Human Rights Retreat

Last year (2016) the human rights program of IELCO along with the Lutheran School of Theology hosted a series of video forums titled: Cries of Creation (Gritos de la Creación, in Spanish), where once a month we would watch a documentary that helped shine light on the interconnections between human rights, poverty and the environment.  A steady group of interested people began to form as we discussed these documentaries from a theological perspective as well as the possible ways local congregations can become involved in the issue of each documentary (consumerism, GMOs, fair trade, indigenous peoples’ rights, climate change, etc.).

To kick off this year with this same group, we planned a retreat into the Iguaque national park in the mountains of the Boyacá region of Colombia. It was a time to strengthen the group, to continue in learning about the issues, and to celebrate together the accomplishments during the forming of the group.  The retreat included training for each member to host workshops in their local communities, discussions and debates on the issues, distribution of toolkits, as well as good food, positive time together, and a hike up to a beautiful lake at the top of the nearby mountain.

Some members of the group after recieving their toolkits for leading workshops and discussions on the issues of the videoforos. Left to right: Sergio Lara, Javier Mora, Marian Coy, Mauricio Chala, Jairo Suarez Preciado, Liria Suarez Preciado. Photo by Curtis.

In the middle of an activity debating globalization and a focus on supporting local economies. Looking at the camera: Liria Suarez Preciado, Jairo Suarez Preciado, and Mauricio Chala. Photo by Curtis.

Just as we reached the summit. Curtis with Jenny and Cate Franco, and Jairo Suarez Preciado. Photo by Liria Suarez Preciado.

Colombian Young Adults Headed to Germany

This year, 2017, Lutherans, Catholics, and other Protestants all around the world are celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) is proudly sending three of their young adults (still considered youth here) to Germany for the year. Below is an article written by Marian Coy (president of the JLMC - national youth group) along with the three who are headed to Germany: Cristian Bernal, Vanesa Gomez and Diana Vasquez. I have had the opportunity to work closely with all three, especially Cristian (duing ProFILE 2015) and Diana (during ProFILE 2016), they all three are excellent leaders and I have no doubt will take their responsibilities seriously and make IELCO proud! The three leave tomorrow, please keep them in your prayers for safe travels as well as a wonderful year full of learning, teaching and a lifetime of memories. 

(left to right) Cristian Bernal, Vanesa Gomez, and Diana Vasquez,
photo submitted by Cristian Bernal

(Letter translated by Curtis)

The year 2017 brings with it an anniversary of global connotation, an event that changed the Germany of the middle Ages. The reform was carried out by Martin Luther, who not only changed the way of seeing the Church in society but also changed society itself and its absence of intellectual criticism of its context.

In 1517 the monk and theologian Martin Luther published 95 Theses on the system of commerce of indulgences in the Catholic Church. His criticism was directed at the preaching and practice of “indulgences” and counteracted this system with the power of faith that relies only on the grace of God. Because of this, the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and the Protestant Kirchentag (DEKT) are organizing the commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, for which they have created the organization "r2017".

This event, being of great importance in Germany as well as globally, the organization (r2017) made a call addressed to 300 young people from all over the world, who would like to work as volunteers in the planning and execution of all the events from February to November of 2017.

In February 2016, Cristian Bernal (Coordinator of the Llanos Region of the Lutheran Youth Mission of Colombia, JLMC of IELCO) was the first to find a Facebook publication that Caroline Bader (FLM youth secretary) posted, and he was the first to apply. Subsequently, the JLMC, understanding the importance of this event and the possible opportunity for the young people of Colombia, decided to join the campaign. They sent a letter to all congregations, missions and preaching points of the national church, informing about this opportunity.

For the Lutheran Youth Mission of Colombia, it is a pleasure to inform you that after a long process, Cristian Bernal (leader of the Santiago Apostolic Mission of Yopal), Diana Vásquez (leader of the Congregation Divine Redeemer of Bucaramanga) and Vanesa Gómez (at the San Pablo Congregation in Bogota) have been accepted to participate in this great celebration and traveled on January 26, 2017 to the city of Wittenberg, Germany to begin their volunteer work.

These young people will be working on a project called the “World Reformation Exhibition” which includes “Confirmant and Youth Camps" and "European Reformation Youth Map”. The "World Reformation Exhibition" project is a large exhibition that will take place in seven cities in Germany and will run for four months (June-September). There will be art programs, concerts and many other events in which these three young people will assist.

It is worth mentioning that the process to participate in this project was carried out directly with the organization "r2017" and its call was open to all young people in the world (Lutherans and non-Lutherans), interviews and formalities were carried out via e- Mail and skype with the selection committee in 2016.

It is noteworthy that these young people will travel through the organization ICYE (International Cultural Youth Exchange) at the request of the organization r2017. The ICYE organization helps them with the visa procedures and prepares them in a camp the third weekend of January 2017.

As JLMC we feel completely represented by these three young people and we know that they will do an excellent job. We hope in the love of Christ that this be one of the best experiences of their lives.

Mesa Coordinadora Juventud Luterana Misionera de Colombia 2015-2017

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I had high hopes of getting a Christmas card sent out this year (like I do every year), but it didn't happen this year (again, as I have never actually succeeded in getting one sent out - but as an optimist, I keep hoping).

Our 2016 Christmas photo. Us after worship on Christmas Eve at Vida Nueva in Bogota.
Photo by Daniel Lara

As this year comes to a close, we have a lot to reflect on throughout 2016: In January my parents were here to visit, and we had the chance to do some tourist things and traveling with them. The year continued on a high note in March when we renewed our contract both with the ELCA and IELCO to stay in Colombia for two more years. In May, a new coordinator was hired to accompany Curtis in the Human Rights program. Our whirlwind of Home Assignment from mid-May through the beginning of August, where we had the opportunity to visit the congregations and people who so generously support us and our work here in Colombia, as well as, of course, the chance to visit family and friends. October brought the death of Laura, the niece of my closest friend and co-worker here, and November brought health issues and surgery for me. November also saw the final signing of the peace agreements in Colombia after more than 5 years of negotiations. In December we took a quick trip to the coast to visit my uncle who passed through on his honeymoon. December also has brought us some much needed time off, where we took a trip to Cali (southern Colombia) for a fun get-a-way. This has been a full year (aren't they all), with so much to be thankful for. Thank you for sharing this year with us!

Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year to you all! Thank you for your support to us, be it financial, through your friendship, prayer, or by reading our blog - it is all really important to us.

Annual Evaluation of Diakonia

Last week, the national diaconal ministry of IELCO held its annual retreat to evaluate all of the programs, projects and activities that took place during 2016. The ministry is divided into four programs: Environment, Human Rights, Holistic Health and Sustainable Development. Out of each of these programs there are various projects which: offer direct service to local communities; develop networks of like-minded people and organizations, nationally and internationally; involve members of IELCO in advocacy opportunities; and train church members in relevant subjects. The overall objective of the national diaconal ministry is: “To contribute to the diaconal development of IELCO in its different contexts, for the improvement of the quality of life of the communities, expressed through service, the lived experience of justice, and the preservation of creation”.

The evaluation was held in the historic town of Villa de Leyva in the department of Boyacá. From right to left: Curtis; Julie Pinzón, participating in the evaluation as representative of the national youth ministry; Rocío Varela, coordinator of the senior citizens project, serving a very vulnerable population just south of Bogota; Zandra Nino, coordinator of the project called ECOVIDA (Ecology and Life), working with poor peasant farmers in the Boyacá region, especially to regain an agricultural lifestyle lost with the coming of coal mines, which are now leaving due to plummeting coal prices; and Jorge Díaz, coordinator of the communications department of IELCO. 

Photo by Pastor Jairo Suarez.

Sara Lara, coordinator of the human rights program, presenting on the activities of the program during the year. 
Photo by Pastor Rocío Morales 

Right to Left: Curtis; Fabián Bello, coordinator of a food security project as part of the Environmental program;

Pastor Rocío Morales, Vice Bishop of IELCO and coordinator of the ASIVIDA project which focuses on HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness; Sara Lara, coordinator of the human rights program; and, Julie Pinzón, representative of the national youth ministry. Photo by Pastor Jairo Suarez.

DIPAZ Conference: Military Doctrine, Non-Violence and Peace-building

In light of the approved peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), DIPAZ (Inter-church Dialogue for Peace) held an important conference on Colombia’s military doctrine and non-violent grassroots efforts.

The advertisement for the conference, designed by Daniel Padierna,a conscientious objector 
and member of the Emmaus Lutheran Church in Medellin.

Colombia practices obligatory military enlistment for all males 18 years old. It is almost impossible for young men to find legitimate work or enter into university or higher education without being able to present the document demonstrating that the service has been completed. There is, however, the possibility of declaring oneself a conscientious objector based on religious beliefs. It is a long and difficult process, but many have done it.

This DIPAZ conference was based on the idea of conscientious objection. However, it also was looking for and defining other possible paths towards the demilitarization of the country and its culture...the idea of a non-violent lifestyle. As Colombia looks forward to building peace after more than 50 years of armed conflict, this is a very important issue, and one of the pillars my work here, as well as that of DIPAZ.

Andres Alba, member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bogotá, and technical secretary of DIPAZ,

 introducing the second day of the conference. Photo by Curtis.

The participants of the conference were asked to bring a symbol of their peace-building work. 

To start the conference they presented their symbols and placed them in the center of the room. 

Photo by Curtis.

ProFILE - Graduation of 2016!

This past November 5-7, we held the final retreat for the ProFILE (lay leadership training) class of 2016. The final weekend was about how to interpret the Bible and plan/lead Bible Studies (and different methodologies to use). Bible interpretation is the area of expertise of Pastor Atahualpa and methodologies is the area of expertise for Zulma....needless to say, it was a great weekend. 

ProFILE started in 2015 with group of lay leaders, it was so successful and well received that in 2016 we started again with another group of leaders. This program has quickly become on of the favorite parts of my work. I have been able to get to know leaders from churches all over the country. Also, in the participant's reviews of the program, we have read that it has also been a highlight for them. ProFILE has given them the opportunity to learn more about IELCO and the different congregations and people that make up the national church. 

Most of the group holding their graduation diplomas, they were a fun group.

Next year, rather than start again with a new group of leaders we are planning to reunite the classes from 2015 and 2016 and go deeper into leadership training with the whole group, as well as give them more responsibilities within their congregations and within their regions. 

Left to right: Zulma, me, Jenny, Juanes, and Pastor Atahualpa. (Photo credit: nearby bystander)

Juanes (in the picture above) came to ProFILE with his Mom (Jenny) for the first gathering, because he is too young to be left home alone. She promised us he wouldn't be a problem or a distraction (I was nervous). He was great. He always came to the retreats with all the homework done (more than we can say about some of the adults), always paid attention, participated, and took the training seriously. Juanes graduated ProFILE, our youngest participant yet, at only 13 years old.

Cake the group of participants gave us (as the leaders) to say 'Thank you". We were not expecting that - very sweet of them!

Way to go ProFILE, class of 2016! I very much look forward to next year and what ProFILE will bring!

Permanent Peace Camp #2

Last Friday, the 28^th of October, DIPAZ (Inter-church Dialogue for Peace) held a liturgical act of faith and hope in Bogota's central plaza. The event, called “Los Niños y las Niñas dicen Paz” (children claim peace), was specifically geared towards involving children and especially towards listening to the children explain why they want peace in their country. As you can see in the following photo, the tent was full. If it hadn't been for the pouring rain, I imagine even more children and families would have come. 

Before the liturgical act started the children were given some time to paint the canvas of the events tent in the plaza.

We took the opportunity, before the liturgy started to visit the permanent peace camp. This is the same camp I wrote about two weeks ago. As this blog is posted, the permanent peace camp in the central plaza of Bogota is now in its 28^th day. With 90 tents and over 270 people camping in the plaza, a community is being developed between peace activists, church representatives, indigenous peoples and many more, all demanding a peace agreement. Even Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, has been to visit the camp. As the website of the camp explains:

We, men and women of the city and of the countryside, do not represent any political party, nor do we represent any institutions, we act in a free and organized manner and with an inclusive and peaceful purpose. We have gathered here at the Plaza Bolivar to demand peace NOW and that the bilateral ceasefire is respected.

Curtis at the entrance to the camp, the sign reads "Camp for the peace".

A group of the tents in the plaza. We are in the midst of the rainy season in Bogota, and there have been
 many cold nights here in the plaza. 

To visit the camp is a sobering experience. The people staying there have worked for peace and were hoping for peace after the plebiscite of October 2. While walking through the camp people shared brief stories about why they are there. We talked with Daniel about why he has committed so much to being in the camp. He told us about growing up in the Comuna 13 in Medellin, one of the areas most affected by the conflict. He told us of his coming to be an activist for peace, and the important role art can play in that. As he told us about creating the mandala he talked about the way it can bring the community (of the peace camp) together, it has become a sacred space within the camp.

Daniel Padierna, a member of the Lutheran Church "Emmaus Mission" in Medellin came to Bogota to participate in the camp and has been staying there for the last week. He is an artist and helped the camp paint this mandala and create this space for prayer within the camp.

Here is a clear view of the mandala, which in the center includes a flower and candles, a way to honor and respect the traditions of indigenous, Christians and non-believers.