Global Ministries

Mexican Roundtable

December 2020

The roundtable of Mexican partner churches is made up of three denominations within Mexico: the Confraternity of Evangelical Christian Churches, Congregational Christian Churches of Mexico, and the Disciples of Christ Church in Mexico. It is focused on the training of lay and clergy leaders for the growing number of congregations.

Panal de miel son los dichos suaves; suavidad al alma y medicina para los huesos. Proverbios 16:24

Apapachar es una palabra que proviene de la cultura del pueblo Náhuatl de México. Significa brindar una atención gentil o hacer que alguien se sienta especial a través de palabras o acciones: literalmente "acariciar con el alma". Cuando recibimos una bendición especial, decimos que Dios nos ha apapachado.

La pandemia ha afectado principalmente a las personas ancianas y a las confinadas. Facilitadores del programa Raíces en las Ruinas: Esperanza en el Trauma, con sede en el Instituto de Investigación y Estudios Interculturales (INESIN) en Chiapas, Méjico, sugirió una forma de llegar a las personas que podrían no tener acceso a las plataformas digitales.

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Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Apapachar is a word that comes from the culture of the Nahuatl people of Mexico. It means to give gentle attention or make someone feel special through words or actions: literally “to caress with the soul.” When we receive a special blessing, we say that God has apapachado us.

In the face of the growing coronavirus pandemic, I unceremoniously left Chiapas in late March.

"What do you need for tomorrow?" Jorge, a quiet, attentive twelve year old asks me in Spanish, unsure of the words to formulate the question in a language so different from Tseltal Mayan, his mother tongue.  I pantomime the items as I speak to make sure that he understands me.  "Can you get a post hole digger, a bucket and a wheelbarrow full of compost?"  He seems unsure of the word compost.  "Will old leaves do?" and smiles when I nod and say "yes!"

Lectionary Selection:  Exodus 16:2-15

Prayers for Mexico:  

Our God, heart of the sky - heart of the earth,
we who live in the birthplace of corn, who eat thin wafers called tortillas that fall not from the heavens but are a rich gift from mother earth, we ask your Spirit to transform our complaints into a joyous passion for abundant life.

As we complain about conflicts: shape our collective strength,  resistance in the face of corrupting forces, and capacity to find just solutions for all.

As we complain about the regulations and limitations due to the pandemic: mold our behavior with consideration for others.

As we complain if there aren't any tortillas or if there are only tortillas to eat: send us reminders to appreciate the food on our tables, care for our soil and native seeds,
respect for those who toil in the field, the hospital, or the market.

We recognize that complaining is the default response of an oppressed people,
             a people whose identity is trapped in the pain of victimhood.

Give us wisdom to find the grains of truth hidden in our complaints and strength to heed your call action:  claiming freedom, naming injustice, affirming dignity, and caring for all your creation.

Amen

Dr. Carlos Correa-Bernier, Executive Director of the Carlos Correa-Daniel F. Romero Center for Border Ministries and Strategies, also known as "Centro Romero," the particular experience of one of the single mothers they are assisting since the arrivals of massive caravans from Central America, two years ago, through the most recent COVID-19 health crisis in the San Diego-Tijuana border.  This is the story of "Berta," a name we deliberately use to cover her identity, for security reasons.

In February, the Churches of God in Mexico City held workshops related to the daily life of families.  

On March 8, 2020 – International Women’s Day – women and girls across Mexico took to the streets to march, protesting the rampant violence against women that is so prevalent across the country.