Letter from Rebecca Lawson in the Philippines
March 2002
Dear Friends,
Greetings of Peace!
My life path has been making twists and turns in recent months. My work and rhythm with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) had grown to an incessant drumming with my assignment in the Partnerships, Ecumenical and External Relations. There was so much to do at the national office of the UCCP with facilitating partnership visits of UCCP friends from around the world, preparing UCCP representatives for their various international meetings and responsibilities, orienting new mission personnel, and holding retreats with young adults under the UCCP Ecumenical Interns in Mutual Mission Program (including PC(USA)’s Young Adult Volunteers). The days seemed so full that it was hard to focus on writing letters such as this one. Even more importantly, I found it difficult to regularly take time to meditate, reflect, and pray. When this happens, it is unfortunate since, as Christians, this meditation-reflection-prayer should be the base of all of our decisions and activities.
A restructuring at the UCCP National Office has offered me the opportunity to step back and ask the question, "God, where are you calling me?" I loved my work, even to the point of working most waking hours. As hard as it was, I was facing both burn-out and a desire expressed by the UCCP General Secretary that I be given a different work assignment. "God, where are you calling me," I questioned.
Since my position was being perceived as a position of "leadership," I could understand the desire to have a Filipino take over much of the work I had been doing. On the journey of partnership, the UCCP call for "self-determination" must be given great respect. Presbyterian mission work of the early 1900s along with that of other American denominations led to the founding of the UCCP in 1948; thus, until the 1970s, the PC(USA) was called a "parent church"of the UCCP. It is now considered a "heritage church" as we learn to work together as mutual partners, respecting and uplifting one another. We must re-order any traces of the PC(USA) being a "parent" and the UCCP being a "child." So, I could affirm the right of the UCCP General Secretary to assert his desires regarding my work, but naturally, it is hard to distance myself from work that I care for deeply.
The typhoon in my heart continued to beat, "God, where are you calling me?" I embraced once again a discipline of meditation-reflection-prayer to find God’s voice amidst the storm. I could see the evidence of God’s call. All around, God’s children were receiving God’s call. Let me share just a few examples,
- A young man named Edil recently entered the Union Theological Seminary. He comes from high in the mountains of the northern Philippines and has a shy hesitance in dealing with some of the more cosmopolitan students. If Edil left his parents’ farm to go to the seminary, not only would Edil have to overcome a stereotype of being a less-educated, "tribal" person, he would also have to trust God to provide for his physical needs. Edil made the long journey to the seminary. God is calling him.
- More than 50 internal refugees entered the UCCP National Office compound. They had come from the mountains of Mindoro, an island to the south of Manila. They are afraid for their lives because of the threats of the military who have targeted them as supportive of the New People’s Army, the revolutionary army that operates high in the mountains of Mindoro. It is not uncommon for poor people in the mountains to be "disappeared" by the military. The National Office became their safe haven and the UCCP Staff mobilized themselves into a task force to support them. Even though funds are tight in the UCCP, staff prepared a sanctuary for these people. How could they do otherwise? God is calling them.
- Pastora Josie completed her studies and headed back to the mountain village from which she came. She has three children now, and when not in the church, you can find her and her husband in the fields growing vegetables. Such a small mountain community would not be able to support a full-time pastor. Pastora Josie approaches all her work with joy, love, and humility. The smile on her face sears to your soul as you feel how much she values you. Her joyful attitude amidst difficult work in the vegetable field radiates a similar respect and value for creation. Pastora Josie may not have an elite life, but she surely has a meaningful and fulfilled one. Of course she does. God is calling her.
And as I listened, I could also hear God’s voice calling me to be open to new possibilities for ministry. I was asked to teach an intensive course in creative liturgy at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary. I was challenged to work with and learn from the local churches in the mountains of Mankayan. I have cried at the environmental degradation caused by the mining corporation in Mankayan that is pouring its toxic refuse into the mountain river. I have learned by working in vegetable fields, listening in Bible studies, and watching God’s children go about their lives.
My new long-term assignment with the UCCP is currently being negotiated—this is a conversation that includes UCCP, PC(USA) and me. I know that God is calling me and that this call is not something I can declare on my own. "Where God is calling me" is being discovered with God’s people of faith.
Your prayers continue to be very important for me. I know that they have sustained me throughout this journey. I always look forward to hearing more about how God is calling you in ministry across the street and around the world. May we continue to journey together, rooted in justice and compassion, as we work as partners in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely yours,
Rebecca Lawson
The 2002 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 189
