May 2007: Women Blending Differences
…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. I Timothy 4:8
May 2007 Bulletin Insert Format
…godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. I Timothy 4:8
For the first time in more than 100 years, the Ladies Society of the Fraternity of Evangelical Christian Churches of Mexico (CICE) has decided to celebrate their 2007 annual assembly in the Sierra Huasteca, Mexico. The Sierra is a natural exotic place where many cultures co-exist. There are very strong indigenous communities and traditions, and numerous ethnic groups. Having the assembly there means the community work of the indigenous women will be not only be seen but affirmed. Sierra Huasteca’s pastor’s wife, Esther Flores, is the leader of the women’s community work, and is the assembly’s keynote speaker. The assembly will listen to her testimony as a community leader, hear of her Christian faith, and learn about her commitment to family.
Getting to the Sierra from very distant places is not the only challenge. The women from the city and those from the rural areas will have to live together for four days in very different conditions than they are accustomed. They will have to plan, purchase and prepare meals together, and cope with language differences. Most importantly, they will organize and worship together blending their traditions into one meaningful experience.
We pray for a stronger and determined church to face the new missionary challenges within and outside of Mexico.
Justino Perez-Ojeda and Zaida Rivera-Rivera are missionaries serving with the Christian Congregational Churches of Mexico. Zaida serves as a consultant for the Mission Development Program.