Some things I learned on my trip to Latin America

[Photo: dose.daily]

After three weeks I still have memories from a wonderful visit to the countries of Nicaragua, Colombia and Venezuela. Each country was different but I learned so much that I thought it would be great to share it with you:

1. Each country welcomed us very warmly and with open arms. From CEPAD in Managua to hotels and churches in Colombia and Venezuela we were welcomed as brothers and sisters in Christ. And it did not hurt that each place we visited had warm weather!

2. Learn to speak Spanish. Even if you know a little, the people are patient and will gently correct you. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. The other side of the coin is that if you do know some expect to be encouraged to speak more. I ended up translating for some in our group by the end of our trip!

3. Latin American Presbyterians are heavily involved ecumenically. CEPAD is a partnership that Presbyterians are involved in with Moravians, Baptists, Pentecostals, etc. The churches in Colombia and Venezuela had pastors and staff that were involved in the World Council of Churches, World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Latin American Council of Churches. People were not only members but some held high elected positions either currently or in the past. One of highlights of our trip was attending a National Week of Prayer service at a Lutheran Church in Caracas where quite a few faiths all worshiped together. It was great to know that we are connected to our brothers and sisters in Christ ecumenically.

4. I learned a lot about paramilitaries, guerrilla groups and the government in Colombia. I viewed TV reports here like the para-militaries and guerrillas were just fighting in the hills or remote jungles. Was I wrong! In reality, all these groups live among each other everywhere, cities and countrysides. And you don't know who is who because they do not wear distinctive clothing - they look just like you and I in a public place. Add to the mix the government which does not (shall I say) always have your best interest at heart and drugs, it is a very volatile mix. Although kidnappings and killings are not as rampant as they were in recent years, they still happen. As we were told again and again while were there "No one is impartial."

5. I highly encourage you to familiarize yourself with Colombian Accompaniment program of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship. These are people who accept the call to accompany leaders of the Church of Colombia for safety reasons. Many of you may or may not know that church and other leaders who speak for those who are in need of justice are targeted by the government and other groups and can be seriously harmed and in some cases killed. We had the chance to meet our current accompaniers, Linda Eastwood and Carol Weaver, who just recently began their terms. Please keep them and the Church in your prayers.

6. In Colombia and Venezuela each of the churches and presbyteries have a very strong social outreach/project emphasis. Due to the social and economic situation, they have programs ranging from after-school programs, substance abuse and family counseling, and community development projects. Quite a few of the programs dealt with providing opportunities with youth. Both the IPC and IPV believe and practice that young people are the now of the church. That is no surprise when you find that the average age of church members are much younger than we are in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)!

7. Central Presbytery in Bogota, Colombia has a very unique situation. It has only seven churches and although registered as a church, a recent ruling by the city of Bogota says that they will only recognize churches that have a building. This puts Central Presbytery in a real bind because none of their congregations have a building. They meet in community centers, public places or at the Colegio Americano. They hope to build a $2 million church structure in the near future. Keep them in your prayers.

8. Keeping with the Presbyterian tradition of education, there are very strong and healthy Presbyterian primary and secondary schools in Colombia and Venezuela. We visited many of these schools and they are very well known and respected for their academic standards. They also have a very high rate of students entering into colleges.

9. They want us to say what we do and do what we say. When given our orientation to Colombian church and politics at the Universidad Reformada in Barranquilla, we were told quite frankly that there is a palpable anti-American sentiment in the country because of our government policies. The recent decision of the U.S. Congress to build more military bases was not well taken, to say the least. We were told over and over again that the churches there follow the actions that arise from the PCUSA General Assemblies and at times we were gently reminded that we need to do what we say. They knew those actions better than I did for sure. In Venezuela we were questioned as to what is our churches' response to the earthquake in Haiti. What are we doing? Why does it take us so long to act? At times our delegation had no direct answers and had to admit our ignorance. In short they held our feet to the fire. It showed that people actually follow what we do and want to see action in practice.

10. The Venezuelan church is facing conflict over those who pro- and anti-Hugo Chavez supporters. I heard from members that whole congregations and families are splitting over this issue which is destroying the church.  We were asked to pray that God's healing will be upon them.

11. Pray and support our  PCUSA Mission Workers: Nicaragua - Tracey King-Ortega, Carlos Cardenas, Doug Orbaker, Leslie Clay and Carl Agsten; Colombia - Alice Winters, Mamie Broadhurst and Richard Williams. They are doing a great work!

12. Last and least of all, be ready to get your dance on! They are fun-loving, partying people who know how to have a good time ;-)

I truly loved my time in Latin America and will keep the people and churches in my prayers. I hope to go back someday and hope you will want to go too!

Comments

[Andrew Davis]

Great post. Thanks for your thoughts. I do find it disheartening that the rather extraordinary efforts by US churches, NGO, and our government to help Haiti is viewed as a failure by Columbians.

[Byron Wade]

Andrew - thanks for your post. Actually the Venezuelans and Colombians don't view assisting Haiti as a failure. Many churches and the governments were sending help teams there as well. The issue was since other countries and governments are taking the lead they were wondering what is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A)'s response? What are we doing and/or communicating to others about the tragic loss of property and life?. That was their issue.

[Andy]

I see. I had the same concern as the Venezuelans and Columbians -- not that we weren't doing something, but I wasn't sure what it was (as a denomination). I was glad when the PDA email came out about giving money to the hospital. It seems we've been resourcing other agencies, which I think is a good idea. In retrospect, it would have been good to communicate this. But, as a whole, I think that, given the circumstances, US churches and the US government did very well, and perhaps this horrible situation can become a turning point in hemispheric relations.