A Letter from Amanda Craft in Guatemala
Winter
Susy Rosal Saagastume de Miranda - leading a workshop on women's leadership
Sunday, March 17, 2013, was a historic day in the life of the National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala (IENPG). Another woman was ordained and installed as a pastor of Word and Sacrament—this makes four women currently serving as pastors. This day was significant because this woman is the first for her presbytery, Centro, and because the service was moderated by a woman, Elder Ester Polo de Sanchez. This is the first time in the history of the church a woman moderator has had the privilege to do so. We must celebrate!
Miriam Azucena (Susy) Rosal Sagastume de Miranda is a daughter, a sister, a mother, a wife, a pediatrician, and now a pastor. She has been ready and seeking a call for some time and has worked closely with the presbytery’s women’s organization as their advisor. She first thanked the women of the presbyterial for encouraging her to seek ordination as a pastor. Leaders from the Unión Sinódica Femenil (the national women’s organization) were also unwavering supporters of her call. It was evident by the groups of supporters she named that women were instrumental in this process. There were even three women presbytery members serving on the ordination/installation committee.
Image from the commisioning service - Susy is in the middle and Ester is standing at the mic
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NRSV) tells us, “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” as a reminder that we are all called in different ways to build up the body of Christ. There should be celebration when the church becomes that space where members come together giving voice to our calls and accompanying one another to try to make those calls a reality. The National Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Guatemala was that kind of place on March 17. It was an honor and privilege to be present to share in such an important occasion.
The congregation that called Susy is small and has struggled to find its way the past few years. However, those present for the installation showed signs of excitement. Although there is much work to be done, I believe many in this particular church are ready to dive in and work with Pastor Susy.
My prayers:
- That the energy felt on this momentous day continue throughout the next weeks, months, and years to help carry this congregation into the next phase of its journey.
- That God’s presence be felt as this congregation moves forward under new leadership. May members and pastor listen to one another, share grace with one another, and understand the gifts and talents they bring. May they learn to live in mutual respect working to glorify God’s world.
- I also pray for the day when there is no longer “Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female,” and that the church becomes a place in which we all belong equally and can all serve as we feel called. AMEN.
This is the first ordination/installation service for a pastor I have attended during my time here in Guatemala. As I serve the Unión Sinódica Femenil, we have talked about how to support women leaders in the church. It is not always an easy path for women in this church as they often feel excluded, marginalized, or ignored. The Sinódica as an organization has struggled as well since not all women are in agreement over women’s ordination. However, the Sinódica leadership has lived in this tension and fall on the side of mutual respect. When opportunities to accompany someone like Susy arise, the women rally and support her. The ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with Presbyterian women of Guatemala has been strong and profound. The relationship with female church leaders from the PC(USA) has significantly influenced women and men in the Guatemalan Presbyterian Church in positive ways. This particular mission co-worker position in which I currently serve has allowed for those relationships to widen and deepen. As I said at Susy’s installation service, it is a privilege when I can represent the PC(USA) at such events, knowing that it is through God’s will that we can celebrate this occasion together. Accompanying women leaders like Susy is an important ministry that feeds us all beyond measure. I extend my and the women’s gratitude for your financial and spiritual support that allows this ministry to continue, and I hope you will continue to prayerfully, spiritually, and financially support this ministry.
Congratulations and blessings to Susy. The road ahead may not be easy and will probably have its ups and downs, but may she feel fulfilled and may the congregation feel inspired and motivated by their choice.
Amanda
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 16
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