An Open Invitation

Growing up in Christian families, Blake and Sara spent Sunday mornings in the church pew, singing traditional hymns. They loved hearing from God’s word and getting involved in church, but when it came to inviting friends, they often hesitated. What if their friends declined the invitation? Or, what if they said yes? Then they’d surely be put on the spot. Like many, fear of vulnerability and rejection kept Blake and Sara from reaching out. But things took a radical turn when God sent them halfway across the globe, catapulting them out of their comfort zone into a foreign environment for the fourth time in six years.

When Blake’s job relocated him to Buenos Aires, Argentina last year, he and his wife Sara prepared to start a new life yet again — a recurring challenge of worldwide employment. Becoming aware of their eventual move, a friend of a friend put them in contact with the pastor of Saddleback Church in Buenos Aires. They looked forward to visiting the church once they arrived.

Home to three million people, Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina. Blake and Sara began acclimating to their new surroundings, enjoying the fast-paced city life and unique culture. They wanted to find a home church and visited Saddleback Church shortly after their arrival.

Situated in a popular neighborhood not far from the bustling downtown, the two-story church building seemed the perfect central location. Immediately upon walking inside, Blake and Sara felt right at home. People greeted them with smiles, hugs and the traditional kiss on the cheek. They took their seats, enjoying the worship sung in Spanish. Pastor Rick Warren then came on the screen to share the weekly message. Those wanting to listen in English could use a pair of headphones. Those desiring the Spanish version could listen to the dubbed version. Blake and Sara walked away from the morning confident they’d found a place to belong. Though they’d initially planned to visit a few churches in the area, they no longer felt the need.

Blake and Sara recognized from previous overseas assignments the struggle of managing life without God at the center of their daily lives and having support from a Christian community. Excited about the church and certain they were not alone in life’s challenges, Blake and Sara wanted to share the new found hope and encouragement with others. They began inviting co-workers and other friends they had made in the community to visit Saddleback with them. Blake said “I think we’ve invited more friends in our first six months in Buenos Aires than I have my entire life.” Blake and Sara loved when their friends walked through the door. They hoped their guests would find the same experience they had on their first day — a genuine, welcoming atmosphere, full of people who loved God and others.

“Our friends commented on the welcoming aspect of the church,” Blake said. “The openness, the friendliness, the smiles, the warmth — this is what brings people back.”

Blake and Sara began getting more involved, participating in the many activities outside Sunday morning services. Sara made food and baked goods for special events and helped with some English transcription. Blake joined the worship team as a vocalist to help lead worship.      

“Sometimes, we just ask our friends if they want to come watch Blake sing with the band,” Blake said. “If people aren’t necessarily church-goers, that might be something they’d consider instead.”

Sara has begun to learn Spanish, hoping to connect more deeply with the community. Blake, already speaks Spanish but doesn’t see the language barrier as much of an obstacle. “There is a connection at the church that crosses any language barrier,” he said. “This connection has given me the confidence to invite people to church. It now feels easy and comfortable instead of intimidating. I have no hesitation about bringing people to church or sharing God’s love with them.”

In the year since Blake and Sara have begun attending Saddleback, the church attendance has increased significantly. A year ago Saddleback had three services, now they need five services to fit everyone in on the weekend.

The church's growth excites Blake, he knows God is doing a great work in the city of Buenos Aires. Saddleback often says it is “The church for people who don’t go to church.” Blake thinks that resonates in their city and probably makes people curious if nothing else. Buenos Aires, a predominantly Catholic city, is also home to many atheists, some whom have never set foot in a church. Blake hopes that will all change when people learn about Saddleback Church, a place where God’s love shines bright. 

Blake and Sara know it was no accident God placed them in Buenos Aires, and they see God’s hand in the connection that led them specifically to Saddleback Church. There, they have found a unique community — one they cannot wait to tell others about.   

“To be able to come into a foreign country and find warm and welcoming support is just amazing,” he said. “It’s like we’ve been here for years.”

Though not everyone Blake and Sara have invited to church have kept coming, they are grateful for new faces each week. They continue to invite friends and co-workers, thrilled when they say yes.

Once content to just sit in the pew singing hymns, Blake and Sara now look forward to reaching out of their comfort zone. “I used to see people’s rejection of my invitation as a rejection of me,” he admitted. “Now, I know they are not rejecting me personally. My job is to invite them and love them. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.”

Click HERE if you'd like to learn more about Saddleback Church in Buenos Aires.