Global Ministries

Las Memorias Hostel is a non-profit association founded in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico January 4, 1999. Its mission is to provide quality care, human compassion, and warmth to people living with HIV/AIDS. Las Memorias also carries out educational activities for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. Las Memorias Hostel serves every type of person no matter their social status, religion or gender, sexual orientation or identity, whether they are immigrants or from other states in Mexico and rely on a framework of care with dignity with people living with HIV/AIDS. Las Memorias provides housing assistance, food, medicine, transportation to health institutions, and self-help sessions to its clients and residents.

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 5:1 - 12

Prayers for Mexico:

God of love, today, in our beautiful and broken world, we pray for softness. In this world where gentle is often synonymous with weak, and where unfeeling is equated with strength, you bless the poor, the meek, and the merciful. Though our society tells us that wealth and power are markers of success, you bless those who strive for righteousness, the pure in heart, and the peacemakers. And so we pray that we too might be soft, tender, and open to your love.

We pray for Mexico, and we pray that we might be good neighbors to our sisters and brothers here – in word, action, and politics. We pray for Melel Xojobal, and that each and every child that comes through this organization feels strong and protected. We pray for the educators that work tirelessly and selflessly to empower and support the children and adolescents of San Cristóbal and the surrounding communities. And we pray that we might really listen to and learn from the children around us, whose voices are tender and too-often silenced.

The Institute of Intercultural Study and Research (INESIN) is a civil-society organization dedicated to the education and growth of the people of San Cristobal, Mexico. INESIN promotes peace in San Cristobal through interreligious and intercultural dialogue by carrying out projects which focus on topics such as the prevention of domestic violence, positive conflict transformation, migration, personal spiritual growth, Biblical translation, and strengthening local communities.

Emergency Care at Theological Education Events

A Biblical Rereading Experience in Two Contexts

Carlos Correa Bernier, Executive Director of Centro Romero, was present for the 2019 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the 2019 General Synod of the United Church of Christ. As part of the workshops, Carlos spoke about the current work of Centro Romero.

Global Ministries Mission Co-worker in Mexico, Elena Huegel, shares the process of making Mayan Hot Chocolate - a traditional Christmas beverage in Mexico. 

Lectionary Selection: Matthew 3:1-12

Prayers for Mexico: 

In our prayers today, we hear the call to prepare the way of the Lord in southern Mexico.

We prepare the way of:

• justice by binding the leather and old-tire sandals of the "campesino" (farmer) who wills beans and corn to grow, worrying if there will be enough rain this year.
• hope by slipping on the flip flops of the children playing outside a bare cement school, feeling the joy of simplicity still unaware of the wear and tear of poverty.
• dignity by buckling on the high heels of young women standing outside restaurants smiling to tourists while fighting the frustration and despair of low paying jobs.
• peace by lacing on the boots of Mexican soldiers, police officers, and immigration officials, recognizing the corrupting pressure of "pax romana," peace of the powerful, so contrary to the humble path of the Lord.

With humility and love, we kneel before you, Lord, for it is you who makes us worthy to tie your sandals.

We prepare the way of the Lord by putting on our own shoes and walking faithfully in justice, hope, dignity, and peace. 

"Tsajtayame beel" - a Mayan good-bye blessing - "Take care of yourself on the way."

In my first few weeks in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, I’ve been thinking a lot about the book The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver. This has been one of my favorite books since I first read it when I was thirteen.

Cuautepec is a community located on the periphery of Mexico City.  It is part of the Gustavo Madero region, north of the City, which is the second largest region with 1.16 million inhabitants. Getting to Cuautepec is an adventure since the public transport service is of poor quality, and in the last section (Barrio Alto) you have to use the "vochotaxtis" (the VW bug taxis), which are the only ones that reach this point.