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Through processes of Biblical and theological education, CELEP
sought to equip church members, not just pastors, to relate their
faith in Jesus Christ to the needs of people in their communities
in concrete ways. CELEP also promoted ministry with and by women.
Several years ago CELEP ceased to exist as a continental organization.
CEDEPCA, founded here in Guatemala in 1985 as the Central American
branch of CELEP, continues today the ministry begun by CELEP.
As well as giving thanks for the ministry of CELEP, we reflected
on the challenges for pastoral work here in Latin America today.
What new vision is God calling us to? The precariousness of daily
life for the poor majority of the continent's population is compounded
by continuing reductions of basic government services such as
education and health care as well as by escalating violent crime.
Cultural values are under attack by the culture of consumerism
promoted by globalization. The rise of new religious movements
offers people a variety of new experiences, yet discourages commitment.
Churches, therefore, need to offer a liturgy that is emotionally
and spiritually satisfying while also encouraging people to work
for the transformation of their communities. Given the continuing
marginalization of women in society and in the churches, participants
in the CEDEPCA gathering agreed that the most urgent task remains
working to change the ways of thinking of both men and women.
Within this vision of God's work here in Central America, Elida
is experiencing God's call on her life. As a single K'iche' woman,
Elida at 33 continues to live with her parents. She sells her
weavings to contribute to the income of the household. Because
her parents believe that women don't need much education, she
only had to opportunity to complete sixth grade. With the support
of her maternal grandfather, as a teenager Elida was able to study
for three years at the seminary of her denomination, the Church
of God, a historic Pentecostal church. Though Elida has just as
much training as most of the male pastors of her denomination,
for years she accepted the role her church assigned her working
with the children.
Since starting her courses with CEDEPCA, Elida has come to understand
that God's call to her to work in and through the church reaches
to other groups within the church and out into the broader community.
She was delighted to find at the CEDEPCA gathering other members
of her denomination who encouraged her to think about her ministry
in new ways. She also has the support of her pastor, who is helping
her find ways to share what she is learning with the congregation.
Though Elida's parents criticize her for leaving home so often,
that is to say for moving beyond the roles traditionally assigned
to a single Mayan woman, she's clear that God is calling her to
prepare herself for serving God and her community. Now that she
knows how important she is to God, she's also looking for a way
to start high school in the new year.
Christmas is all about new visions. People walking in darkness
see a great light. Shepherds are confronted by angels. God, no
longer distant celestial monarch, comes to us a tiny vulnerable
infant born in a stable. A world full of war hears of the coming
of the Prince of Peace.
This year as we come before the Babe of Bethlehem, may we open
our hearts to the new visions God would give each of us for our
own part in the work of God's coming Reign.
Blessings,
Karla, for all of us
The 2003 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, page
244
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