Southeastern Synod Trip to Guatemala
May 21-28, 2011
by the Rev. Nancy Christensen
“El Amor de Dios” was the theme song for this year’s Southeastern Synod trip to Guatemala! No matter that it was over 100 degrees in the shade, with no electricity for even a fan to cool things off, the children in the small village of Israel couldn’t get enough of the action song that joined them with their new friends from Georgia and Alabama. Together, they all stood on their toes with their arms waving to sing, “So high, I can’t get over it” (in Spanish, of course!); then crouched down to sing, “So low, I can’t get under it;” then spread their arms as they sung, “So wide, I can’t get around it – Great is the love of God!”
Every time I visit Guatemala, and our friends of the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG), I am reminded of the greatness of God’s love! I was once again able to see the evidence of this love, in action, weaving through all the experiences of our week together, and through the ongoing work of God’s Church in the world.
God’s great love flowed in the tears of Thomasa, as she shared her fears for her village and asked for our prayers. We heard of the seemingly insurmountable struggles, and at the same time we saw the faith that holds the community together and that pushes them forward. We witnessed the empowering leadership of the Castillo family – Bishop Horacio, Pastora Amanda, Padre Horacio, Pastora Esther, Karen and Beatriz – who work tirelessly to bring hope and possibility into the lives of the people in their 17 congregations. In the midst of all of this, we also faced our own fears, and our attitudes about mission and ministry – and, without a doubt, we were changed forever.
God’s great love expanded in the sharing of music – Josh, and Sarah, perpetually surrounded by children, clapping and laughing, jumping around as they sang, “La Bamba,” “El Amor de Dios,” and lots of other fun songs.
God’s great love blossomed for Jill, when her new “family” brought her coffee in bed and tried to teach her the Mayan language, Que’chi; and for Lois and the other women as they made friendship necklaces together. Adrainne was constantly touched by the outpouring of hospitality, and Pastor Craig (“Norman”) preached in worship, and recorded the precious moments of our time together on film.
Each of us felt God’s great love deeply as it was breathed into us in our experience of living day-to-day, side-by-side with our sisters and brothers in faith. We all learned from one another unexpected lessons of courage and strength. We discovered the common language of Jesus Christ, helping us to communicate, and to listen – showing us how to both give of ourselves, and to receive hospitality from others.
It’s hard for me to adequately describe the impact that this trip, and my own continuing relationship with ILAG, has made on my life, and faith. But, I can say without hesitation that “El amor de Dios es MARAVILLOSO!”
(please watch the E-News in the coming weeks for more information about ILAG, especially the special “Año de Baño” project!)
Pictured:
Back Row (left to right): Lois Graf, Padre Horacio Castillo, Pastora Amanda Olson de Castillo, Pastor Nancy Christensen, Bishop Horacio Castillo, Adrainne Gray
Front row: Josh Martin, Sarah Padgett, Jill Knueppel, Pastor Craig Storlie
May 21-28, 2011
by the Rev. Nancy Christensen
“El Amor de Dios” was the theme song for this year’s Southeastern Synod trip to Guatemala! No matter that it was over 100 degrees in the shade, with no electricity for even a fan to cool things off, the children in the small village of Israel couldn’t get enough of the action song that joined them with their new friends from Georgia and Alabama. Together, they all stood on their toes with their arms waving to sing, “So high, I can’t get over it” (in Spanish, of course!); then crouched down to sing, “So low, I can’t get under it;” then spread their arms as they sung, “So wide, I can’t get around it – Great is the love of God!”
Every time I visit Guatemala, and our friends of the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG), I am reminded of the greatness of God’s love! I was once again able to see the evidence of this love, in action, weaving through all the experiences of our week together, and through the ongoing work of God’s Church in the world.
God’s great love flowed in the tears of Thomasa, as she shared her fears for her village and asked for our prayers. We heard of the seemingly insurmountable struggles, and at the same time we saw the faith that holds the community together and that pushes them forward. We witnessed the empowering leadership of the Castillo family – Bishop Horacio, Pastora Amanda, Padre Horacio, Pastora Esther, Karen and Beatriz – who work tirelessly to bring hope and possibility into the lives of the people in their 17 congregations. In the midst of all of this, we also faced our own fears, and our attitudes about mission and ministry – and, without a doubt, we were changed forever.
God’s great love expanded in the sharing of music – Josh, and Sarah, perpetually surrounded by children, clapping and laughing, jumping around as they sang, “La Bamba,” “El Amor de Dios,” and lots of other fun songs.
God’s great love blossomed for Jill, when her new “family” brought her coffee in bed and tried to teach her the Mayan language, Que’chi; and for Lois and the other women as they made friendship necklaces together. Adrainne was constantly touched by the outpouring of hospitality, and Pastor Craig (“Norman”) preached in worship, and recorded the precious moments of our time together on film.
Each of us felt God’s great love deeply as it was breathed into us in our experience of living day-to-day, side-by-side with our sisters and brothers in faith. We all learned from one another unexpected lessons of courage and strength. We discovered the common language of Jesus Christ, helping us to communicate, and to listen – showing us how to both give of ourselves, and to receive hospitality from others.
It’s hard for me to adequately describe the impact that this trip, and my own continuing relationship with ILAG, has made on my life, and faith. But, I can say without hesitation that “El amor de Dios es MARAVILLOSO!”
(please watch the E-News in the coming weeks for more information about ILAG, especially the special “Año de Baño” project!)
Pictured:
Back Row (left to right): Lois Graf, Padre Horacio Castillo, Pastora Amanda Olson de Castillo, Pastor Nancy Christensen, Bishop Horacio Castillo, Adrainne Gray
Front row: Josh Martin, Sarah Padgett, Jill Knueppel, Pastor Craig Storlie
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