Central America is not the only
place this happens to us Presbyterians. We are a traveling bunch.
We want to get to know other people. We become acquainted with
the body of Christ in other parts of the world, and then we want
to be part of God's mission in that place. How do we do that while
taking into account the nature of the world we live in today?
I do not have the answer, but I do have the results of the energy
and reflection of many people in two documents hot off the press
and now available to use for reflection and study: “Gathering
for God's Future: Witness, Discipleship, Community: A Renewed
Call to Worldwide Mission” and “Presbyterians
Do Mission in Partnership: A Policy Statement,” which
was adopted by the 215th General Assembly (2003).
The term “partnership” is a debated one. Some people
do not like it for its association with the language of commerce.
Is the church nothing more than a business? For some partners,
the word “partnership” conjures up the image of a
dominating economic control that has not been a blessing in their
countries. Of course, there are some positive images, such as
marriage partners. The most appropriate image for us is as those
who share in the same inheritance. We share with our partners
the inheritance of God's grace in Jesus Christ. Working in partnership
throughout the world gives “visible recognition of our belonging
to God and to one another.” There is a lot more to partnership
than finding a place where our youth groups can have a work-camp
experience or where we can go to help the less fortunate. All
members of a partnership participate in sharing God’s love
through word and deed. This is something we probably know before
we begin the journey, but it is something we “know”
in a more intense way as we walk together—PC(USA) members
and partners around the world—struggling to be faithful
and to be a symbol of reconciliation in this divided and violent
world.
Partnership is done in relationship, a physical face to face.
Not only do we partner with international groups but that we also
partner with one another—presbyteries with other presbyteries,
General Assembly with presbyteries, congregations with General
Assembly, and so on.
From September 25 to 27 sixty-two Presbyterians from twelve presbyteries
and nine congregations got together with PC(USA) mission workers
and staff representatives to share about and reflect on being
God's people in mission together in Guatemala. Representatives
from Guatemala were also present, of course. In covenanting to
walk together in a network—a grace-filled and spirit-filled
journey—we are called to strip ourselves of our ethnocentric
view of the world and our individualism and become open to God’s
power in people throughout the world and to rejoice in the power
of being able to live in a multi-cultural, diverse partnership
of Christians. This is a true calling and a dynamic experience.
If there are congregations, presbyteries or individuals you know
of working with Guatemala please let us know. We would love to
include them in this network of people so that we can share in
their experiences and wisdom. We hope to have networks in every
country in Central America.
I would love to hear what you are doing and how you are. May
God's shalom of well-being, justice, reconciliation, and wholeness
embrace you.
Julia Ann Moffett |
