Field Notes: Jose Leonel

After graduating high school I wanted 2020 to be different. Instead of going to college, I wanted to rest and try some new things; maybe serve in a different ministry at my church or even gain some work experience. Of course, as most people can relate, I didn’t get to do any of those things, or anything really, at least for a few months. 

Brad Hill and I have been friends since he started going to Nicaragua. When he mentioned an internship at Mars Hill I immediately thought it would be a great experience. I’ve had the privilege of working with him and most of the teams that go there from the first time, helping them with translation and I’ve made many good friends by doing it. 

At first, this year seemed like the perfect time for that internship. Then covid and travel restrictions held it back for a couple of months but we finally figured it out and within a few days we confirmed it, bought the tickets and the next week I was already in Mobile. 

To be honest, I wasn’t even sure of what exactly I was going to do there. We briefly talked about a few things like letting me play with the band, and I knew there were going to be some meetings and books. But I was just really excited to do something different, get to see some old friends and perhaps make some new. 

Moving out from home at my age sounds pretty normal in the US. But Nicaragua is a small country where everybody goes to college in the same city (the capital) which to me is at most one hour away from home, and dorms aren’t really a thing in any school. So the experience of living away from my family and having a roommate was something I probably wouldn’t have gotten if it wasn't for the internship. It was kind of scary at first, but also very exciting and I ended up loving everything about those four months. 

I wasn’t expecting that much reading. But that’s not a complaint, I promise. I truly enjoyed those meetings with some of the pastors and other interns. I learned a lot from those readings but also through the conversations and the ways  I saw all of them serve their community. I’m very thankful for people that met my doubts and questions with such kindness, which made being vulnerable so much easier, and I’m sure it will make remembering those teachings easy as well. 

I had my first Thanksgiving, which was very good (there was sooo much delicious food), and also experienced Christmas the American way (in Nicaragua we have a big dinner on the 24th and wait until midnight to open the presents). But the real highlight was spending special moments with people I had met back in Nicaragua and some of the new friends I made. Having so much time to really get to know each other is something I treasure a lot. 

At last, getting to be a part of staff meetings and being at the church building pretty much every day allowed me to see what church looks like in a different context. The way things are so well organized was really cool to see but spending so much time with the people behind all the organization and getting to know their motivations and the intentionality behind everything was so encouraging. From the way sermons are prepared and the way the service is structured to how activities are planned, having in mind every member’s inclusion and integral discipleship. I’m so thankful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of and learn from this wonderful and unique community that you have at Mars Hill, and I look forward to hearing about the great things that you’ll continue to accomplish for God’s kingdom. 

Jose Leonel served as a pastoral intern at Mars Hill Church earlier this year. He lives in Masatepe, Nicaragua with his family and is an integral part in our ministry partnership in his hometown.