Global Ministries

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.

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.

Download PDF Bulletin insert

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.