Global Ministries

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.

Facilitator training course at the Institute for Intercultural Studies and Research

During the month of August 2019, 13 people came to San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, after finishing the first four courses in the "Retoños en las Ruinas: esperanza en el trauma" (Roots in the ruins: hope in trauma) program. 

De Jehová es la tierra y su plenitud; El mundo, y los que en él habitan. Salmo 24:1

El Instituto de Estudios e Investigaciones Interculturales, un socio de mucho tiempo de los Ministerios Globales en Chiapas, Méjico, trabaja con personas en aldeas y comunidades, aprendiendo juntos cómo la muerte de los bosques significa más que la pérdida de árboles. Cada respiración que hemos tomado ha dependido del oxígeno procesado por miles de millones de hojas en todo el mundo. Los alimentos que comemos provienen del suelo enriquecido por esas mismas hojas, naturalmente compostadas durante cientos de años. El hábitat del bosque es el hogar de criaturas y muchos humanos que dependen diariamente de los medicamentos, los alimentos y el combustible producido por los árboles.

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The earth is God’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. Psalm 24:1

The Institute of Intercultural Studies and Research, a long-time Global Ministries partner in Chiapas, Mexico, works with people in villages and communities, learning together how the death of the forests means more than the loss of trees. Every breath that we have ever breathed has depended on the oxygen processed by billions of leaves around the world. The food we eat comes from the soil enriched by those same leaves, naturally composted over hundreds of years. The forest habitat is home to creatures and to many humans who depend daily on the medicines, food, and fuel produced by trees.

Lectionary Selection:  Luke 9:51-62

Prayers for Mexico:  

God the Father and Mother, you show us your love in the life and wisdom of Jesus. Teach us to follow you in your solidarity with the poorest and most marginalized in this world.

In solidarity with those who suffer because of injustices.

In respect for the dignity of every human being and of all creation.

In your calling to share resources with those most in need. 
In your love for all people without conditions. 

We hear your call to be your disciples.

We are committed to serving you by following the example of your life. 
We commit ourselves to honestly confronting our selfishness. 
We commit ourselves to deny ourselves, to take the cross and follow you. 
We commit ourselves to be guided by your Spirit to bear witness to your Kingdom of righteousness and life.

Amen.

Pastoral Accompaniment Project in the Community "El Refugio."

A church that serves God by serving its community. / Una iglesia que sirve a Dios sirviendo a su comunidad.

Lectionary Selection:  Luke 19:28-40

Prayers for Mexico:  

We can be kind by David Friedman

So many things I can't control,
So many hurts that happen every day.
So many heartaches that pierce the soul,
So much pain that won't ever go away.
How do we make it better?
How do we make it through?
What can we do when there's nothing we can do?

            Chorus:

            We can be kind.
            We can take care of each other.
            We can remember that deep down inside
            We all need the same thing.
            And maybe we'll find
            If we are there for each other
            That together we'll weather whatever tomorrow may bring.

Nobody really wants to fight,
Nobody really wants to go to war.
If everyone wants to make things right
Then what are we always fighting for?
Does nobody want to see it?
Does nobody understand?
The power to heal is right here in our hands.

And it's not enough to talk about it.
Not enough to sing a song.
We must walk the walk about it
You and I,
Do or die,
We've got to try to get along.

We can be kind.

Lectionary Selection:  Luke 13:1-9

Prayers for Mexico:  

God of grace and mercy,

Amid pain and death, you accompany us with your saving presence. Assuming our humanity, you stand in solidarity with the causes of oppression and injustice.

Forgive us for being indifferent and for our lack of faith and commitment to justice. Teach us to be sensitive to the many situations of violence and despair that many of our brothers and sisters experience around the world.

Open our eyes to see the new opportunities you offer us in your grace. Encourage us to transform the realities of death for signs of life and hope.

We accept with gratitude your protection and your care, recognizing that in your mercy we can find the joy and peace we need. Fill us with your Spirit so that in it we can bear the fruit of love and justice.

May the word of the gospel that we share help us to find ourselves with God's grace and mercy. Help us overcome our vision of retribution, which makes us believe that God only helps the "good" and punishes the "sinners." Cause us to live a genuine life of conversion (metanoia), where change occurs not only our mind but also our heart.

May the gospel be good news for those who seek new opportunities. The fig tree in the parable was in a privileged situation. It was not unusual in Jesus' time to see fig trees and other fruit trees in the vineyards. The good land was scarce, and it had to be used well; the fig tree had good opportunities, but it did not take advantage of them. This story echoes with the overabundance of God's grace. We pray that when the Lord of the vineyard comes, God will find fruits in our lives: fruits of conversion, mercy, and justice.