Friday morning update

Yesterday was a great day as I spent time preparing for the conference and getting to know the team here in Mendoza. I spent some time exploring downtown Mendoza, which is a busy urban area. Noticing that English music is everywhere (had breakfast listening to Norah Jones). The hotel is very nice, and thanks to a great exchange rate for us, a real bargain. (Speaking of good exchange rates, a Coca Cola equivalent to a 16oz is about 60 cents. Dinner for 3 is less than $18)

I went siteseeing with Pastor Esteban Morales, one of the pastors on the Equip coordinating council. Pastor Esteban is a great guy with a generous heart. He, as well as all the team bend over backwards for me, and have been extremely thoughtful and helpful. He took me on a tour of a large winery museum. Wine making is an important part of the local culture in Mendoza, and a major part of the economy here.

I also got to know Pastor Juan Carlos Gervilla, who is the senior pastor of a large church in this area. Juan is the principal person on the Equip coordinating council, and has been actively working to sponsor the conference, and to get wide participation from churches throughout the region. Right now they have over 100 different churches represented in the conference, and are expecting an attendance over 500. There is a real interest here to see churches cross denominational lines and work together for the cause of Christ. That is exciting to me, and perhaps this Equip conference is coming at a pivotal time for the churches here.

Also I've gotten to know Cristian Mikkan, one of the principal members of the Equip council, and the primary contact to me, and to Equip. Cristian and his wife have been so kind to me, introducing me to Mendoza, ferrying me around, and being fantastic hosts. I really appreciate them, and their commitment to the kingdom of God.

Did I mention that Mendoza has some great food. They love their grilled meat - beef, chicken, pork, goat, you name it, they can grill it. I have never seen so many ways to fix beef before. One menu had at least 30 choices with grilled beef.

Anyway, I'm heading out to meet with our translator, and the other trainer who is a pastor of a large church in Uruguay. The conference starts tonight around 9:00, so I will be late returning, but my first session to teach in Saturday morning.
Also, I've published pictures on Picassa Web at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ray.honeycutt/EquipArgentinaMay2008