As Jade Sharpens Jade...
by Brian Kaylor, Churchnet Communications & Engagement Leader
A famous proverb tells us that "as iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." After traveling to Guatemala in January, I wonder if we could instead say "as jade sharpens jade." I learned that the ancient Mayan peoples used tools made of jade to carve other jade rocks. Jade is so strong the artisans could only carve their famous, ornate jewelry and statues by using more jade.
Jade sharpening jade gives us a nice metaphor for considering Churchnet’s partnership with Guatemalan Baptists. It is not a one-sided relationship where a stronger material carves away at a weaker one. We are members of the same Body of Christ. We have one Lord, one faith, one baptism. We are the same substance!
On multiple occasions over the past several years, my faith has been strengthened and shaped by our Guatemalan Baptist brothers and sisters. I read stories of their faithful ministries and met multiple Guatemalan Baptist leaders who spoke at Churchnet events. When I finally traveled to Guatemala in January, I enjoyed the opportunity to share some of my expertise by teaching about communication, sermon delivery, and social media. Yet, I also learned from them as we engaged in great dialogue during question-and-answer times and at meals. And my faith was again encouraged and changed by seeing their work, especially at the amazing Tabitha Ministry near the city dump in Guatemala City.
During that week, we shaped each other. We are each improved by the encounters, just like the Mayans used the process of jade sharpening jade to make beautiful art.
A "selfie" Brian Kaylor took with his translator (Gary Snowden) while leading a conference
session on using social media.
Brian Kaylor wrote two
Ethics Daily articles last month about traveling
to Guatemala.
The first is about the Churchnet training conferences, and
the second is about
the Tabitha Ministry.
Click below to read them.