Navigating Difficult Decisions

Many years ago when my wife and I were developing the LAM (now UWM) student ministry in Bogotá, Colombia we met Daniel Salinas, a student of mechanical engineering at the National University.

Daniel came from a Christian home, was an excellent student, and participated with enthusiasm in the activities of the group.  He played the guitar, led worship, and formed part of a musical group specializing in Andean music.

As the time of his graduation came close, he confided to us a difficult decision he had to make.  His uncle had studied in Europe and had married a German lady.  He was impressed with Daniel and said that through his contacts he could secure a scholarship for him to study for a Master’s degree in engineering in Germany.  For a Colombian from a poor family, this offer seemed like a gift from heaven!

However, as Daniel had considered this unique opportunity, he remembered that he had promised the Lord to give Him two years of his life following graduation as a symbol of his gratitude for the Lord loving and saving him.  So he faced a very difficult decision.  How could he turn down such an amazing offer!  It could influence his future.  Not only what he would learn, but a prestigious master’s degree from a European, above all a German, engineering school!  Certainly the Lord must have been in this windfall!  But as he laid the matter before the Lord, he recognized that he had made a promise, and a promise had to be kept.

Therefore, upon graduation, he shared with us all that he had decided to serve the Lord for two years.  We were all amazed, because we knew of the offer.  But, he wanted to Seek God First.

One year he worked in our office using his photographic skills in putting together audiovisual materials.  Then, he responded to an invitation to go to Uruguay with two other young university grads to pioneer a university ministry in Montevideo, where there was no Christian witness.

As the years stretch on, Daniel never did make it to Germany.  In Uruguay he met Gayna, an American missionary involved in the student ministry. Shortly after they married, he accepted an invitation to work with students in Bolivia, and they have been serving together ever since.

Then followed PhD studies in the U.S., and more missionary service in Paraguay.  During the years he has become a recognized Latin America theologian/scholar, has written and published several studies on Latin American historical theology.  However, his first book was as a heart wrenching sharing of his and Gayna’s difficult years raising their child, Karis, born with cerebral palsy, who died at only 7 years old.

Daniel is now facing another big decision: whether to teach in a Seminary in Medellín, Colombia or a Seminary just south of the U.S. border in Mexico.  Significant and important reasons tug in each direction, but as we chatted the other day when he was visiting us on the way home from observing the situation in Mexico, it was evident to me that he was working through his decision, once again, putting God first.

As I think of Daniel’s difficult decision, so many years ago, I recognize that if he had gone to Germany, his life would undoubtedly have been far different from his experience today.  He probably would be a well recognized Colombian engineer, with a lovely home and all the trappings.  Life has not been easy as a Latin American missionary, living by raising support from the small churches of Utah, where Gayna was raised.  But I am reminded of Jesus’ words: Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you. Daniel’s unique contributions to the church in Latin America must certainly be part of these “all things”, as well as the Lord’s words to him one day, Well done good and faithful servant. I thank the Lord for him and Gayna, and pray for their continued fruitful ministry.

By: Jack Voelkel, former LAM missionary in Colombia and current UWM Board Member