September 2006

“The kingdom of God … is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”
Luke 13:18, 19

Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Presbyterian Church of Columbia, left to right: Helis Barraza, Marian McClure, Cliff Kirkpatrick, Teodoro Villanueva, Ofelia Ortega, Vilma Yanez, Setri Nyomi, Adriano Portillo, Sherron George, and Milciades Púa.

In 1856 Presbyterian seeds were planted in Colombia. 150 years later the Presbyterian Church of Colombia (IPCOL) has grown to around 5,000 members in 50 congregations in three presbyteries. Their support of human rights and solidarity with the four million displaced persons in Colombia has caused suffering for many pastors. However, in the midst of affliction there are moments for joy and gratitude. On August 10 the denomination received the “Simón Bolivar” award from the National Congress for their contribution to the spiritual, educational and social welfare of the country. On Sunday, August 13, they had a grand 150th anniversary commemoration in Barranquilla. I want to share with you what I experienced in one very full day that resembled a delicious five-course banquet. It was a Latin American celebration of life with people from all corners of the continent.

The appetizer came after breakfast as we climbed into Helis Barraza’s car for the 100-kilometer ride along the amazing Caribbean coastline from Cartagena to Barranquilla. Helis is on the Board of the Latin American Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches (AIPRAL) and is the Administrator of the American School with 2,500 students and Vice-Rector of the Reformed University, two educational institutions of the IPCOL in Barranquilla. I translated his stories of how the educational seeds have flourished for Setri Nyomi, the General Secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC), who was present for the celebration and for the Assembly and 50th anniversary of AIPRAL. Helis enthusiastically shared, “I get inspiration for my global ecumenical involvement from my participation in the local congregation.”

For our first course Helis took us to the morning worship service in the Fifth Presbyterian Church, which was founded by Presbyterian mission worker Richard Shaull in 1951. The Communion Table with colorful Andean cloths and ribbons of all hues, the green candles, tropical flowers and plants, and the lively music with Caribbean rhythms provided by the youth ensemble enriched our worship. The pastor, Milciades Púa, who is also the Dean of the Reformed University, received us with much warmth and hospitality. Setri told them, “Our presence reminds you that you are a part of a very big family around the world and we celebrate with you.”

The main course was in the afternoon when around 2,000 people gathered in the largest auditorium in town for the splendid anniversary celebrations. Our preparation came from music of the piano, many Latin percussion instruments, and an outstanding saxophone with animated singing led by Loida Valera, the liturgist from the Presbyterian Church of Venezuela. I sat between my friends Ofelia Ortega, professor of the seminary in Cuba and president for Latin America of the World Council of Churches, and Luis Pérez, Aymara pastor and president of the Independent Presbyterian Church in Bolivia and coordinator of the Joining Hands for Life Network. During the first part of the event, the Moderator of the IPCOL, the Rev. Vilma Yanez, was presented with many lovely gifts from sister churches in the Americas. Marian McClure, Director of Worldwide Ministries Division, offered a ceramic chalice and plate on behalf of the PC(USA). Four partner presbyteries of the PC(USA) in the Colombia mission network made presentations. With a diversity of Reformed hymns and contemporary Caribbean music, we celebrated the amazing growth of the mustard seed in Colombia. The preacher was Clifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) and president of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, who reminded us that all of creation is groaning as we wait for the restoration of the fullness of God ’s reign of peace and justice for all human creatures and all of creation.

The “dessert” was dinner served on the grounds of the Reformed University. Decorated round tables under the tropical stars provided the perfect setting for exuberant interaction in the festive atmosphere with more great Caribbean music provided by a youth band. It was a true “fiesta.” I was happy to enjoy it beside Maria Arroyo, PC(USA) Area Coordinator for South America and the Caribbean, with whom I joyfully serve. Cubans, Colombians, Argentinians, and Mexicans each sang renditions of “Happy Birthday” from their cultures. Ofelia requested “Guantanamero” and we ended up dancing. It was as if birds from all over the Americas were flitting around and nesting in the great tree of faith. A time for laughter, joy, fun, and fellowship!

The “coffee” for those of us who were participating in the Assembly of the Latin American Alliance of Presbyterian and Reformed Churches was the bus ride back to Cartagena. After celebrating the growth of seeds in Colombia and Latin American, the next morning we would face the many challenges before the churches on the continent and the ways a united Reformed mission effort can nurture and multiply the fruits of God’s reign. Maria Arroyo and I prepared to have table fellowship the next two days with a different partner church at every meal. This is the people of God working together.

Your partner in God’s mission,

Sherron George

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 39