Pentecostal Church of Chile

The past year was very good to the Shalom Center for both infrastructure and programming. With the support and collaboration of the Pentecostal Church of Chile, the Catholic University of Maule Schools of Engineering (Construction and Forestry), United Church of Christ, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations, Global Ministries, and individual and local groups, much has been accomplished.

The buildings and grounds were expanded and improved. Restrooms for the Welcome House were begun and are scheduled for completion by March 2008.  Eaves, closets, and bedrooms were completed.  The well that supplies water to the Welcome House was fenced for security and safety.  Four hectares of land on the western perimeter of the Shalom Center were negotiated and the deal is expected to be completed during 2008. Road improvements were made to facilitate access to the Center.  Several students from the Catholic University of Maule completed a biological study and a study on the thermal conditioning for pre-mountain range construction. These were approved by the University authorities and Shalom Center has a marked presence at the Catholic University of Maule as a result of the presentations these students have completed and the University has requested that Shalom Center continue offering unique themes for future studies.

The programs offered by the Center have been solidified and strengthened. A Health and Safety program was offered, led by a team made up of nurses, paramedics, and experts in risk prevention. Training for leadership development, conflict resolution, and environmental studies camps were also offered. Pastor Joel Hernández from México spent time with us during the summer and we were privileged to receive youth delegations from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) from Ohio and the United Church of Christ from Massachusetts.

The administration continues to work with the Pentecostal Churches of Chile to form the Shalom Center Foundation. Candidates are being screened for the future Board of Directors of this foundation. Work continues on an accounting system and budget projections for the Shalom Center Committee. A trailer for the grounds truck was purchased.  During Global Ministries Missionary Elena Huegel’s absence (March through September 2007), Magyolene Rodriguez, an agronomist, took over programming responsibilities.

Much has been accomplished, but there is still much to do. 2008 will focus on:

• Violence prevention education for adolescents
• Marriage enrichment retreats
• Leadership development for camps
• Shalom Center introductory presentations to local churches
• First aid training for first aid instructors with practice drills for hands on training
• Holistic health retreats for pastors and lay leaders
• Advanced conflict resolution training for those who participated in the basic training course
• Individual church camps, retreats, and encounters as requested
• International visits from delegations from Mexico, Paraguay, and United States
• Global Ministries volunteer John Wallace
• Continuation of securing and registering for water rights
• Construction of a labyrinth
• Varnishing of the Welcome Center
• Shalom Path meeting place will be prepared
• Restrooms and running water will be officially inaugurated in May 2008 with the participation of the United Church of Christ General Minister and President and the Global Ministries Executive for Latin America and the Caribbean

Shalom Center and all who are part of its leadership express sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed toward the work and accomplishments of Shalom Center. Your continued prayers and support make it possible for this Center to uplift God’s peace and creative abundance for all people. To God be the glory, honor, and praise.

For information on Shalom Center projects, go to:
 Shalom Center and Campground
 Shalom Center Restroom Project

Prepared by:                  Office of Resource Development
Global Ministries
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN  46206
Tel:  (317) 713-2555
Fax:  (317) 635-4323
Email: 

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January 2008