A letter from Philip Beisswenger in Guatemala
September 7, 2010
Guatemala City
Dear Friends,
A month has passed since our arrival in Guatemala. We’re thankful that Christ preceded us here, that he’s accompanied us these first weeks and for the assurance that he’ll make a way in all the days to come.
We’re based in Guatemala City, a bustling metropolis of about 3 million inhabitants. Like other cities in the Global South, “Guate” is a striking contrast of rundown dwellings shadowed by plush towers, gated condos in crime-ridden barrios, open-pit food vendors next to international giants like Hiper Paiz (owned by Walmart), Office Depot and Burger King (which, of course, our kids beg for).
So far much of our energy has gone to practicalities like finding a school, a house and a home congregation. We’ve visited numerous Presbyterian churches, each with friendly people and vibrant worship. Our two sons, Matthew and Manny, are happy at the Colegio Americano, which teaches in English and Spanish. Meanwhile, Bacilia, Stefi and I have been house hunting. We just chose one on the city’s mountainous outskirts, up a winding highway.
As we get more settled, our focus shifts to why we’re here — the ministry of partnership. Our assignment with Guatemala’s National Presbyterian Church (IENPG) is to foster healthy partnerships with Presbyterians in the United States, based on mutual respect, transparency and a humble belief that we depend upon each other.
The openness of Guatemalans to partner with U.S. counterparts is often coupled with some skepticism. They’re aware of the American impulse to plunge into projects that, we think, will improve their lot. They’re used to our habit of trying to fix problems with our money and technical know-how. They’ve found that, too often, the positive impact of this approach is negligible. The IENPG’s preference is for partnerships that involve longer term relationships, accompanying one another in life’s joys and struggles.
This past week the mixture of recent heavy rains and years of deforestation caused bridges to wash out and towns to flood. Mudslides (derrumbes) have buried stretches of highway across the country. Scores of people have perished, and thousands are homeless. In one heart-breaking incident, a derrumbe buried a loaded bus. When nearby villagers rushed to dig out passengers, a second mudslide engulfed the rescuers, leaving at least 25 dead. Guatemala’s president declared a Day of National Calamity.
Today was supposed to be moving day to our new house, but several derrumbes covered the highway last night. We hope the way will be clear tomorrow. Of course this inconvenience is slight compared to what’s happened elsewhere in the country. Please pray with people here as they deal with this and nervously await the wetter part of the rainy season.
Your Partners in Mission,
Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger
