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.

Permanent Peace Camp

On October 5^th, a few short days after the devastating rejection of the agreements between the government of Colombia and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), a march of thousands for peace took place in Bogota. This march was led by students, although many more participated, and ended up in the central Plaza Bolivar.

After making a strong presence, a permanent peace camp was set up in the Plaza. Students, churches, and many other organizations set up tents in the plaza, claiming they will stay in a permanent camp in the Plaza until an agreement is signed and implemented. Here is an early article written about the camp, from the Washington Post.

DIPAZ (Inter-church Dialogue for Peace), which the Colombian Lutheran Church is a member, has set up a tent and its various members have been rotating, maintaining a permanent presence, demanding peace.

I was able to visit the camp last week and listen to the songs being sung and the stories being told. I was able to see the relationships being built, all with the purpose of demanding peace.

The  "Peace Camp" sign when entering the Plaza. Photo by Curtis Kline

Members of the permanent camp making peace foot and hand prints. Photo submitted by Pastor Nelson Celis. 

Pastor Nelson Celis of St. Paul Lutheran Church in southern Bogota and Daniel Padierna who came from the Emmaus Mission Lutheran Church in Medellin to visit the peace camp. Photo submitted by Pastor Neslon Celis.   

Left to Right: Curtis, Andres Alba, and Pastor Nelson Celis, manning the tent in a heavy rainstorm.
Photo by Pastor Nelson Celis. 

P.S. Thanks to everyone and all your prayers for the Ojeda family, and for little Laura. We first shared her story here. Laura was a child of IELCO, the niece of Zulma (Katie's co-worker) and the granddaughter of Benjamin (the former bishop). 18 months ago she was diagnosed with very aggressive brain cancer. Last Monday, October 10, Laura completed her Baptismal journey at the much too young age of 11. Please continue to keep the Ojeda family, us, and all who mourn in your prayers. 

I Still Believe in Peace

Several of you have contacted us asking "what is going on in Colombia" or "I don't understand". Many of you have heard that outcomes of the vote yesterday (Sunday, October 2). 

Last Monday (September 26), Curtis attended the signing of the Peace Agreement (he wrote about it in last week's blog). Last Monday the President of Colombia and the leader of the FARC signed the final Peace Accords, which they have been negotiating for the last 4 years. It was a historic moment for Colombia, it was the first time in more than 50 years the country had peace at their fingertips. It just needed one more step to be final, the Colombian people needed to vote to have it ratified. That vote was yesterday. The ballot was simple, "yes" or "no": do you support the final peace accord. In the week leading up to the election there was a lot of excitement, and yes was favored to win. 

President Santos casting a "yes" ballot. Photo credit: Mario Tama/Getty Images - cbc.ca

However, when the polls closed at 4:00 pm, it was too close to call. By 5:15 they had declared that the "no" vote won. It was close, yes 49.7% and no at 50.3%, with a mere 38% of the country voting. We are in shock, there was not a plan B, the plan was peace. 

The president addressed the people last night and declared the bilateral ceasefire will continue (good) and he will continue to work for peace and an agreement that the Colombian people can accept (also good). The FARC have also promised that they will not go back to arms, but continue to use words (also good). These are all positive promises in the midst of what feels like failure. 

However, today I am also reminded of how proud I am to be a Lutheran. The Lutheran church here has spoken and acted in favor of this peace process. I was traveling over the weekend, so Curtis and I didn't worship together on Sunday, but we both heard the same message in the different churches: we are called to work for peace, we are called to forgive, to work for justice, and follow the teachings of Jesus. 

"We are called to act for justice, we are called to love tenderly, we are called to serve one another; to walk humbly with God" (Refrain from the Hymn #720, We Are Called). Please continue to keep Colombia's peace in your prayers as the next steps forward are still unknown. 

To read more about what is happening in Colombia, this is a great article from Washington Office on Latin America and Insight Crime. 

Part 4 and The Signing of the Peace Agreements

The announcement of the final agreements between the government of Colombia and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) is exciting news. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) and all affiliated organizations and ministries have been working for decades to build peace and look forward to the next stage in this long and arduous journey. What are the perspectives of Lutheran Colombians on the peace agreements and hopes for the future of their country? 

The plebiscite, where the Colombian people have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” on the agreement, will be held this Sunday October 2^nd. We have been highlighting the voices of our Colombian Lutheran brothers and sisters and their perspectives on the agreements.

This week, Pastor Jairo Suárez, Coordinator of the National Diaconal Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia

Pastor Jairo (middle) with Curtis and Katie. Photo by Zulanlly Chaparro.

As a Lutheran Christian, I have a commitment to peace that moves me to become a defender of the peace that comes with social justice for all. The gospel of Jesus calls me, through faith, to be a peacemaker and therefore, by the force of the word of God, a witness to this peace proclaimed and exemplified by the life Jesus. I believe that the negotiation process with the FARC is a unique opportunity to start a new path for my country; a path of hope for the present and for future generations, where one can live in peace. Or, in other words, a country where the rights of its citizens are fully protected as guaranteed by our constitution.

I have personally experienced the direct consequences of the violence that has affected millions of Colombians. Living with the anxiety generated by the violence, violence created by all sides, is difficult and it affects the development of the person. When there is no peace, there is no freedom. That is, the fullness of being human, to live and enjoy your own country, your family, even your own body and the most intimate decisions, is limited. Giving approval by voting “yes” to a process that began under the shadow of doubts but has managed to stop the war and its effects, is an ethical and moral imperative that every Christian should understand. Supporting the peace process is the call of the gospel, in the language of St. Paul, to let the Spirit create in us good fruits that oppose the works of the flesh (Gal 5: 16-26). That is why as a Lutheran in Colombia I'm happy to be able support the beginning of a responsible peace-building, giving further testimony of God's work in my life.

Signing of the agreements in Cartagena, Colombia

The crowd cheering right after President Santos and FARC commander "Timochenko" signed the agreements. Photo by Curtis.

This last Monday, the 26^th of September, Sara Lara, the coordinator of the human rights program of IELCO and myself (Curtis) were honored to be invited to attend the historic signing of the peace agreements between the government of Colombia and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in Cartagena, Colombia. In an atmosphere full of hope and a sea of white shirts and white flags, we were able to enjoy the event, which after four years of negotiations brings an end to more than 50 years of armed conflict. Tears of joy and shouts of “Si se pudo” (It was possible) or “Se vive, se siente, la paz está presente” (It lives, it feels, peace is present) filled the crowd as President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño “Timochenko” signed the 297 page document bringing “a second opportunity on earth” (famous quote from Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia’s most famous author). Here is the communication from DIPAZ (Inter-Church Dialogue for Peace) which IELCO is a member.

President Santos and "Timochenko" shaking hands after signing. Photo by Curtis.

 

Curtis with Sara Lara at the signing. Photo by Jenny Neme.

Lutheran Colombian Perspectives on the Peace Agreements: Part Three

The recent announcement of the final agreements between the governmnet of Colombia and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) is exciting news. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) and all affiliated organizations and ministries have been working for decades to build peace and look forward to the next stage in this long and arduous journey. What are the perspectives of Lutheran Colombians on the peace agreements and hopes for the future of their country?

The plebiscite, where the Colombian people will have the opportunity to vote "yes" or "no" on the agreement, will be held on October 2nd. Between now and then, we will be highlighting the voices of our Colombian Lutheran brothers and sisters and their perspectives on the agreements.

This week, Pastor John Hernandez, Pastor of the Emmaus Mission Lutheran Church in Medellin, Colombia, and Pastor Nelson Celis, Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in southern Bogota.

Pastor John Hernandez:

Pastor John Hernandez leading worship at Emmaus Mission. Photo bu Curtis Kline.

After so many decades of political violence in Colombia, we suddenly find ourselves with the concrete and real possibility to end the conflict with the FARC. This seems to have scared us. A few days after the announcement of the final agreement, the country demonstrated what so many years of violence has made of our society, which divided as it is, is debating between the "yes" and the "no" of the plebiscite.

It is clear that the agreements are beneficial for the country; an open-minded reading of them will confirm it. However, after so many years of mistrust, lies and manipulation, most people have fears as to the sincerity and the likelihood that those benefits will materialize. The majority of those who tell me they are going to vote "no", are almost certain that nothing will change and the violence will continue. Their vote is an expression of that hopelessness.

I don't know if the agreements will be implemented or not; I don't know if the lives of the ex-guerrilleros will be respected; I don't know if there will be an effective justice for the victims of the conflict; I don't know if peace and calm will arrive to the grassroots. This may not be the beginning of peace, but the agreements are an expression of the hope of a generation dreaming of the possibility, a generation unwilling to accept the fate of a failed society. This is the best argument I see to vote for "yes".

Pastor Nelson Celis:

Pastor Nelson Celis leading worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Photo submitted by Nelson Celis.

“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that they should turn from their ways and live? […]Again, when the wicked turn away from the wickedness they have committed and do what is lawful and right, they shall save their life. Because they considered and turned away from all the transgressions that they had committed, they shall surely live; they shall not die. […]Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God. Turn, then, and live” (Ezequiel 18: 23, 27-28, 31b-32a).

If it is the Lord's will that we have life, and if life follows from the repentance of all our transgressions; if He himself gives the opportunity to turn away from evil and his desire is that NONE die, why would we perpetuate a conflict that feeds on the blood of the children of this land; a conflict that destroys the dreams and hopes of those who only seek to improve the welfare for their families; a conflict that makes our brothers and sisters miserable while the "fathers" of the country bask in their dishonest gain?

The historic opportunity to rid ourselves of the armed violence has broken through into this generation; allowing the light of life to touch us all and to restore the ties that make us fellow citizens and brethren; to reconcile and remember the victims, so we never again have to suffer the consequences of the war in Colombia. 

As a minister of the Lord, I should not, and I cannot, turn a deaf ear to the voice of God's children, those who are calling for an agreement between the players in this war. A call so that those who are trapped in the middle of the conflict do not continue to be the target of its bullets, better yet, so that not one more bullet is fired from anybody. Rather, that all will walk in the pursuit of justice, and with it, a legitimate peace; a peace which Christ has left for us, a peace which we want to live and leave for our children. As a Colombian, Christian, Lutheran pastor, I join the feeling and the longing of all who proclaim Christ’s love of neighbor, all those calling for a stable and lasting peace. Let me anoint by the balm of the Word which reads: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5: 9).

Lutheran Colombian Perspectives on the Peace Agreements: Part Two

The recent announcement of the final agreements between the government of Colombia and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) is exciting news. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) and all affiliated organizations and ministries have been working for decades to build peace and look forward to the next stage in this long and arduous journey. What are the perspectives of Lutheran Colombians on the peace agreements and hopes for the future of their country?

The plebiscite, where the Colombian people will have the opportunity to vote “yes” or “no” the agreement, will be held on October 2^nd. Between now and then we will be highlighting the voices of our Colombian Lutheran brothers and sisters and their perspectives on the agreement. 

This week, Andres Alba, Technical Secretary for the Inter-Church Dialogue for Peace (DIPAZ) and member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO).

Andres Alba in a workshop about the peace proccess, photo credit: submitted by Andres Alba

I took a taxi to work a few days ago. The driver and I talked the whole ride; the subject “yes” or “no” on the plebiscite for peace. First I listened to his worries about the Final Agreement; it is difficult to read the “fine print”, he said, and it is difficult to think of a guerrillero participating in politics. I tried to argue with him about what it means to “stop killing ourselves” (a popular campaign slogan) and to start peace-building from the grassroots without armed mediation from whichever armed actor. I specified that the implementation of the agreement between the FARC and the National Government is the work of all of the Colombian society. I insisted on the centrality of the conflict’s victims in the agreements, the transitional character of the agreements, as well as the restorative justice approach that has sustained the dialogue. I also tried to clarify that in no part of the agreements does anything similar to a “gender ideology” appear, only a gender focus for a necessary justice which is intended to be democratic for everyone.

The taxi driver respectfully stayed strong with his “no”. Finally, I asked him if he is a believer. He told me yes with enthusiasm. Then I brought up that biblical memory about Jesus’ arrest, where Peter reacts: “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18: 10-11).

I told him that for me to say “yes” on the plebiscite was a way to affirm the modern necessity to “put your sword away”. It will be fundamental to build peace together without denying our political differences or killing ourselves because of them. I managed to say: “we should do as Jesus, bet on or choose nonviolent action”.

Then the taxi driver, a man already advanced in age, without needing to, slowed down the cab and told me: “I was a soldier and I know what war is. I had not realized that Peter was armed. True, Jesus invites us to sheathe our sword. Of course, the zealots were present in Jesus’ times”.

The zealot spirit, I reminded him, encouraged the most violent faction of Judaism in the time of Jesus, The Zealots. That spirit tried to permeate the movement. Is it a coincidence that Peter had a sword with him or one of the twelve is called Simon the rebel (zealot: Lucas 6: 15) or that his disciples, in front of the mob at Jesus’ arrest, say: “Lord, should we strike with our swords”? I continued, saying: It may be that the plebiscite is a necessary step to pass through the cross and await the resurrection? What do you think? I asked him. He told me: “Let’s go for peace”. 

I told him, with one foot on the sidewalk and the other in the taxi, for me the plebiscite is not the fundamental thing, but it is an important chance to claim my right to peace, as well as the right of my son, Gabo.

I closed the taxi door and felt the many dead left by this war. I thought about the necessity to “stop killing ourselves” and the unique opportunity we have in this country. And I asked myself: Why not say yes to a Final Agreement that truly will require all our service and commitment to ensure its implementation? Why not disarm ourselves as Christians and as disciples of Jesus and say yes to this peace process which becomes yes to the plebiscite?