Last Post for Eaton Colombia Mission

Colombia Accompaniment,  Presbyterian Peace Fellowship  February, 2012

Anne and David Eaton



Connie, Anne and David



                This has been an amazing experience for us as a couple.  We were not fully prepared for the breadth of exposure to aspects of Iglesia Presbiteriana Colombia [IPC] life and ministry that were packed into our month.  We were unprepared for the significant changes which have taken place since 2004 when the initial commitment between IPC and PCUSA had been made.  At that time there were significant risks to Presbyterian pastors and Presbyteries for providing ministry to displasados and victims which is now lessened.  This change has made for greater freedom of movement during accompaniment visits and a much more significant learning experience for us.

                We feel that Jairo, German and Richard created a wonderful plan for our month, and at the same time permitted considerable input from us.  Some of the particular opportunities we chose were to be active observers at General Assembly Feb 14-17 in Apartado, and to participate in some selected parts of Carnaval in Barranquilla.  We felt quite fortunate to have these options.  They did take considerable time and may have  limited some of the other things we might have done.  A couple of other significant events were not planable, nevertheless had significance for our learning.  These included Lidia`s funeral, and a birthday party, both very near the beginning of our month.  Interviews with two  people – Gladys who was a victim of physical violence, and Antonio who was victim of land displacement definitely were informative.  We were told that there is scarcely a family in Colombia that has not been affected by the violence in the society.   Not in our original plan, but of relevance to new developments, was exploration of significant proposed changes in Reformed University and the chance to see the old site being torn down.

                For us, probably the most memorable and significant elements were relationships which developed with some specific people because of major time spent in informal conversation and while traveling.  We had a number of conference sessions 1] with Jairo Barriga, executive secretary of N. Coast Presbytery, and our principal host with whom we traveled to Sincelejo and Piajo.  From Jairo we learned about the strong  base of Christian leadership and the vision pastors and lay leaders have about the future of IPC;  2] with German Zarate, the Director of Diakonia for IPA, with whom we traveled to Apartado in a 12 hour trip to General Assembly. (We are pleased to learn that his visa to serve as one of the PCUSA International Peacemakers this year was granted.);  3] with Diego Higuita, Secretary General of IPA, with whom we traveled to Cartagena and spent time in the Old Spanish City and in a worship experience at the Presbyterian church there. We learned about his deep commitment to congregational ministry and the desire to return to challenges in pastoral ministry at the end of his present term with IPC; 4]  with  Gloria Ulloa  who is both a Pastor and Religious Director at Collegio Americano; we learned about her experience as a woman  leader of IPC; and 5] Mamie Broadhurst and Richard Williams, PCUSA Mission co-workers. Mamie and Richard were especially valuable in learning about the current experience of accompanying, about the IPC and aspects of Colombian cultural experience that assisted us in better understanding the Colombian church.

                We were encouraged to look for evidences of God´s Spirit at work and here are a few: the look on a young child´s face following inclusion in a part of Communion where children are given a cracker and grape with an introduction to the sacrament; the active role taken by “jovenes” who are young adults of 18-30 who assume major roles in congregational leadership of music, prayer, scripture reading and serving as part of the Session and Diakonate; in the testimony of a woman who had been physically attacked with a knife by two militia and felt that she had survived the physical recovery only by God´s help and the support of a Presbyterian congregation and by the dedicated support of her 19 year old daughter who was only two at the time of her attack,  and by Moises Castro, a displasado himself  who has assumed a role of “profeta” in emphasizing the responsibilities of Christian servants to address issues of violence and displacement.  God is at work in the significant new congregations in Urubá, a largely rural Department where there has been special attention to evangelization as well as service in support of the human rights goals of IPC.

                The experience of accompaniment was quite a challenge for us.  The month provided a great opportunity to learn more about the gift of flexibility, which has been a goal since retirement, but we still have a lot to learn.  We found that there is genuine appreciation for our being there and that “standing with” IPC and individuals in their ministry has made a positive difference.  We understand that accompaniment means different things in different parts of world mission, but that always, encouragement and appreciation are legitimate elements of the role.

                Our living situation was better  to those available to previous accompanier groups.  We felt very fortunate for the comfort of a 9^th floor apartment which became available to North Coast Presbytery. Our bedroom was very comfortable  [including the bed which was much better than we had at several hotels].  Special effort was made to get us a shower curtain.  There was a very nice kitchen with refrigerator-freezer, small stove with two burners, and a washing machine.   We are really grateful for the amenities, especially in comparison with what we were told other accompaniers have had in the past.

                In our period of evaluation with Jairo, we spoke positively about the full and varied program that was developed for us.  I indicated disappointment that our training didn`t  ‘prepare us for changes in the accompaniment program, specifically mentioned  at the conference Report in 2010 that extended the accompaniment program before our training in 2011.  In particular, we noted that accompaniers were not spending most of the time sitting around Presbytery office to help avoid generation of threats to church officials.  There was very little to suggest changes that had taken place in the election of President Santos and differences after eight years of Uribe`s presidency.

                We both have appreciated the strong sense of prayer and tangible financial support from our friends, our Peacemaking Group, our congregations in Normal, IL and Texas and others who followed our blog through the month and wrote notes of encouragement.  We look forward to sharing our insights and our hope for a resolution of Colombian problems of achieving justice and human rights in both city and rural areas, and of continued growth in Christian discipleship and ministry.  We were honored to have shared February, 2012 with IPA.

Reformed Education Part I -- Colegio Americano

       Our very first visit was to Colegio Americano in Baranquilla. Eduction is the prime goal of Presbytery of North Coast, and we have had the opportunity to visit most of the efforts to replicate their supreme model.  Administrators and teachers have generously given us their time and been open to our questions.  It was clear to us that the Colegio Americano model for elementary and secondary schooling and now the consolidation of a university program on the same campus is seen by members and clergy of this Presbytery as the major platform in their Christian ministry..  The other two foci of Presbytery energy, Diakonia [Service] are ordinarily viewed in the framework of the Education goal, and sometimes must compete for resources.

                Presbyterians have historically emphasized the importance of education for both training of clergy and for an educated citizenry.  There is obviously great pride in Education accomplishments in Baranquilla and the extent to which Colegio is contributing to those Presbyterian goals.  Recently celebrating its 125^th Anniversary,  Colegio reflects a number of important values which contrast with Roman Catholic parochial school.  Several of these values include co-education, open admission to Jews,  Muslims as well as Protestant and Roman Catholic children [although there is a clear focus on reformed protestant thematic material in relation to all subject matter.]    Many of the teachers and administrators are graduates of the Theology Major in the University – although we had difficulty in determining just how large a proportion of the staff would fit this.

                We were also very interested in additional visits to Nazaret Colegio and also Mega Colegio and New Horizon School which are operated under contract to 1^st Presbyterian.  There seems to be a clear effort to follow as much of the Colegio Americano model in the others schools as possible.  But the differences in facilities and equipment were dramatic.  Some classrooms at Colegio Americano are [digitally equipped] while New Horizon had some dirt floors and one teacher has had to teach her class under a tree for two and a half years.

                Questions about the financial aspects of the schools made it clear that in addition to being a ¨Christian ministry¨ the schools provide significant income for the congregations and give them opportunity for distribution of several hundred salaried positions.  In the case of the ´contract´ schools, there has been concern that there is often uncertainty about continuation and lack of adequate financial reserve to cover months of salary and other expenses while waiting for reimbursement by the city.

                We felt that one of the biggest problems not recognized by the schools is the inbreeding that has resulted and the lack of systematic evaluation.  It does not appear that critique is welcomed.  They are convinced they are doing things in the “right way” and should continue largely in that way.

                In the last couple of years,  a new planning effort has been advanced and is in process.  We report on that effort in Reformed Education -- Part II

Reformed Education Part II -- An Enlarged Vision for Systema Education Reformada

                In Part I, we provided an overview of the system of education for elementary and secondary school which is the framework for Colegio Americano in Baranquilla and also Apartado and Bogota.   Following the new Colombian Constitution in 1991 it became possible for development of non-Roman Catholic institutions at the university level to be approved.  Reformed University in Baranquilla began operation about 1995 and developed programs in four areas: Theology, Music, International Business and Psychology.  There was always a close relationship between Colegio Americano and Reformed University.  The University obtained property near the Baranquilla Cathedral.  It was also the site of the Presbytery of North Coast and the location of housing for PCUSA accompaniers.

                Of the four areas, the International Business had the greatest appeal from a marketing perspective  Over the life of the University on a separate campus, the Colegio carried a considerable proportion of expenses beyond tuition.  The 125^th Anniversary of Colegio provided an opportunity for re-examining the potential of the University.  We had an excellent presentation from the Rose Hernandez, Director of Planning, about the hoped realization of a wholistic program integrating people from almost birth to grave in an education system that will include the values-based Reformed-theology consistent patterns of Christian perspectives and high-quality education. 

                The model provides for entry into the educational system at many points from early childhood, through adolescence, young adulthood and into later life.  At any entry point the curriculum in any area would provide opportunity for introduction of a reformed Christian perspective as applied to the studies undertaken.  As students go into the society, they will take with them the values-oriented and reformed theological perspective and many will seek the same educational opportunities for their children – thus completing a circle.

The Plan involves an elaborate financial plan and goal of beginning this program in January, 2013 with enlarged basic university offerings.  The addition of four academic faculties and additional majors  will include Engineering, Humanities, International Business, and Education.  Development of Library support and recruitment of qualified teachers is being contracted. 

              The time-table for achieving this working model seems quite visionary, and it depends to a large extent on the completion of sale of the downtown campus which is expected to bring  a  good price.  One obstacle is knowledge that city taxes for all the schools and Presbyterian churches in Baranquilla need to be paid before approval of the sale will be given.  The investment of energy and money is required not only by Colegio but also the Presbytery.

A major loan from Colegio to get the new system up and running is supported by the fact that the project includes many advantages for Colegio.  It seemed to us that this system seeks to make the Presbyterian education masterpiece more competitive, but doesn´t do anything to address the stark deficiencies in the other  schools the church offers in Baranquilla.

Gender Observations in Colombian Church



Pastor Gloria at Colombian lunch



Girls on Colegio Campus

      The social position of women has been a major issue in many societies.  It is clear that women have not had the advantages of most men growing up.  We noticed there was a much higher proportion of boys in classes at the Colegio [private high schools] we visited, possibly reflecting a willingness of families to spend the extra cost for male preparation in private school. Some significant progress has been made in society, and in the church.

      It has only been quite recently,  that women´s  leadership in the church has been formally recognized.  The celebration of ordination of women as Elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament recently celebrated [50 years for Elder and Minister in the Presbyterian Church.]  The are still a number of U.S. denominations who won´t ordain women or permit women to preach, and some congregations left PCUSA over ordination of women quite recently.  It was of particular interest to an Accompaniment team that included two women of considerable leadership experience in the church and a man who has learned to appreciate the significant role of women in both church as society to observe gender issues.   We were especially interested in the role of gender within Iglesia Presbyteriana Colombia during our month here as we observed in one Presbytery and attendance at the General Assembly as well as in local congregations.

     Elected delegates to the Synod Assembly reflect the important role of women as Pastors and Elders.  About 40% of the delegates were reported as being women by a male we asked.  It actually was 9 out of 30.  However, a period of observation at the beginning of plenary, indicated a dominance of male voices in the discussion of business of the national church to be by men. 

     Toward the end of the Assembly,  a male delegate commented that they should be congratulated on the number of women who had been ordained [particularly in comparison with the Mexican Presbyterian church which they consider to be ¨belong to a different planet¨]  in regard to a number of issues including leadership of women.



     In a conversation over lunch with a woman, who is pastor of two churches and serves as chaplain at Colegio Americano for children, we inquired about her perspective of  differences in the acceptance of women in church leadership.  She was quiet for a while and then agreed that while formally women had a full role in the life of the denomination, men were give preferencial treatment in key discussions at meetings and as elected leadership.



Pastor Gloria Preaching



     While there have been four women moderators of IPC, the last one was in 2006-2007.  Another interesting observation is that in the first two congregations we visited, all three of the elders were women.  We do not know the gender composition of congregations in the other two presbyteries. 





Birthday Celebration

 Carnival  Parade

Anne and David´s Carnival attire

 Accompaniment Celebrations

Sometimes it might appear that the seriousness of issues which we accompany in Colombia would make report-space only for painful and sorrowful times of prayer and discussion.  Naturally, Jesus’ acceptance of the invitation to the wedding at Galilee, including assistance with the depleted libations would remind us that we should accompany times of celebration.

Our team missed some times when there was obviously celebration of the 125^th  Anniversary of the founding of Colegio Americano in Baranquilla.  We weren’t present for the Farewell Celebration of Alicia Winters at her retirement after over 30 years as a beloved mission co-worker with the IPC.  She is to be celebrated at the PCUSA General Assembly 2012.

This Accompaniment team did have several unique opportunities for Celebration we want to include as a way of showing that we had many opportunities to have time for joy and thankfulness.  On the second night of our month, the February, 2012Accompaniment Team were invited to a Birthday Celebration of Terecita the wife of German Zarate, the very funny and enjoyable new friend we made during the month.  When we arrived at the Zarate home, we could hear music as we climbed the stairs to their apartment.  We were introduced to the two Zarate children, German’s mother, and to a large number of IPC friends and work associates.  The snacks and meal we were served were excellent. 

We had heard reference to Baranquilla Carnival as unique version of pre-Lenten festivities the weekend before Ash Wednesday.  In Baranquilla, this celebration includes a number of public parades and lots of personal parties and night-time revelry.  It is customary to get out from storage or purchase new items of clothing to wear for Carnival.  Office Buildings as well as stores are colorfully decorated.   We arranged to attend the Battle of Flowers Parade on Saturday afternoon and to obtain elevated seats in a reserved area under a canopy.  Arriving early to get good seating, we found plenty of interesting things to view as we watched other attendees arriving with family and friends.  The parade itself was quite a spectacle—it was planned as 3 hours of imaginative mechanica figures, popular singers, dance troupes, and several which were connected to historical Colombian heroes.  A delightful 16 year old student who attends Collegio Americano] explained the events in advance in very good English.  The amplified music was very loud and we felt both audio and visual overload after 2 ½ hours and took opportunity to leave to find a taxi to a comfort restaurant we like.  Monday evening we are invited to a private Carnival party.

Although it was not the specific reason for requesting February for our accompaniment, being in Colombia for Carnival as well as being able to attend the bi-annual Synod Assembly of IPC was a terrific serendipity.  The fact that two of us were from Illinois and one from Pennsylvania meant that we missed some severely cold weather during February was it’s own contribution to the celebration of this accompaniment team the third week of February.

Submitted February 20, 2012  Dave Eaton, Anne Eaton

General Assembly February 14-17, 2012

Anne meeting Guest Speaker

Delegates Eating Together

Assembly Worship Together

         It was an unexpected opportunity for us to be accompaniers at the bi-annual General Assembly of la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia (IPC) February 14-17 in Apartado. Each of the three presbyteries sent five elder delegates and five pastor delegates. Nine of the thirty delegates were women. About half a dozen males dominated the conversation. It was obvious that more pastor delegates were familiar with the national church. It was very interesting to observe the process in electing officers included humor and evidence that these delegates like one another.

         The Synod executive secretary and secretaries of the presbyteries provided positive leadership. It appeared that delegates from the same presbyteries remained together at breaks and at meals; possibly some caucus activity took place. As expected, there was some business to be transacted, but there was more energy around issues affecting the future of IPC and the future to which they feel God is calling them.

          We began with an evening worship. There was singing and prayer, reading of Scripture and proclamation of the Word by Linda Eastwood the coordinator of the PPF Colombia Accompaniment program. Her theme was the tension between tradition and traditionalism. The second day Sarah Henken, PC(USA) Andean regional coordinator, led the morning devotions, following singing. Her focus was God’s love for all and God’s plan for us to live together as one.

            A significant portion of the Assembly revolved around an opening presentation by the Reverend Chris Ferguson, pastor of the United Church of Canada, whose topic was “Necessary Reforms for the Church Today.” He challenged the delegates to look beyond their internal business to see the problems in society around violence. Basing his text in Mark, Ferguson stated that violence is a result of fragmentation of the society. Therefore he posited that it is essential for the Christian church to work ecumenically in order to alleviate that violence. Following his address the delegate reflection activity was to work in presbytery groups to respond to three questions: What does the Bible say? What statement should the national Presbyterian Church make about the Victim’s Law? What actions should the local churches take? Each group reported back briefly with their considerations. A final consolidating report was to be made by a small committee just before closing of the Assembly.  That smaller group will spend the coming weeks drafting an official IPC response to the Victim’s law. Local congregations and presbyteries will develop activities around their plans to stop fear and violence working toward peace and justice.

          The third morning, the devotion was led by the former moderator, Javier Rodriguez. He told a parable about sharing an orange – everyone gets something. He invited participation from the delegates and they were energetic in their responses! Some of the ideas expressed were: we need to be willing to “give,” to share with all who are in need; unity in the IPC is necessary or there will be no church; we need to leave here with a clear vision; and may God help us to interact through the Holy Spirit.

The Assembly was closed with Holy Communion.

Anne Eaton, David Eaton and Connie Cochran                          February 19, 2012

Some Victims in Colombia

Land Victim

Learning about Victim´s Law

Mother tells of personal attack

Some Victims in Colombia

When we received training as potential accompaniers, we learned about the continuing desire of the Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia to minister to victims of injustice.  We have wanted to be open to an expanding understanding of the breadth of experiences which produce victims.  January 2012 marked the implementation of the Victim’s Law.

Victimization includes murder of parents leaving children without a family, the loss of land denying farmers their vocation, physical attack which produces disability, and the lack of adequate employment. All of these situations are a call for justice.

The church is trying to bring peace and justice. In cooperation with NGOs and international organizations Christian churches are working ecumenically. Some individual victims continue to expect the church to give them more direct aid while others recognize the value in helping themselves. The IPC promotes self-development of the people.  Victimization is a continuing issue in Colombia and some told us “we are all victims.”

We met two young adults whose father, a mayor, was assassinated because he brought a charge of higher government corruption.  The son left the country in fear but returned after two years to help other victims.

Another contact is a woman who was brutally attacked seventeen years ago.  She was a secretary for a local government official.  After extensive medical treatment, therapy and fear, her whole family moved several times.  Her brother was killed.  Her current employment situation is thwarted by her disfigurement, and her daughter’s education has been disrupted by continued moves.  After seventeen years, this woman and her family continue to experience post-traumatic stress.

We traveled as an ecumenical group with members of human rights agencies to meet with indigenous people who have received a ‘communal’ parcel of land.  It was clear that this pre-Victims Law settlement has not been satisfactory largely due to the  government’s failure to provide a 9km road to their farmland.

Another woman told of her family’s experience in being victimized in a financial transaction involving the purchase of land for a tomato farm.  The bank took several expenses off the top of the loan before any funds changed hands. Government red tape slowed completion of the project yet money is still owed and the tomato workers have nothing to show for the effort. In the department of Atlantica, 95 government projects were proposed to get people back to work but only five have actually started functioning.

The Victim’s Law has been enacted by the national government in an effort to resolve some of the injustices experienced by the people.  A lawyer spoke for over an hour about elements in the Law and was forthright in suggesting that the process of applying for and receiving reparations will be complex.  There will be limits to the length of time one has to apply, and some legitimate victims will become discouraged before getting reparations.

We have had the chance to observe several groups of representatives of social service agencies discussing how they are attempting to aid victims.  We heard about public demonstrations and bumper-sticker/sign publicity to protest a new real estate tax.

We were impressed by the work of a Women’s Rights organization which receives support from the Presbyterians.  They provide education about domestic abuse. It is one concrete response from Presbyterians promoting justice for victims.

Most terrorists and paramilitaries are still around. A few top leaders have been jailed as a show but the majority of “foot soldiers” continue acts of terror.

What is God calling us to do about victimization in Colombia?  The IPC continues to discern how to respond to the need to accompany victims.   As PCUSA accompaniers, we too, are still listening and learning.

Respectfully submitted,

David Eaton, Anne Eaton, Connie Cochran

February 17, 2012