A letter from Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger in Guatemala
June 2013
Grace to you, and greetings from Guatemala!
In mid-May the Evangelical National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala (IENPG) held its annual Synod meeting at a picturesque camp along Lake Amatitlán. The gathering included dynamic worship, warm fellowship, hearty meals, heated soccer matches, and of course plenty of sitting.
Synod worship
The 375 delegates gave unanimous approval to a covenant that reaffirms the partnership between the IENPG and the PC(USA). The document celebrates “our work together as witnesses to God’s Kingdom” as well as the “existing partnerships that bond our denominations on the presbytery and congregational levels.” Special appreciation is expressed for “PC(USA) mission workers and their U.S. supporters that have been so instrumental in the formation of the Guatemalan church” as well as “Guatemalan church leaders for their vision and sacrifices that have produced so much good fruit.” The covenant asks God’s forgiveness for “mistaken actions and attitudes in the past that have in any way impeded our common witness and work as partners in mission.”
During the plenary two intertwined themes pervaded—theological education and the development of new churches. Over and over again, the desire to expand training opportunities and evangelistic initiatives was highlighted. One day a new seminary program for indigenous pastors in Cobán was applauded as a model worth duplicating across the country. An elderly Q’eqchi’ pastor from the remote Ixcán Presbytery stood and gave emotional testimony about the program, saying that after years of feeling left out, his presbytery has “finally been taken into account.” Another day a detailed plan was adopted that seeks to invigorate ways that the PC(USA) and the IENPG cooperate on educational efforts like the one in Cobán.
A visit by Living Waters for the World leaders.
Also during the assembly a covenant was approved with Living Waters for the World (LWW). Recent studies show that 80 percent of water sources in Guatemala are polluted with bacteria and chemicals, and that 83 percent of rural Guatemalans lack clean drinking water. Acknowledging their shared faith and Reformed roots, the LWW and the IENPG are banding together with local churches and community organizations to install water purification systems.
Toward the assembly’s end an upbeat report came from an IENPG pastor who was an “ecumenical delegate” at last year’s PC(USA) General Assembly. Pastor Miguel Estrada described the warm hospitality that he enjoyed in Pittsburgh, and the opportunities that he had to participate during the sessions. He carried back greetings from the General Assembly and a crystal communion set that was given in recognition of the IENPG’s 50th anniversary. He also brought a large manila envelope overflowing with cards from PC(USA) delegates who are praying for the IENPG. In response to Pastor Estrada’s report, Synod delegates waved their hands, pledging to keep the PC(USA) in their prayers too.
Of course partnerships consist of much more than verbal greetings and written covenants. In Guatemala PC(USA) mission teams continue to back up words with their personal touch. In June a team traveled from First Presbyterian Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, for the groundbreaking of a new Presbyterian complex in Cobán. Another team came from Williamsburg (Va.) Presbyterian Church for the cornerstone laying ceremony for a new Presbyterian church building in Chajul. It’s exciting to participate in the building of God’s kingdom with sturdy materials such as concrete, prayer, rebar, hugs, and the joyfulness of the Lord.
It’s a joy for Bacilia and me to take part in this international partnership that strives to glorify God and to reach God’s people at their needs. Many thanks go to all of you who partner with us in God’s mission through prayer, correspondence, visits and financial commitment.
Philip Beisswenger
The 2013 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 16
Read more about Philip and Bacilia Beisswenger's ministry
