Guatemala Partnership

Presbyterians in Guatemala (9/08)

For over 100 years Presbyterians have been in Guatemala doing mission work.

Today seventeen entities of the PCUSA have a relationship to Guatemalan partners through presbytery and local church partnerships such as the one Trinity is in with Fuente de Vida. These groups are involved in ministry to women, evangelism, health care, leadership development, theological education, literacy efforts, agricultural development programs, disaster assistance and communication ministries.

What Trinity is doing in Guatemala cannot be done quickly.  Building relationships takes personal contact and long term commitment.  Helping children gain an education and a church community find ways to help each other become self sufficient  must be done in a way that shows respect for the people involved and empowers those with whom we are in partnership.

By supporting the exchange visits of church members we are not only transforming those who go but all of those they contact. Our support must also go beyond our church partnership, it must also give support to our PCUSA long term missionaries and our young adult volunteers who help ensure that what we do is not a quick fix to a situation but that it makes lasting changes in the lives of the children and for the family that cares for them.

A Letter from Blesin 

To my dear Brothers:

I have the pleasure of writing you so I can tell you what I do in my spare time.  I like to play with my cousins and little friends in my house.  I am 11 years old and my birthday is in November.   I study in a little school near my house. I am in the 5th grade.

 I have 2 siblings, Bernice (15), and Eliseo (13).  My parents love me a lot.  My mom’s name is Maura and my daddy’s name is Eliseo.  We like to go to church together.  My grandparents also love me a lot. 

I have a lot of friends in my school and some that are my neighbors.  I like to exercise in PE in school.  I really like to swim, run, paint, and play with my friends.  I’m part of the church youth group. 

I thank you so much for sending me your letter.  God bless you and your families always.

Sincerely your friend,
Blesin Asbely Echeverria Godinez

Are These Mission Trips Necessary? (8/08)

I hear it over and over each time a new team from Trinity prepares to make a trip to our sister church in Guatemala. “Why don’t we stay home and send them the money? Wouldn’t sending money be put to better stewardship than using it for plane tickets, gas for a van, meals for team members, etc.? I would like to respond to this question by quoting from an article by Ginnie Stevens, past Associate for Mission for the Presbytery of WNC and William M. Paul of the Pittsburgh Presbytery.

Attempting to follow God’s lead rather than trying to lead God and, at the same time, being good stewards involves us in making decisions that are not always easy or clear-cut. Our partnership with the Church in Guatemala takes us into what is for many of us new territory and requires us to take steps without having complete knowledge or certainty. This may be one of them. This is written in defense of what we are doing.

“First, if there is an international partnership that has created more commitment and has more persons involved than the Presbyteries of Western North Carolina, Suchitepéquez and Sur Occidente, I am unaware of it. Why has it roused so much energy and become such an important cause in so many of our congregations?

Since 1993, more than 350 members from PWNC churches have been to Guatemala. Even if only briefly, they have stood, literally and symbolically, with Guatemalan Presbyterians in their struggles for the abundant life God has promised and against oppression, poverty, hunger, and disease. By going, they have put their bodies and their money on the line in witness to the oneness we have together in Jesus Christ. If the contacts had been limited to letters, phone calls, and sending e-mails, would our partnership have had the same effect? I think not. People touching people has made the difference.”

Many of you remember the visit to Trinity by our sisters, Maura and Eva, from our partner church. They spoke at our worship services in May of 2006. Following their visit Trinity members came up to me and said, “Their presence spoke louder and clearer to me than all the words I had heard before?” “Seeing their faces made our partner church a reality.” “I am so glad to see the faces of those you had spoken about.”

For most Guatemalans, relationships matter more than projects. Being in partnership means more than constructing a building or sending a check. Arriving at their doorstep, breaking bread at their tables, sleeping in their beds, praying together in their churches, these are what have given birth to the relationships that now empower our partnership.

Would the variety of programs now developing between our Presbyteries be happening if persons had not gone and returned with a vision of what it means to be one in Jesus Christ? Again, I think not. Admittedly, it is expensive. Is it worth it? I believe it is. (The program for Children’s Scholarships being available to all churches came about after and because of the visit by Bev Luzadder and Carole Ball in 2004.)

Second, theoretically, I cannot deny it. Money spent on traveling to Guatemala could purchase supplies, medicines, and equipment. In reality, however, that is unlikely to happen. It has been suggested by more than one person that instead of traveling to Central America, we should stay home and send the money. However, we have yet to receive a check for the amount of a trip from someone who has made that suggestion.

Think of mission travel expenses as an investment. People who will ante up $1,100 to travel to Guatemala are unlikely to write a check to Global Mission for the same amount. Yet many of these same people who go to Guatemala will come home resolved to raise the resources here that can serve the great needs there.

Mission trips provide an alternative to Caribbean Cruises, etc. and a greater return for our investment. They are a gift the church can offer her people since they make a positive contribution to the persons who go as well as to those who welcome them.

Third, the same principle is true in reverse. Western North Carolinians benefit from the spiritual gifts Guatemalan Christians bring to us. Phone calls, letters, and e-mails are a poor substitute for our presence. Our purpose is to be of mutual encouragement (see: Romans 1:12).

Christian faith is incarnational. The Word became flesh and lived among us. When people are together in the church, Christ is in their midst. When Christ is there, that fellowship becomes a vehicle for spiritual transformation.

I appeal to Hebrews 1:1-2. When God finally and fully expressed his love, he didn’t send an e-mail or a letter. He came enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ.

You ask whether it is necessary to have so many traveling back and forth and at such great expense. We are learning that the strength and potential of this partnership is in direct proportion to the number who have traveled to Guatemala and/or who have received Guatemalans when they come to us. I also appeal to 2 John 12: “Although I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink; instead I hope to come to you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.”

The gifts of many have been multiplied because WNC and Guatemalan Presbyterians have been together. It couldn’t have happened without the trips. The resulting joy is the fruit of the face-to-face and faith-to-faith encounters, which lie at this partnership’s heart.

Is this good stewardship of God’s money? It seems to me it is. How much are transformed lives worth? Be sure to ask the members of our December mission team if it was worth the sacrifice of one and one-half weeks of work and income, and time with their children and family?

How much are transformed lives worth?

What’s Happening On Our Land Project with Fuente de Vida? (7/08)

March 20th, having been approved by Trinity’s session, a proposal on a project to purchase approximately 5 acres of farm land was sent to our partner church in Guatemala.  This project is being planned with serious discernment and caution.  As the culture of our Guatemala brothers and sisters and our North American culture are quite different this project will move forward in God’s way and time. 

Since we first sent the proposal to our church their session has met several times to discuss their role in the project.  Considering the fact that our Guatemalan brothers and sisters are oral communicators rather that communicators of the written legalism we North Americans use, it is easy to understand that they might have some fears.  The two main questions being discussed by the church in Guatemala are:

1. How will the church maintain control over land that is owned by the National Church and Presbytery?  While this is the manner in which Presbyterian Churches in the U.S own land, it is difficult to understand by our partner churches in Guatemala.
2. How will this 5 acre parcel of farm land best be used for the welfare of the church members and the community?

To help Fuente de Vida  resolve their concerns, Cesar Taracena, Partnership Coordinator of the Sur Occidente Presbytery has met with the Session of our partner church.  Cesar recently wrote that that their concern of land ownership is being clarified with greater comfort in this method and, that the church is exploring methods of land use which might have greater profit and give a quicker more stable return than possibly corn.

As the church contemplates the answers to the above concerns we await any further questions or hesitations they might have concerning the land proposal.  We will soon place another phone call to our brothers and sisters to continue this dialogue.  Upon settlement of all concern of the project Fuente de Vida will take a written proposal, which Trinity has agreed to, to their Presbytery Partnership Committee for approval.

Please pray for: 1. our partner church as they work to understand this proposal and 2. both of our church partnership committees as we work together to in Christ’s service while being mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.

News from Fuente de Vida (6/08)

Eva Lopez, who visited Trinity in May 2006, has been chosen president of the Women’s Diaconea. This is similar to being chair of Trinity’s deacons.  Please keep Eva in your prayers as she serves God in this new leadership position.           

Genaro Carrillo Godinez

Genaro is one of our newest scholarship students. This year he is attending the 7th grade and has written the following  letter to Trinity.

28th of March 2008

To: Trinity Presbyterian Church

With my utmost respect I write to all of you to greet you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The purpose of my letter is to sincerely thank you for the wonderful feeling I’ve felt in my heart for the virtuous work that you’ve done by helping me start my first year in basico (middle school).  I want to tell you I’ve done well on my exams. 

Thank you for all your efforts.  I have no idea how, but I do know that God will bless you for all you’ve done.  I Genaro Adbul Carrillo Godinez am 13 years old and I’m so thankful for all of you and the knowledge I’ve gained in the courses we receive.  My favorite of which is natural science. 

I am sending you a photo of my diploma from the 6th grade.  This is so you will know me.  I feel thankful in my heart for the opportunity that you have given me to receive this scholarship.  I ask that you pray for me that I can continue on in my studies.

God bless you all in a very special way.
Genaro Carrillo Godinez

What a blessing it is for Genaro that Trinity is able to help him continue his education.  It is through your tithes, the budget of our Global Ministry, and the extra designated gifts of Trinity members that we will be able to help Genaro continue his education through high school.  The cost of one student attending high school is almost equal to what his father will make in one year.  Thank you for supporting Genaro and the Guatemala Scholarship program.  Extra donations to this endeavor are always welcome. 

News from Fuente de Vida (5/08)

Joys and Concerns: 
Fuente de Vida shares their sorrow at the loss of a valued and long time church member, Victor Lopez.  Victor had been ill for some time and his death was due to cancer.  He is missed greatly by the church and his family.  Those who have visited Guatemala remember Victor with his arms lifted high giving praise to God. Also, prayers are asked for Eliseo;s mother as she suffers from colon problems.

The church shares their joy with us as three were baptized on March 30th:  Antonio and Gloria Ordonez, and Lorenza Ordonez de Lopez (widow of Victor). 

Scholarship Children:
There are 12 scholarship students this year. Six are in Primary School (Selma, Merlin, Casar, Wilder, Saul, and Blessing).  Four are in Middle School (Genaro, Marseny, Adamy, and Eliseo Jr.). Bernice is in the 9th grade and is studying a business program and Idania is in her first year of vocational school, studying Baking.  All students are doing well and ask for our prayers as they try to do their very best in a difficult school environment. 

Schools are taught by young adults having usually no more than twelve years of education their selves.  Classes are composed of various age levels and the lower grades especially may have forty students in a room.  Students only attend school one-half a day and help the family the other half.  Please keep our children in your prayers.

Land Proposal: 
The “Land Proposal” has been received by Fuente de Vida and the Session is in the process of studying it.  It is hoped that monthly phone conversations from Trinity to their Session will help answer questions and work out areas of concern.  Business of this nature is a new concept to our partner church where few adults read and have difficulty understanding the wording of such a proposal.  Please keep the Session of Fuente de Vida in your prayers as they struggle with the joy and fears of this project.

Water Lines are in Monterrey!  “Gloria al Dios!”
There are now water lines to 164 houses in Monterrey.  Only 20 families in the community do not have connections to their homes.  One family is a member of Fuente de Vida. These lines mean that homes now have access to water.  “Gloria al Dios!” is the phrase we often hear in our partner church.  We have yet to know if this water is safe to drink.

Mission Trip to Fuente de Vida
Eight Trinity members are hoping to visit our partner church during the Christmas and New Year holidays. By the end of this month commitments will be made and soon we will tell you more. Our greatest problem at present is how we will come up with the money to send all eight on the trip.

Our first big meeting will be May 31st from 9:00-12:30.  Completed applications are to be turned in at this time. 

A Letter from Eliceo (3/08)

My name is Eliceo Elias Echeverria. I am 13 years old. I had the opportunity to read your letter. I thank you for caring about me enough to tell me about your family and your life, and I thank God that everything is well with you in your studies. I’m also writing to tell you about my life. In my family I have a mom and dad. I have 2 sisters and my mom works on some church committees. My dad was president of the elders and works on some committees, and in Presgov (he is a pastor and is on committees for the Presbytery). My mom’s name is Maura Margarita Echeverria and she’s 42 years old and my dad’s name is Eliceo Elias Echeverria and hes 45 years old. My sister is 15 years old and her name is Maura Bernise and my little sister is 10 years old and her name is Blesin Asbeli.

Every day I go to school with my big sister. We go to Basico (Middle School) and my little sister goes to the elementary school. Our goals are to keep walking in God’s work until He comes. Thank God things have gone well for me in school and that motivates me to keep getting good grades. On days that I’m not busy I like to play football (soccer) with my friends and hang out. I am part of the society of young people (Presbytery Youth) and am corresponding secretary.

I thank God for being able to serve and I thank God that we have received help from all of you. We pray for you all, that God would protect you and bless you wherever you want to go. I send you a cordial greeting my brothers and sisters of Trinity Church. I send this greeting to you and your families. This year I will start Second Basico (7th grade). I hope that everything goes well with you in all that you do. It’s a pleasure writing to you and sharing my life. God bless you and your family and the brothers and sisters of the church.

Sincerely your friend,
Eliceo Elias

How blessed Trinity is to have the opportunity to help a young man like Eliceo Elias as he furthers his education. As he becomes better educated, so do we. As he contributes to the stability and progress of his family and community, so do we. As he grows in faith and service to God, so do we. We must credit Our Guatemala Church Partnership for this opportunity to serve God.

Three Gifts from Ellen (1/08)

This is the season of gift giving so I would like to offer some gifts from your Guatemalan sisters and brothers. These gifts are not wrapped in brightly colored paper, festooned with ribbons, bows and gift tags. You won’t need to spend time cleaning or caring for them, and I hope you will not put them away when the holiday season is over.

The Guatemalans offer to you the gift of another way of understanding time. They measure time not so much in minutes or hours, but in being fully present in the moment, whether they are talking with a friend, participating in worship, preparing a meal or planting corn.

Your Guatemalan sisters and brothers invite you to rejoice in the miracle of each new day. They do not live with the certainty that tomorrow will be theirs, so they give thanks to God for the Gift of today and receive that gift with joy.

Their third gift is the way they understand the meaning of Jesus’ words when He said, “I have come to bring abundant life for all.” Some years ago I asked a class of pastors to illustrate those verses from John 10 by drawing their concept of an abundant life. A pastor from Coatepeque drew a large stalk of corn growing from the earth and being watered by a rain cloud. Beside the corn stand his family and to the side of the family he wrote the words- education, health, a place to live, clothing. A full abundant life, connected to the earth and its inhabitants.

Three gifts for you. You may find, as I have, that it takes quite some time to “unwrap” them, they may change your life. But isn’t that what Christmas is about? Receiving once again the child Jesus into our lives and allowing that love and peace and joy to mold and change us into new beings.

Ellen H. Dozier
Mission Co-Worker, Guatemala

Holidays in Guatemala (12/07)

As we try to reclaim Christmas by serving those Christ came to serve our Guatemalan brothers and sisters live in the manner we are trying to reclaim. The end of November is a time when they will gather together at the church to talk about their many blessings of the passing year. They will then evaluate their life and make plans on how to live a better life in the coming year. There will also be a week of Prayer for Peace. This is a time when they will pray for calming of the violence in the country. Some of the things that they will give thanks for are: the piping of water throughout the community, the recovery and present wellness of those who were ill with dengue during the rainy months, Pastor Luis new son, and the joy of all the students passing their school year.

The week proceeding Christmas the congregation will focus on evangelism and sharing the story of Christ to the community. On December 26th they will come together at the church for music, and a special dinner. Dinner will include the usual refried bean, tortillas, and rice and the special occasion foods of tamales, and stews with meat in them.

Our sister church, Fuente de Vida, asks that we especially pray for Victor Lopez as he fights prostate cancer. At present he must wear a catheter. Victor would like to have an operation within the coming weeks; however, they do not know how they will pay for it. The church has taken his name to the Synod to ask for special help in raising money for his operation. We should also include in our prayers that sustenance will be provided for the four families who were unable to afford the expense of farming this year and the five families that have not been able to afford to connect on to the water that is being piped to the community.

Getting to Know our Guatemala Scholarship Children (11/07)

This will be the last article on the children that Trinity has been giving scholarships to in Guatemala during the 2007 school year. Our scholarship support for children of Fuente de Vida Iglesia begain in 2006 and will end at the conclusion of the 2008 school year unless more scholarship money is found. We recently sent $1700 (the final amount from the fund raiser during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Trinity) for the 2008 school year to Guatemala and hope to hear soon the names of those who will be attending school. We expect that these bright young faces will be among those names. These young people have the highest educational level of all the chirldren at Fuente de Vida Iglesia. It is the prayer of our Guatemala Partnership Committee that we will be able to help them continue their education. Without the continuance of scholarship education this will be impossible. The cost for one youth to attend middle school is approximately $300/year and $500/year to attend high school. This is in a country where their parents make less than $500/year income.

Adamy Rameriza, age 13, was born to Elmer Ramierez and Milda Lopez who are both active members of the church. He is also the grandson of Victor Lopez, an active Deacon of the church. Adamy is a caring older brother to Darvin, an active primary school student, and to his baby sister Tatiania who also demands a great amount of care. He just completed his seventh year of school and enjoys reading. Although he likes to study all subjects, Adamy finds math the most difficult. If Adamy reaching hsi dream, he will one day become a doctor.

Rut Magaly Gabrial, age 15, has one older brother. In school she most enjoys the artistic subjects of drawing, painting and music. Although her primary focus is to become a good wife and mother, she also dreams of becoming a nurse.

Eliseo Echeveriia, age 13, was named after his father who is active in the church and community of Monterray, farmer, construction supervisor, and pastor of a church about an hour and a half travel from their home. He lives with his mother, father and sisters. Attached to their home is the home of his grandparents, aunt and five cousins. Eliseo, like Adamy, has just completed his seventh year of school. Although Eliseo enjoys everything about school, he enjoys social studies most and finds science to be a bit more difficult. his dream is to work in the area of design or architecture. His abilities in this area are evidenced by his problem solving skills of tangram puzzles.

Bernice Maura Echevveria, age 14 is sister to Eliseo (above) and has a younter sister, Blesin. Like her mother, Bernice is quite active in the church as president of the church and presbytery youth programs. She is a very responsible young lady looking after many of the children of the church and teaching the children's sunday school. Having just completed the ninth grade, she has obtained the honor of having the highest level of education in the church. Already taking business classes in school, Bernice dreams of one day working in the field of hospitality and tourism, possibly becoming a bilingual secretary. In her free time she enjoys reading and spending time with friends.

Getting to Know our Guatemala Scholarship Children (10/07)

In July, we began the process of acquainting Trinity with the scholarship children at our partner church, Fuente de Vida, in Guatemala. This month we will become familiar with the second half of our primary students . For those who have been to Guatemala more than once it is good to watch these smiling children grow and begin to have dreams that we see arising from the fact that they are becoming better educated. In October, we will send the last of the money made from our 40th Anniversary Fundraiser. This will help to send these children and others to school in the year 2008. At the end of 2008 our sponsorship pledge is fulfilled. What will happen to the children then? Is there a desire at Trinity that we renew our pledge for another three yeras?

Blesin Echeverria, age 10, is the youngest daughter of Maura (the Elder who visited Trinity in May 2007) and Eliseo Lopez, a Presbyterian pastor. She is in the fourth year of school. Blesin has an older brother, Eliseo Jr., age 12, and an older sister Maura Beatrice, age 14. In her free time Blesin enjoys playing basketball at school and reading. When asked "What do you like best about school?" She replied "Everything!" "What do you dislike or find difficult?" She responded with equal enthusiasm, "Nothing!" Blesin hopes to someday become a teacher.

Saul Barios, age 10, is in the second grade of school. He is the youngest of eight children. Saul has two sisters and five brothers. In his free time Saul likes to play soccer and marbles. His favorite subject is math and writing, his most difficult. Saul is a very neat and quiet young man who dreams of one day becoming a doctor.

Marseny Rivera, age 12, is in the sixth grade. She has two brothers and three sisters and is the next to youngest child. Marseny enjoys reading and playing with dolls when she has free time. Her favorite subject is math and she finds social studies most difficult. Marseny is a serious young girl who helps her mother with her younger sibling.

Please keep our scholarship children in your prayers as they prepare for their exams. Education is the tool for a better future.

A Land Project with Fuente de Vida "Step by Step" (9/07)

The steps seem to move so very slow. Yet we know that it must be God that leads the way and not us. The partnership between Fuente de Vida and Trinity must grow strong with clear understandings and trust before a covenant on a large project can be made. And so, we slowly move forward but we are moving forward. In 2004 we first became aware that the need for ownership was a priority with our partner church. In 2005, we began to understand that this was a top prioirty issue.

When hurricanes wash away a crop, all income for six months is lost. When the cost of renting land and planting exceeds the income from the harvest it is impossible to plant in the new season. This year over one third of the families at Fuente de Vida could not affort to farm and are having to find work elsewhere. However, there is not work to be found and the families struggle to eek out a means to survive.

In September of 2006, Fuente de Vida sent a proposal fo a land project to Trinity. This project holds the hope of purchasing enough land to feed 20-25 families or 100 cuerdas (27.3 acres) of land. With the encouragement of Global Ministry and the Session, Our Guatemala Partnership Committee has been seeking answers to legal questions and ownership issues relevant to pursuing such a project.

Our Partnership Committee is presently at the point of making 2 directional plans. One will be the steps we would take in developing a covenant with Fuente de Vida and the National Church of Guatemala and the second is the steps me must take legally. Upon the completion of the first phase we would hope to present a plan to fund a portion of the project. It is not our belief as a committee that we will plan to help our partner church optain the entire 27.3 acres of farm land at one time. Perhaps this will be a three phase project.

We will keep the congregation informed on the project as God leads us.

Getting to Know our Guatemala Scholarship Children (8/07, 7/07)

This year Trinity is helping 12 children and youth attend school by sending scholarship money. This is part of the money raised from the Silent Auction held during Trinity's 40th Anniversary Celebration. We divided the money raised into three parts and are now in our second year of scholarship support. Next year will mark the end of the scholarships we give unless more money is raised. We send the money to Fuente de Vida and it is their responsibility to decide who will receive the money. The scholarship we send gives each girl $100. With this they are able to purchase a uniform and shoes, pay for school materials and for transportation. Other expenses are paid by the family.

Two of our scholarship recipients are Edilma Ordonaz and Idania Velalarde. Both girls are 16 and in their 2nd year of Seamstress School.

Edilma has 3 brothers and 2 sisters, greatly enjoys sewing although she finds measuring sometimes difficult, and plans to finish sewing school this year. Following her schooling she hopes to make clothes for others. Some day she will marry and use this trade to supplement her family income.

Idania has 2 sisters and 1 brother and enjoys listening to music. She likes everything about school and finds nothing to be very difficult. She will finish her sewing classes this year and her mother would like her to take a year of embroidery school. Idania has expressed a desire to returnt o public school and finish her education. She would be going into the 7th year of school. Someday she hopes to marry and have a family.

Please inlclude these two young ladies in your prayers as they continue to work at completeing their vocational school.

Three primary students are also among the scholarship recipients.

Merlin Ordonez, age 6, is the youngest scholarship student who is attending pre-school. She has a younger brother, Kevin, who she enjoys helping take care of. When Merlin is not helping her mother prepare food she enjoys playing ball and house with her friends. Merlin enjoys everything about school; but most of all she enjoys painting. Like many older children she thinks of becoming a lawyer some day.

Casar Morales Maldonado is 8 years old and is in the seecond year of primary school. He has two older brothers and hopes to one day be a polic officer. His favorite subject in school is math and his most difficult subjects are science and social studies. In his free time Casar enjoys playing soccer and marbles with his friends. He also enjoys studying.

Wilder Paz Lopez just turned 10 years old. He is in the second year of primary school and likes everything about it. His favorite subjeect is math and he dreams of becoming a lawyer. Wilder has one brother (Victor, 7) and two sisters (Celdy, 10 and Nayeli, 6). His father is living in the United States.