A letter from Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger in Guatemala
March 2013
Grace to you, and greetings from Guatemala!
The covenant signing in Chajul
This year the mission of partnership started big on several fronts. The Guatemala Mission Network met in Guatemala City for three days in late January. There were 38 participants from Guatemala’s Presbyterian Church, 23 from 12 PC(USA) presbyteries, and 4 mission co-workers. Lots of connections were made, with lively discussions about the network’s goals and organization. Presenters traveled from across Guatemala to share about advances with Presbyterian women and youth, plans for the nation’s first Presbyterian university, and our responses to natural disasters. Living Waters for the World promoted its ministry of clean water. Our hosts at Central Presbyterian Church showed tremendous hospitality, providing space, translators, musicians, sound technicians, refreshments, and nursery workers.
Theological training students in Coban
As for specific partnerships, a new covenant was signed in mid-January that binds three languages and cultures—Williamsburg (Virginia) Presbyterian Church, Guatemala’s Central Presbyterian Church, and the Ixil mission in Chajul, Kiché. They pledged to worship, pray, and work together toward strengthening and expanding Presbyterian ministry in Chajul, an isolated mountainous town where Ixil farmers cultivate corn and coffee. Plans were discussed for leadership training, youth service projects, construction of church buildings, and support for the local handicraft and coffee industry.
Theological training in San Juan Ixcloy
Meanwhile, in the town of Sayaxché, hundreds of well-wishers rode in trucks from across the Petén Q’eqchi’ Presbytery (PQP) in mid-February for the dedication of a new church. After a ribbon cutting ceremony, the sanctuary filled quickly for four hours of worship. An electric band kept the service rocking, while each of the presbytery’s churches contributed songs and greetings. A 13-member delegation was on hand from the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee, which provided much of the funding for land and construction materials. Denominational officers came to honor the Middle Tennesseans for their long-standing partnership. The church was named “Rivers of Living Water Presbyterian Church.”
A small group discussion at the Guatemala Network meeting
On the theological training front, a program was launched in late February for church leaders of Q’eqchi’, Poqomchí, Ixil and Q’anjob’al communities. In Cobán 46 students registered, with another 16 in San Juan Ixcoy. The focus is on Reformed doctrine, history, and polity, as well as pastoral duties. PC(USA) funds are helping with this historic program. Courses and textbooks, as well as room and board, are provided at no cost to students, most being bi-vocational pastors who farm to earn a living. They take off from work and pay their own bus fares. Graduates will receive a diploma in pastoral proficiency from the national Presbyterian Seminary. A binational committee that connects the PC(USA) with institutions of learning that serve indigenous Presbyterians is creating a long-range education plan to expand programs of this kind.
Our deep thanks go to all who partner with us through prayers and encouragement, financial gifts for our assignment, and involvement with groups and projects. As Guatemalans often say, your efforts “valen la pena” (are worth the trouble). Or, as the Apostle Paul says, “Know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 16
Read more about Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger's ministry
