| PARTNER PROJECTS WITH OCCIDENTE PRESBYTERY IN GUATEMALA International Partnership Takes New Directions |
The Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys (PMV) has completed their covenant to install
five water purification systems in Occidente Presbytery in Guatemala. Our
partners there are now capable to carrying on these projects on their own.
PMV may continue to provide some financial and technical assistance, but we will
no longer be sending teams for this purpose. They now have the competency to
install, do hygiene education, and develop leadership. If required permits are
obtained, they can distribute clean water more broadly. This may eventually build
up resources that can pay for other installations.
The next aspects of our presbyteries’ relationship are in a way a return to previous
elements that were discussed and implemented as our partnership began. In their
deliberations, our two presbyteries have identified six new projects.
1) Prayer Partners
Presentations were made at the meetings of both presbyteries (MVP in
September 2009 and Occidente in October 2009) to offer the opportunity to
engage in congregation to congregation prayer partnerships. Those that choose
to participate will be matched for a one year commitment starting in January 2010
to engage in monthly exchange of up to five requests. Translations will be the
responsibility of MVP congregations. There will be clear understanding that these
partnerships will not include any financial assistance.
2) Further training in Reform Theology for their Pastors.
Many of their pastors have not had extensive formal education. They do their
ministries in an environment that is dominated by Roman Catholicism and
Pentecostalism. Their Committee on Ministry planned a September 2009 event
for this training to be lead by one of their seminary professors. We have
contributed $3000 to help cover the cost for the participation of pastors, preachers,
and students.
Rev. Sarah Butler (Windom) attended the event to observe and assist (if
requested). Her participation is yielding insights to equip our people in MVP to
reach out with Reform Theology to Hispanics in our communities.
We received copies of one pastor’s sermons, who ask us to critique them for
their theological soundness.
3) A Retreat for Pastors and their Families
Many of their pastors are poorly paid. This creates stress in their families.
Occidente’s Committee on Ministry is planning a retreat to address these
concerns. One of their objectives is to strengthen the sense of call that might be
shared by all family members.
Hoping to have over 200 participants, they are asking for help in funding the
cost of around $6000. They would also be open to suggestions from ways we
have approached similar situations here.
4) Occidente Send Missionary to MVP
Their Committee on Ministry is open to receiving a job description (written by
MVP representatives) for someone from their presbytery to serve congregations in
MVP to reach out to Hispanic neighbors in our communities. Many details
regarding work expectations and skills and financing will need to be clarified.
We received from one of their leading pastors a DVD of their two Easter
services. It may be possible to broadcast these services over cable TV in our
communities. We met a Presbyterian who manages a Christian radio station that
can be accessed through the internet.
5) English Skills in Their Partnership Team
MVP Team has a very competent member who is fluent in Spanish. She is
essential for good communications. We requested that they have someone who
would develop their English skills. This person would be a great asset as teams
are planning and carrying out projects. This person might also be a candidate to
be their missionary to us. If our funds allow, we would offer to assist in paying for
classes. They will look into their seminary reinstituting such classes.
6) Housing for Pastors and their Families
We discovered that this is a real need for many pastors. A cinder block home
with kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and bath with a tin roof can be built for
$3000 to 4000 plus the cost of the land. One of their pastors is on their national
board for Habitat for Humanity. There may be people in our presbytery who would
like to take on such a project. The selection process would be the responsibility of
their presbytery.
five water purification systems in Occidente Presbytery in Guatemala. Our
partners there are now capable to carrying on these projects on their own.
PMV may continue to provide some financial and technical assistance, but we will
no longer be sending teams for this purpose. They now have the competency to
install, do hygiene education, and develop leadership. If required permits are
obtained, they can distribute clean water more broadly. This may eventually build
up resources that can pay for other installations.
The next aspects of our presbyteries’ relationship are in a way a return to previous
elements that were discussed and implemented as our partnership began. In their
deliberations, our two presbyteries have identified six new projects.
1) Prayer Partners
Presentations were made at the meetings of both presbyteries (MVP in
September 2009 and Occidente in October 2009) to offer the opportunity to
engage in congregation to congregation prayer partnerships. Those that choose
to participate will be matched for a one year commitment starting in January 2010
to engage in monthly exchange of up to five requests. Translations will be the
responsibility of MVP congregations. There will be clear understanding that these
partnerships will not include any financial assistance.
2) Further training in Reform Theology for their Pastors.
Many of their pastors have not had extensive formal education. They do their
ministries in an environment that is dominated by Roman Catholicism and
Pentecostalism. Their Committee on Ministry planned a September 2009 event
for this training to be lead by one of their seminary professors. We have
contributed $3000 to help cover the cost for the participation of pastors, preachers,
and students.
Rev. Sarah Butler (Windom) attended the event to observe and assist (if
requested). Her participation is yielding insights to equip our people in MVP to
reach out with Reform Theology to Hispanics in our communities.
We received copies of one pastor’s sermons, who ask us to critique them for
their theological soundness.
3) A Retreat for Pastors and their Families
Many of their pastors are poorly paid. This creates stress in their families.
Occidente’s Committee on Ministry is planning a retreat to address these
concerns. One of their objectives is to strengthen the sense of call that might be
shared by all family members.
Hoping to have over 200 participants, they are asking for help in funding the
cost of around $6000. They would also be open to suggestions from ways we
have approached similar situations here.
4) Occidente Send Missionary to MVP
Their Committee on Ministry is open to receiving a job description (written by
MVP representatives) for someone from their presbytery to serve congregations in
MVP to reach out to Hispanic neighbors in our communities. Many details
regarding work expectations and skills and financing will need to be clarified.
We received from one of their leading pastors a DVD of their two Easter
services. It may be possible to broadcast these services over cable TV in our
communities. We met a Presbyterian who manages a Christian radio station that
can be accessed through the internet.
5) English Skills in Their Partnership Team
MVP Team has a very competent member who is fluent in Spanish. She is
essential for good communications. We requested that they have someone who
would develop their English skills. This person would be a great asset as teams
are planning and carrying out projects. This person might also be a candidate to
be their missionary to us. If our funds allow, we would offer to assist in paying for
classes. They will look into their seminary reinstituting such classes.
6) Housing for Pastors and their Families
We discovered that this is a real need for many pastors. A cinder block home
with kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and bath with a tin roof can be built for
$3000 to 4000 plus the cost of the land. One of their pastors is on their national
board for Habitat for Humanity. There may be people in our presbytery who would
like to take on such a project. The selection process would be the responsibility of
their presbytery.
