Burnsville to hear John Bevere speak at Destiny Christian Center. When it comes to many preachers, I can take them or leave them. But when John Bevere is in your area, you find a way to go hear him. He spoke on part of his new series “Driven by Eternity.” Wow! The presence of God in that building was so palpable that people were sobbing as we prayed and asked God to help us live in such a way that we focus on eternity and not the fleeting pleasures of the few years on earth. You couldn’t help but leave feeling convicted, challenged, and resolute. I want to live within the framework of God’s destiny for my life so that I do not miss out on anything he has for me. It takes sacrifice, but anything less would be short-changing myself of God’s very best.

Last week I was listening to the book of Philippians and following along in my Spanish Bible. Before finishing the first 10 verses, the tears began to flow. I had been trying so hard to figure out my life that when I finally gave up and trusted God, I found this happening more frequently. I was struck by Paul’s words about his life not meaning anything compared to serving and knowing God.

The two countries I considered for Spanish immersion were Spain and Argentina. I cannot fully explain why I chose Argentina except to say that I know beyond any doubt God is sending me to that country. While learning Spanish will fulfill a longtime goal of mine, there will be more to this trip. The confidence I have in this decision and sacrifices required to make it happen can only come from the peace of the Holy Spirit. I am doing my best to obey God and put myself in a position to hear from Him. I expect the months I spend in Argentina to be some of the most challenging and rewarding of my life. Whether I find direction for my future, meet my wife, make lifelong friends, or all of the above, God will take care of me in Argentina.

Even though I am a self-professed computer geek, the blogging world remains uncharted territory for me. But with my trip to Argentina now a short 3 weeks away, it seems like a good time to join this Internet subculture. People always encourage us to journal our life experiences and since I’ve never kept a journal for more than 2 days, blogging seems like an excellent alternative. A coming together of my techno, introspective, and communicative sides.

Throughout my trip to Argentina, I will post pictures, stories, and comments in an effort to communicate and share my experience with those in the good ol’ U.S. of A as well as anyone else that stumbles upon this blog. This will also be my personal keepsake to archive when I have finished my journey to Argentina, so please don’t blame me if there are more detailed minutiae than you care for–just skim as needed. Please feel free to post comments and keep in touch.