A letter from Elisabeth Cook in Costa Rica
April 2007
Dear Friends:
I was excited and anxious as I landed in Lima, Peru, on August 26 to teach a two-week course at the Latin American Biblical University’s center there. In spite of having been at the UBL for over 15 years, I have only been teaching officially for two years, so I had little experience traveling to give these intensive courses that are so much a part of our work.
A student at the two-week course Eli Cook taught last August in Peru.
How different it is to meet and study with students in their own context! Until now, my only experience has been with the students when they come to Costa Rica for their months of study here. Hearing, seeing, and experiencing the life and struggles of these men and women in their country made a tremendous impact on me.
I arrived to find a group of students prepared and full of questions for the two weeks we would spend together. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives enriched our dialogues, which took place in a context of respect and openness. But it was actually during coffee breaks—really “tea breaks” in Peru—when I was able to get a glimpse of the lives of these men and women, and what it means to them to be studying at UBL. Many of them study against the will of their denomination, others take time out of their jobs for these intensive courses.
I was particularly struck by Demetria. Her insistance on studying had led her into years of confrontation with her church—first in her desire to get a uiniversity degree. She was determined to acquire skills that would allow her to provide for herself, and her church was opposed. Today she is studying theology, once again against the will of her church. But Demetria is accostumed to fighting. During the violence that shattered so many homes in Peru in the 80s and 90s, she single-handedly raised 20 children who had witnissed the murder of their parents. Demetria’s dream is to come to Costa Rica to finish her studies. And there are many more stories like hers—many more. These stories enrich our lives and our understanding of how God is present in the midst of the violence that is so present in our world today.
Elisabeth translating for UBL professor Silvia de Lima speaking to Lancaster Seminary Study Group.
More opportunites for exchanging life experiences came from the travel of others—of many—from the United States to the UBL in Costa Rica. These past months have been a whirlwind of activity. Lancaster Seminary in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, brought 30 students for nine days to study with us at UBL, after having spent another nine days experiencing the life of the people and the church in Nicaragua.
Then Montclair Presbyterian Church challenged us with a three-way encounter between the United States, Costa Rica, and Bolivia. The week was a challenging and enriching learning experience for all and an opportunity to establish ties of friendship and solidarity on several different levels.
Two more groups have come from universities, bringing students for a work-study program. Their experiences in marginalized urban congregations as well as the eye-opening talks on the situation of Central America, the Free Trade Agreements and how we do theology in these contexts, were life-changing for many.
As I look back on the last few months I realize how close we are as neighbors on this planet—on this hemisphere. How important it is that we become friends and neighbors, that we look out for each other, that we learn from each other's wisdom and struggles, and that we celebrate together!
Montclair Presbyterian Church Study Group listening to Bolivian ambassador to Costa Rica.
And speaking of celebration, in just two weeks the UBL will be celebrating 10 years of achieving university status. This Bible Institute, later Seminary, founded in 1923 by Presbyterians, has had a long history. As part of the celebration, directors from the 14 associated centers in Latin America will be with us, as well as guests and visitors. The agenda: the challenges for theological education in the changing political, economic, cultural and religious context of Latin America. It is a time for reflecting, for making changes and adjustments, for observing what is happening around us and seeking wisdom for the future.
I look forward to spending several months in the San Francisco area beginning this September. I’ll be participating in Mission Challenge ’07 this October and take some time for research and study.
God bless you!
Elisabeth Cook
The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 56
