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

National IPC Synod Assembly

Anne delivers Peacemaker Invitation to German Zarate

Dear Family and Friends,

This week is another of the unique opportunities Anne and I have on this Accompaniment.  The Church's National Assembly takes place every two years, and it will be next week in Apartado - Uraba, a 12 hour drive from Baranquilla.  We will be going with a National Staff member German, who heads the Diakonia Service Division.  His English is excellent and he's been invited to be one of the International Perace-Makers in the U.S. next year.  He has a great sense of humor and traveling with him should be fun.

There are a number of differences between this meeting and a General Assembly in the U.S.  There are only three Presbyteries, each represented by five pastors and five elders.  So, there are 30 Commssioners rather that 1,500+.  We aren't entirely clear about the agenda and there isn't the big stack of pre-assebly papers U.S. Commissioners have to read in advance of GA.

Anyway, we'll be away from our computers for most of next week, so we won't be sending our next blog posting until a week from tomorro w.  When we return, CARNIVAL will have just begun.  Carnival is a BIG deal here for both Roman Catholics and many Protestant / Reformed groups like Presbyterians.  [Rather like Mardi Gras in New Orleans]  The Woman's Rights group sponsored by IPC will be in one of the parades [more about them later].  We'll be attending the Battle of Flowers Parade on Satuday.

Our warm greetings tgo you and we send thanks for your friendship and support.

Love, Joy and Just Peace,  Anne and Dave

Doing God's Work Together - Ecumenical Relations

Ecumenical Perspectives

                Most of us are aware that the nature of PCUSA world mission has changed dramatically in the last century.  Denominational identity was of prime importance; missionaries were the representatives of the Boards which sent them out, and in some areas, there was significant competition between various efforts in evangelization. 

The World Mission Conference at Edinburgh 1910 marked some new perspectives in the sense of call, training of workers, and recognition of need for cooperative efforts.  [A 2010 anniversary Edinburgh Mission Conference reinforced the ecumenical perspective and included Roman Catholic and Pentecostal representatives.]  For many decades agreement has been reached that competition would be replaced by cooperative agreements allowing each denomination to specialize in geographical and national areas.  The concept of missionary was replaced by Co-workers who were invited by the national church to “accompaniment” [as in walking along side the national church.]  Our experience has illuminated these changes.

                In our first week in Colombia, we had the opportunity to begin to learn about how the ecumenical commitments are being seriously followed by La Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia.  On our first evening, we were invited to a lecture at the Reformed University given by a Roman Catholic priest who talked about common approaches to developing effective pastoral leadership.  His major emphasis included listening, discernment, presence and sense of family relationship.  In the discussion that followed, he emphasized his role in regional ecumenical endeavors with the acceptance and support of the Bishop and the approval of his Roman Catholic peers.

                Other visits this week permitted us to see the results of cooperative efforts among ecumenical Christian groups and Non- government organizations [NGO] and City leadership in a Senior Center program.  Such is the case at the Senior Center [Foundation Misaños Bellos] which recently lost promised support for a feeding program.  As we made two visits in Sincelejo, which have particular focus on implementation of the Victims Law, once again, we recognized the importance of associations of different groups of people providing support to victims of displacement and injustice in the court system.  Another Roman Catholic told of the importance of the Latin American Council of Churches in addressing similar poverty and injustice concerns regionally from a cooperative approach.

                It is our expectation that further experiences we will have in the next weeks will continue to illustrate this ecumenical spirit which has been firmly adopted by regional church bodies, both Protestant and Roman Catholic.  It should be mentioned that the fastest growing church bodies – the Pentecostal churches--tend to be closed to this type of ecumenical endeavor.  Some evidence would suggest that such cooperative efforts are less well implemented at the local church level where denominational identity remains stronger.  The commitment to such joint-church efforts by Presbyteries and regional leaders and some local pastors may be seen as positive role-modeling for others to follow.

THE LORD’S DAY IN SINCELEJO

Sincelejo-Sucre Presbyterian Church

Sincelejo-Sucre is a city of 235,000 in north-central Colombia.  The Presbyterian congregation is located in a very poor community of people who work two jobs to feed their families.  Their roads are dusty; their homes are small.  We were welcomed as part of the family.   



Sunday morning in Sincelejo began with breakfast in the home of Pastor Josue Vargas and his wife Andrea.  Andrea sells breakfast items daily to earn some extra money for the household.  She prepared a very welcome Colombian breakfast of arepas and coffee.   Andrea gave up her electric fan in the kitchen that her guests might be cool.  Jairo Barriga, Secretary of the Presbytery (the exec), came to preach and celebrate communion because Josue, has not yet been ordained.  (He has more Presbyterian hoops to jump through.)                                                                                                               



Session meets prior to worship



Following breakfast, we walked the half block to the one-room church for a meeting of the Session.  The pastor, serving as clerk, and the Secretary of the Presbytery serving as moderator along with 2 of the 3 ruling elders met.  This appeared to be the first meeting of session since early November.  One of the elders is newly-elected.  Agenda items included clarification of the pastor’s terms of call and a break-down of the financial responsibilities of the congregation for the pastor’s salary.  A list of goals for the year was presented as was a request for pastoral study leave. The moderator requested reports on their progress by the end of the month. We were impressed with the teaching mode used by Jairo for a new pastor and a new ruling elder.

This was our first Sunday worship in Colombia.  La Iglesia Presbiterana de Sincelejo is a smaller-membership (40-45) congregation.  Worship began with singing and clapping led by three women, including an elder and the pastor’s wife.  The singing was lively and most of the congregation joined in enthusiastically.  Following the invocation, there was more singing, the prayer of confession and more singing!  The youth (ranging in age from sixteen to twenty-six-ish) were the majority of the congregation.

Jairo’s sermon text was Job 7:6, “My days pass by without hope.”  He reminded the congregation that hope is in the children, youth, and young adults, if they have the Son.  This congregation has a young adult group that meets Saturday nights. And they were also in worship on Sunday!

For communion, the children were invited to the table first.  They were given a cracker and a grape.  They were hesitant and then all (about fifteen?) approached.  One little girl, who had been outside, came in late and was invited to the table.  As she turned from the table, her joy—her excitement—left us wishing we all felt the enthusiasm and the hope of this young child when we turn from the Lord’s Table.



Pastor Joshue greets visitor



Then, as communicants, adults were invited to come in pairs to the table; break the bread and feed one another; take the cup and give to the other.  Members of the congregation paired with us and then we shared a hug and God-bless.  There was no suggestion of needing to rush. 

 We were welcomed as part of the family.  We are part of the family.   

























Session meets prior to worship