Over two hundred people were there, but less than two dozen were able to get over the Wall.
Sounds like Berlin in the 1960’s, doesn’t it? But that scene was 13 miles east of LaGrande, OR, in July 2004.
Far from posting armed guards, we posted invitations everywhere, and even offered transportation. Yet more English-speaking members of Calvary Baptist attended each evening program than the Hispanic migrant cherry pickers for whom the program was designed. We asked ourselves, “Why?” and “Is it a mistake to invite Anglos to a Hispanic program?”
We came to the conclusion that the main difficulty was the “wall.” For a variety of reasons, nearly 75 percent of the work force in Cove, OR, was there for the first or second time. Many came with false preconceptions based on sad experiences in other places of employment on how they would be treated in this “foreign” (to them) environment.
We did hear positive testimonials such as: “In Cove the people treat you with respect!” “Nowhere else are we provided this kind of service.” “My life has changed since I was introduced to Christ at Cove.”
Nevertheless, many were unsure about a Baptist church and the presence of so many Anglos. To play volleyball in the churchyard lacked the enticement of the six-packs of beer that could be won in the labor camps. The natural shyness and fear of being misunderstood plus the occasional animosity created the “wall” that many felt unable to surmount. Yet, their curiosity, needs and desire tugged at them.
Finally, on Saturday, July 24th nearly 100 Hispanics clambered over their perceived barriers, not only to partake of a succulent meal provided by Calvary Baptist, but also to experience a program of music, mime and testimonies capped with a challenging message by Pastor Aníbal Vásquez of Madras entitled “Who needs the blood?” Prayers for conversions were answered when six men stood and walked forward making a public confession joining eight previous decisions.
Over the past 12 years the members of Calvary Baptist have tenaciously faced their own fears, making themselves available to their temporary neighbors, thus participating in their evangelization. People of both language groups have begun to overcome what was once thought impregnable. The stones of superiority/inferiority began to crumble as communication (both verbal and body language) was attempted.
There are cultural walls that separate each of us from others different from ourselves. Our fears, expectations and challenges create barriers which seem insurmountable. It takes the warmth of the host joined with the willingness of the guest to destroy these walls.
In Cove, by the joint efforts of a multicultural team, formidable walls were broken down. To our amazement, Steve and Clyde, both English-speaking octogenarians, listened to the English translation of the message via FM Radio and pledged their lives to Christ.
When these same pickers return next year, we believe they will see a window, or better yet, a door to life and fellowship in place of the threatening wall. Will you confront similar walls in your relationships, church and community?
