Experiences
Amid significant moments of worship, reflection, work, insight, study and dialogue - as Presbyterians from the U.S.A. and Guatemala seek to be and to stand with one another - it becomes clear over and over again that mission has at its very core the Incarnation, and takes its shape and form from the life, work and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, Immanuel, God-with-us. Mission is, above all, a ministry of presence: standing with brothers and sisters in Christ, even when we are not able to "do" or "fix" anything, and meeting people where they are (and being met where we are), despite the differences between us.
Many visiting groups have long-standing partnerships or relationships with Guatemalan presbyteries or church organizations, while other groups come to Guatemala for cross-cultural immersion, education or simply to learn more about the Guatemalan church, culture and people. With each delegation, with each new insight, and with each interaction between brothers and sisters in Christ, the faithful from Guatemala and the U.S.A. come to know in a very real and powerful way that partnership is not simply a neat and tidy or convenient Presbyterian mission word, but something that requires work, honesty, transparency, patience, faith, perseverance, time, hope and no small amount of grace. And that it is possible.As Henri Nouwen says, the more we think about the meaning of living and acting in the name of Jesus Christ, the more we'll realize that what we have to offer is not our intelligence, not our skill, not our power, not our money or influence or connections, but our very selves, our own human brokenness through which the love of God can manifest itself. This is what ministry and mission and partnership are all about.
Ministry and mission and partnership in the light of the gospel means entering with our human brokenness into communion with others and speaking a word of hope. This hope is not based on any power to solve the problems of those with whom we visit and worship, but on the love of God, which becomes visible when we let go of our fears of being out of control and enter into Christ's presence in a shared confession of weakness and faith. (Again, a few words borrowed from Henri Nouwen).
The Guatemala partnership team solicits your prayerful support and encouragement of the partnership, its projects, and the Mayan people of Guatemala. If your congregation or group is interested in a "Minute for Mission" or a 20-minute video presentation, contact the partnership team.
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