This article is slightly out of sequence.These events happened prior to our previous post. This is a version of our Mission Connections Summer letter. We didn't want to post this update until the letter we submitted was approved for publication. We hope you enjoy it anyway!
“Richard and Debbie... Do you have to raise your own support in order to do your work? Just what does the process for financing of your mission look like?”
“Richard and Debbie... Do you have to raise your own support in order to do your work? Just what does the process for financing of your mission look like?”
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| The daily view: A lonely California highway |
Since
the middle of March until the middle of May, we were in the US, traveling to
different places, visiting friends, family, congregations, presbyteries, and
supporters, sharing firsthand the stories of transformation, hope, and faith
that have touched our lives as we’ve lived out our calling in Guatemala. As we
traveled, the question above would regularly come up. Talking about one’s
personal work-related finances is not something we were brought up to do. Many
of us were taught that talking about money was rude, insensitive, and something
that makes others uncomfortable.
There
are several reasons beyond initial curiosity that led to our regularly being asked
questions about the financing of our work. Many have heard about the recent
announcement of a shortfall in funding that could result in the recalling of
many mission co-workers from around the world. (Read about this situation in
the Presbyterian News Service article here).
Others, familiar with other mission sending agencies, were wondering how the
Presbyterian World Mission funding process compares.
So,
from the ‘Since you asked’ department, we were sent to Guatemala as an act of
faith on the part of Presbyterian World Mission. Technically, we didn’t have to
raise our own support before embarking on this new mission. We have always been
expected to share about our work, invite participation with us, and never weary
of thanking every person and congregation for partnering with us. Of course,
there is the reality that mission work cannot continue without the continued support
of our partners around the church. And so, as it should be, the work can only
go forward in a shared connection of faithful sacrifice between those serving
directly ‘on the ground’ in mission, and those supporting the ministries of
mission co-workers.
The
very process of sharing about our work while in the US made us much more aware of the connection we share between us, our supporters, and our
brothers and sisters in Guatemala. Now that we are back in Guatemala, we’d like
to share some of these connections we experienced as we traveled to Texas,
Washington, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado, California, and Oregon. Time and
available space does not allow us to share every transformative encounter we
experienced. But here are some examples. If we didn't get out your way this year, don't worry. We hope to visit again in the September - October time frame of 2016. Drop us a line if you would like to have a visit from us.
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| Writing exercise at Irene K. Mendez Elementary School, San Marcos, TX |
“If I had $100 I would buy a
house and a car for my family”. This work was displayed proudly on the bulletin
board outside a classroom at the Irene K. Mendez Elementary School in San
Marcos, TX. It caught our eyes because it was written in Spanish and reflected
the hopes and dreams of so many we encounter through our work. At this school,
90% of the students qualify for free meal assistance. But the potential and
promise of so many of them is displayed on boards throughout the school. First
Presbyterian Church of San Marcos is partnering with this school, providing
volunteer mentors, special programs, and help with school supplies. We
instantly related to our connection through the realization of the impact of
education on lives of young people and adults everywhere.
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| Debbie with volunteers from 1st Presbyterian Church San Marcos and School Councilor at Irene K. Mendez School |
Go to the people. Live among
them. Love them. Learn from them. Serve them. Plan with them. Start with what
they know. Build on what they have..." – From an old Chinese poem, shared by the moderator of the Guatemala task force of
the Inland Northwest Presbytery. In this meeting were people with whom we
traveled on our very first trips to Guatemala. How refreshing it is to center
ourselves repeatedly in some of the principles of partnership. How we practice
the two-way street of partnership is always challenging. As we shared and made plans together, we were reminded of some of our denomination's statements on partnership learned during our orientation. One states, "Partnership calls for interdependence in which mutual aid comes to all, where mutual accountability resides, and no partner dominates another because of affluence or 'expertise'."
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| Debbie and Richard working the Mission Auction at First Presbyterian Church, Lake Forest, Illinois |
“…So if we ask for money
from people who have money, we have to love them deeply. We do not need to
worry about the money. Rather, we need to worry about whether, through the
invitation we offer them and the relationship we develop with them, they will
come closer to God.” – Henri Nouwen.
Richard grew up in an affluent suburb of Chicago and
received the foundation of his spiritual formation at First Presbyterian Church
of Lake Forest. The principles of the joys of generosity, service, commitment,
and mission were instilled through the Christian education programs of 50 years
ago, and had much to do with preparing a young spirit for a call to mission
service many years later. We were delighted to discover how these principles
are still celebrated. During our time in Chicago, it was our privilege to
volunteer at the church’s annual auction, raising funds for local mission partners.
It was a joyous event, and though guests, we were welcomed into relationship in a way that
was heartfelt and real. The same Spirit that we’ve experienced in some of the most remote villages in Guatemala was alive and present at this gathering. .
“This has got to be the best
ice cream I’ve ever tasted!” – Debbie Welch, at an ice cream social at
Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, Denver. This was a gathering of missioners
from the church who were preparing to leave the following morning to visit
their partners in Guatemala. When we gathered for worship the following Sunday,
we brought greetings from our new Presbyterian church in Cobán at exactly the
same time the delegation from this church was delivering their greetings in
Cobán. Talk about a connectional moment!
Our
stories are truly connected. We consider ourselves blessed and thankful for our
connection with you who read our updates, correspond with us, pray for us, and
support us financially. We invite your continued involvement as we keep that
connection alive serving together in Guatemala!
Thank-you
all!
Debbie
and Richard Welch
PC(USA)
Mission Co-workers, Guatemala
Thanks great bblog
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