Visits: formerly had visits with a lot of folks – more
recently we’ve sent and received smaller groups – Perry updated us on the
recent visits – maybe we can send someone to the Women’s gathering again this
year – the Guatemala Network will be meeting this year at Cedar Ridge in
September – the women’s meeting that Soni and Megan went to focused on their
training of women (high school education) and the domestic violence workshops
they are having
Might want to send a couple of women to the women’s meeting
in the late winter/early spring – might want to send a delegation from here to
Guatemala in 2018 – for Doug, it would be easier to go in August than late
June/early July – Molly and Eva might be able to go at that time – want to keep
our delegation to one van load – when we talk with them today, we could tell
them about the September meeting here
They now have a synod and GA structure – there are 5 synods,
2 of which are Q’eqchi’.
When we call them, need to ask them if the presbytery
actually got the money, and if they did, what is it being used for – ask about
schedule for the Women’s meeting – congratulate them for their Reformation Day
celebration – how are the organizational relationships working out
Gave Elisa a lot of background on the political and economic
situation including the nickle mine – Russian influence is supreme – pollution
is terrible – agribusiness has exploded and has had extremely negative impacts
Calling Ramiro: Elisa introduced herself – Espiritu Santo
has been participating in the presbytery and talking about purchasing a ranch
outside of town – 11 churches participated in the parade on Reformation Sunday
(15 vehicles in the parade) – they hope to send 6 (3 of whom will be women) to
Coban for theological education
[Note: Doug talked with Helen Walton in the 90’s about
providing funding for indigenous theological education, and she set up a fund
with the Presbyterian Foundation – but there were problems with it that led to
the money being cut off – it is now working and the money is now flowing]
We have encouraged them to be sure to include more women –
Ramiro still struggles with his diabetes – Gerardo has been sick – Ramiro’s
grandson is doing well – he’ll be 40 days old on Sunday and will be
acknowledged at church tomorrow – the Women’s meeting will be in late April –
travel between El Estor and Coban is very treacherous – bandits are plentiful
on that road – the BOO is attractive for them because it is a book of law in a
country that has no laws
They DID get the money we sent – Ramiro will send a report
to Doug as to how the money is being spent
Sandy and Brian are scheduled to be here on Super Bowl
Sunday – we’re asking the adult SS class to give up their time for a mission
co-worker coffee discussion – they’re also invited to preach/give a Minute for
Mission
Jane had been sending a Guatemalan bookmark to the new
members as they join – Soni will do it for a little while and would be glad to
have someone else help as well
Set a date
for next meetings: 2nd Saturday in the month through April at least
Bananas: Chiquita bananas have been doing terrible things in
Guatemala – can get “non-oppressive” ones at Whole Foods
Pastor Elisa closed with prayer
-Mary
