| Prior to her assignment in Guatemala,
Marcia served six months at Puentes de Cristo, one of seven projects
of the Presbyterian Border Ministries. There, she coordinated
visiting delegations that come to learn about border issues, such
as immigration and maquiladoras. In 2000-2001 she spent a year
in El Salvador as a participant in the PC(USA)’s Reconciliation
and Mission Exchange Program. In 1999, she lived in Reynosa as
a global intern with Puentes de Cristo.
Her call to serve in Guatemala evolved from her experiences in
the global south: “In Mexico and El Salvador I was able
to catch a glimpse of the world from upside down, from the bottom
looking up. I know youth whose advanced education seems futile
because no jobs are available, agricultural workers leaving their
farms even though they have no viable income alternative, and
local groups that must face oppression in subtle and not-too-subtle
ways for speaking out against injustices. In Bible studies with
these Mexican and Salvadoran friends, lessons from the Bible come
alive and provide hope for change in a world so filled with suffering
and hopelessness. This perspective isn’t always available
to those of us who don’t have to struggle to put food on
the table every day. It’s impossible for me, having seen
from this perspective, not to live differently, learn more, and
teach others."
Marcia holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering
from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg,
Virginia, and a master’s in public and international affairs
from the University of Pittsburgh in which she focused on economic
and social development.
Marcia is married to Migde Lucas. They are the parents of one child, Pedro Josue ("Josh").
Marcia is a member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania.
Birthday:
Marcia -
November 19
Josh - September 21, 2006
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