It's not every day you get to participate in an act of civil disobedience.

Today Tim, Taza and I stood with justice (in my opinion) and against the police as they pressed in with all their riot gear to try to take over a certain building. We managed to avoid getting hurt, although a few times it was getting close.

While I think many of the younger people were there for the scandal and a good fight, it was clear that the older and respected members of town had come to stand up for what was right. They don't want to throw insults or provoke violence. They want to protect the town from drugs and prostitution. It was exciting to see that kind of conviction in Puerto Supe and instills in me hope that that desire for righteousness could grow from these little seeds into a mighty tree.

There were quite a few flare-ups between the townspeople and the riot police, but most of the action happened in conversations between the judge and the representatives of the owners of the building (the “good guys”). Those representatives included a few of the owners and their lawyer but also Cesar (my boss) and the local Catholic priest. I was glad to see the priest there supporting the people. In a small Latin American town, that means a lot. And I'd say that when there's a disagreement between the police and the Catholic Church, you'll probably find me with the Church most of the time.

Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

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