Mexico #2: Juntos en Fe…Together in Faith
Juntos en Fe…Together in Faith
By Rev. Deena Candler
Outreach Foundation Trustee from Omaha, Nebraska
On Saturday, Doug Nielson and I made the 10-hour drive from Oaxaca to Tapachula with our compadres from the National Presbyterian Church. We were blessed with a lunch stop at the Presbyterian Church in Tehuantepec. This church is currently led by elders. The most sobering event on the drive was continually seeing groups of refugees making their journey north. I found myself wanting to know their stories. Where are they from? What caused them to make this challenging journey? What are their hopes?
On Sunday, we worshipped at La Iglesia JesuCristo El Salvador Presbyteriana. It was a wonderful service of worship that included the reception of new members, installation of new elders and deacons, elders laying on of hands, and praying for those who needed healing, communion, and a good sermon on Exodus 32. The church was packed with people of all ages…and worship was 2½ hours. The fellowship with our Mexican brothers and sisters afterward was a gift to us. Fellowship continued with an amazing evening meal with our partners at the country home of members of La Iglesia JesuCristo El Savador.
On Monday in Tapachula, we participated in the second pastoral leadership event. There were more than 110 participants from five presbyteries. The room was filled with pastors, elders, and deacons. The same materials that were used in the leadership event in Oaxaca were presented to the leaders here. Each participant received written materials and a book on leadership. The focus of the presentations was on the challenges of ministry, the dangers of workaholism, and how to participate in and lead a healthy small group. One of the points made by the Secretary of the National Presbyterian Church is that it is important that it is not just the pastor of a church who has a vision for it. It is vital that other leaders – elders, and deacons share the vision as well.
We continue to be blessed by each of the opportunities we receive here to journey with our partners, and are thankful that we are together in faith.
