Every week we go to a local copy shop in Lima to print up all of the bulletins, teaching notes, inserts, event flyers, and other items that we distribute on Sunday mornings at FRC-Lima. Usually we drop off all of the originals at the copy shop on Wednesday, and then pick them up on Friday or Saturday, in advance of the Sunday morning services.
Today we went to the copy shop to pick up this week's print materials. When we arrived, the young girl who usually makes all of the copies for us had a long, sad face, and looked at the floor when we greeted her.
That's normally not a good sign.
And indeed it wasn't.
In a voice barely above a whisper, she told us that on Wednesday she left all of our originals near the trash can and - you guessed it - the trash man threw our originals out along with the rest of the trash.
Ah, the adventures in international ministry!
We firmly, but patiently and lovingly, advised our friend to never, ever leave any clients' materials anywhere near a trash can, and also told her to be thankful that the discarded papers were not important originals such as a will, testament, contract, or manuscript. Fortunately for us and for her, we were able to race home and e-mail all of the documents to her, and she is making all the copies for us this afternoon.
And, of course, we received a nice, big "Mil disculpas!" from her as well.
There are times in international ministry when even the most basic things will get screwed up.
Like making copies.
It is during those times that your patience will be greatly tested.
Proverbs 14:29 (NIV) - "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly."
Even in a copy shop in Lima, Peru.
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