Pray for Chile on Sunday, August 24, 2014

Lectionary Selection: Exodus 1:8–2:10

Prayers for Chile:
As we remember the midwives who saved the Hebrew babies from the Egyptians, we remember the young women of the Pentecostal Church of Chile who are working hard to finish their university studies and dedicate their professions to healing and change in their families, communities, churches and country. We pray for the teachers, nurses, accountants, engineers, lawyers, family counselors, agronomists and other women professionals who have grown up in the church and who, through their participation in the Shalom Center (a peace education, environmental education and spiritual development project of the Pentecostal Church of Chile), have committed themselves to building up God’s kingdom of shalom. May the Lord give these young women professionals of Chile the courage, wisdom and shrewd intelligence of the Hebrew midwives to face the systems of oppression and bring about the transformation of this land.

Mission Stewardship Moment from Chile:
I close my eyes and I see a living sculpture created by young women from Chile, Argentina, Paraguay and Mexico which represents “breaking free” from the generational oppression inherited from the dictatorships in each of their countries. During the Roots in the Ruins: hope in trauma course, these young women have discussed Elijah’s experiences through the lens of trauma, have identified posttraumatic responses in themselves, their families, communities, churches and countries, and have determined that it is time to “break free” from aggressive and depressive cycles. This week, as I sat around the table with another group of young women, this time Chileans and Mexicans, they remembered a song that they learned from a delegation of women pastors from the Disciples and UCC churches who visited the Shalom Center. They laughed and flexed their muscles as they broke into: “I am strong, I am invincible, I am WOMAN!” by Helen Reddy! As I continue to travel through South America, I am grateful to each of you who make it possible for young women to take these courses, develop resilience, and become God’s instrument of change.

(Prayer and Mission Moment by Elena Huegel)

Mission Partners in Chile:

More information on Chile:
http://globalministries.org/lac/countries/chile/

Global Ministries Missionary in Chile:
Elena Huegel, a member of Iglesia Cristiana Ebenezer, Los Fresnos, Texas, serves the Pentecostal Church of Chile (IPC). She is an environmental and Christian education specialist.
This work is supported by Our Church’s Wider Mission, Disciples Mission Fund and your special gifts.