That Time I Was the Stranger Among the Nations

By Anyra Cano

A few weeks ago, I was honored to meet over 350 remarkable women from 22 Latin American countries in Bolivia. I joined my friend and mentor, Rev. Alicia Zorzoli, at a quinquennia gathering of Baptist Women in All of America (UFBAL--an auxiliary of the Baptist World Alliance).

While I had several reasons to cancel this trip, including a sinus infection, I made a "deal" with God. I told God, "If I go on this trip, you must reveal yourself in a special way to me." I know that God was preparing my heart for what I would experience.

Observing women from different countries who came together and joyfully embraced each other, excited to see one another, was something I almost only see in movies or imagine in heaven. The reunions were beautiful; every time I heard a shout of joy and laughter, I knew I would turn around and see a group of women reuniting.

We worshiped with various local churches in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, during the general sessions. The messages focused on "being" who Christ called us to be. Continually, the message I heard was, "You were invited to sit at the feet of Jesus, just be." Nevertheless, I could feel the anxiety of not doing anything, as I often lead or have some responsibility in ministry settings. I kept feeling that there was something I could help with or offer even behind the scenes. Continually, the message was to sit and enjoy. And I did; I sat at the feet of Jesus, represented by women from Peru, Argentina, Chile, Panama, Mexico, Venezuela, Bolivia, the U.S., Brazil, and many more women who serve Jesus faithfully and creatively.

In the different sessions, we heard reports about how each delegation of the different countries is doing missions by serving vulnerable communities. Some creative ways they are helping vulnerable communities in their countries included establishing co-ops and assisting women with micro-loans to start small businesses. In Bolivia, with our registration, we each received a textile bag. The Bolivia delegation contracted imprisoned women to make these bags for us. Each bag had a tag with the first name of the woman who made them so we could pray for that woman. I loved knowing I would pray for Rosa in Bolivia; her life has impacted my life, and I get to pray for her!

One evening, all the women dressed in their countries' traditional clothing. Each country shared a little about their clothing and their country. I usually like to represent my Mexican heritage with Mexican embroidered blouses, but this time I wanted to show up as a Texan. So, I brought my cowgirl hat and boots. When it was time for the U.S. to present, another sister from New Jersey and I shared about our states and the richness immigrants bring to our country. The evening was a beautiful mosaic of colored clothing, ethnicities, languages, and traditions.

My words are inadequate to describe the different ways I experienced God that week, but one thing that continues to come to my mind was sitting at Jesus’ feet as a stranger. That week I was privileged sit peacefully. I was welcomed so well by the people of Bolivia and other countries. I felt at “home”, and I experienced joy. Most importantly I continually met Jesus through the people of God.

If only all strangers experienced the same, wherever they traveled.