A letter from Tim Wheeler in Honduras
October 2011
Dear Friends,
In Ephesians 4:4–6 we hear the call to a common faith: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; … one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This common call set the tone of our PC(USA) network conference meeting in Honduras with the Presbyterian Church of Honduras September 19–24. Differences of language, culture and church background were lessened by singing, worship, testimony sharing and discussion in small groups during the days that brought North Americans and Central Americans together.
During one session of sharing directed toward a better understanding of each other I suggested using the appreciative approach that I use in much of the work that I do in my mission focus with community groups, partners and staff. Instead of looking at the problems that are holding us back and possible solutions, we simply look at what is working well; and what can be improved on. Immediately the tension eased off in the room. People were able to share in a nonjudgmental way and move forward.
Here are a few of the thoughts that were shared during this session by 35 conference participants from diverse backgrounds and belief systems:
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What is Going Well |
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The new board of directors is working well |
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Young people are receiving education and becoming prepared |
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Pastoral training and education |
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We can think in perspective in a process over 10–20 years ahead |
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We have a way of thinking and understanding that unites us |
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What can be improved |
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Communication with board of directors |
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Agreements or covenants that unite us |
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The system of church government |
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Barriers related to attitudes |
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Taking advantage of opportunities |
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Internal communication |
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Working in an orderly way |
When we work with a group of people it is so much more positive to focus in this way and move ahead. This is especially true when we are in a cross-cultural setting and relating to people with few resources. In such situations a more traditional problem-solving approach can be particularly demeaning and hamper discussion and at the same time lower the self-esteem of participants. I recently assisted six Heifer partners in Nicaragua with a process of self-review of their projects in rural communities. The material that we used was based on a values approach and appreciative inquiry. Quickly they could see the advantages of reviewing the progress in their communities in this way, based on the opinions of project participants themselves; this led in a natural way to how to improve what already has been started.
Rev. Mark Englund Krieger of Carlisle Presbytery partners with Honduras and pastor Rene Parada Urquia working together to build a new home for his family
Back in Honduras, Gloria is leading a study tour in the country. The same questions were valued as a useful tool to promote discussion and sharing when debriefing after a day of project visits. I mention this to share the concept of using an appreciative approach in many different settings that we find ourselves. As we tried to find our “one Spirit” during our days together in Tegucigalpa, I definitely feel by starting with what is going well and what can be improved, we are able to find a greater commonality in all around us, both the people and the world that we live in and attempt to transform.
On a personal note, Gloria and I are immersed in attempting to finish up three housing projects in rural villages this year so that we can move to some new challenges in the coming year. The changes in the lives of people have been remarkable as they too are transforming their lives and their world.
Thank you for your prayers for us and for those around us.
Faithfully,
Tim
Apartado 15027
Colonia Kennedy
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
The 2011 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 288
The 2012 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 10
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