Mission Matters
What Would It Take to Change the World? Part III
Presbyterian World Mission co-workers Sandi and Brian Thompson-Royer shared this story.
Even though Filomena Mejía had only a second-grade education, she began her trek toward pastoral ministry 10 years ago. This year she reached her goal, becoming one of only seven women ordained as pastors in the National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala. Hers is a story of multifaceted ministry gifts, a gritty pursuit of God’s call, and the inspired empowerment of partnership mission.
Filomena’s parish is on a remote Guatemalan coffee plantation with an entrance guarded by armed men. Inside the gate to this massive agricultural enterprise, Filomena freely cultivates the seeds of faith. She’s more than the caring pastor of El Buen Pastor Iglesia Presbiteriana. Filomena is a sign of hope and a role model for women in a culture where they face flagrant discrimination.
Presbyterian World Mission sent Sandi and Brian Thompson-Royer to walk alongside the women in Guatemala to help them share their God-given abilities with their families, their churches, and the broader society. Sandi and Brian work closely with the Sinodica and other Guatemalan partners as well as U.S. congregations and presbyteries that have partnerships in Guatemala. The Sinodicia uses funds received from U.S. churches to provide scholarships for Guatemalan women to attend seminary.
Like many Guatemalan women, Filomena had little formal education when she began preparing for ministry. However, she has participated in the educational opportunities offered by her presbytery, Maya Quiche, which include basic education studies as well as Bible and theology courses. Our own Heartland Presbytery, in Kansas City, Missouri, which has been in partnership with Maya Quiche for more than 20 years, provides scholarships for emerging leaders like Filomena. She continues her studies thanks in part to Heartland’s scholarship program.
In her work with the women, Sandi explains how Scripture does not condone violence. She shares many ways women can support one another in their churches and communities.
Sandi recently spoke to a group of teenage girls and young adult women about ways to shelter themselves from sexual abuse, reminding them how wonderful they are. She was impressed with their confidence, intelligence, and ambition to pursue their dreams. Sandi is excited to be going back again this month to see these teens and women again.
I am thankful our church is concerned about women and children facing sexual violence in the United States, in Guatemala, and in places around the world. Our campaign, Speak Up! Stop Sexual Violence, led by World Mission’s reconciliation catalyst, Shannon Beck, is helping congregations to begin “Courageous Conversations” about the pervasive reality of violence and how to prevent it.
This October, become a Courageous Conversations congregation by joining other PC(USA) churches preaching, teaching or having a service of healing on behalf of women who experience violence, especially sexual violence. View a Courageous Conversations webinar with expert in engaging men, Rus Funk, Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons, and Shannon Beck to learn how to get your congregation involved. Resources are available at pcusa.org/courageousconversations.
There are many local leaders like Filomena who need to experience grace-filled empowerment. This is happening thanks to World Mission’s work with partners around the globe. Through these ministries, children are being educated, leaders are being trained, and sexual violence is being named and addressed. Together, we are making a difference by God’s grace!
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