SEMILLA Newsletter Summer 2010

Living as Signs of God’s Kingdom: 
A Call for the Central American Anabaptist Churches

    Anabaptist congregations of Central American have the call to live as signs of God’s kingdom at the present time.  In order to live as these signs, Christian believers are called to join Jesus in the journey, to walk in the way of Jesus, and to mirror the fruits of his teachings in their lives and communities.   Only by paying attention to Jesus and by following him on the road can his disciples learn and incarnate the profound meaning of love, servanthood, communion, justice, holiness, righteousness, love, and peace.  When His followers seek the actualization of these values in their lives, ecclesial communities, relationships, and mission in the world, they reflect the intentions and purposes of God for the world and witness to His divine kingdom which stands in contrast to the world’s patterns and structures.
    This is the gift that Anabaptist-Mennonite believers and congregations can offer amidst the pressures and anxieties in Central America: to witness to Jesus and his kingdom from a life of conversion, discipleship, and commitment.  If Christians live, preach, and proclaim for the divine kingdom, they will be signs and channels of life, hope, and transformation in the midst of these challenging situations.  In this way, followers of Jesus can contribute to fostering a paradigmatic and revolutionary change in Central America.
    And this is part of SEMILLA‘s mission: “To prepare men and women to follow Jesus Christ faithfully and, thus, to live out the reign of God with justice and peace today.”  The brothers and sisters who have received biblical, theological, and pastoral training at SEMILLA are committed to witnessing to God’s reign through their lives, words, and actions.  The majority of them are engaged in the formation of Christian families and communities of faith that seek to mirror the characteristics and values of God’s reign.  By this means, they are making a difference in these lands.  Their ministry brings healing, liberation, restoration, and hope for many people in difficult situations. 
    Our prayer is that the light of God’s kingdom may shine throughout Latin America and beyond through the ministry and work of SEMILLA.

Seminary Student Testimonials

Julio Zaldaña
    My name is Julio César Zaldaña.  I am pastor at the “Rosa de Sarón” Mennonite Church in Metapán, El Salvador.  Some years ago, God called me to the pastoral ministry.  As a student, I can testify that SEMILLA has been very helpful for in my personal journey.  The Seminary has a profound meaning in my life and mission.    It brings a new hope in my life, and it gives me strength and wisdom for my pastoral vocation and ministry.  It has nourished my pastoral call and skills in order to share in a better way with the brothers and sister in my community of faith.  
    The formation that I have received has been very meaningful for increasing my commitment with God, His Church, my family, my community, and my society.  The process of study has been significant for enforcing my sense of love, hope, joy, trust, certainty, enthusiasm, and identity.  SEMILLA is like a source for drinking the Word of God.  It is a space for the formation of new leaders-servants that can share and serve with a new vision amidst of the challenges of this present time.  I have a lot of learnings from my experience at SEMILLA; but especially, I have learned to read and interpret the Word of God.  And, during the process, I have grown in my discipleship by putting into practice the Word of God in my life, relationships, and ministry.  My wish is that our almighty God may bless its mission and all of the people who work promoting this educational ministry in these  lands. 

Roberto Miranda

    My name is Roberto Miranda.  I am member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church, in Tocoa City, Honduras.  I have been attending this Church from 1999 to present.  When I came to the Church, one of my wishes was to learn more about God.  Therefore, I began to study at the Bible Institute.  In 2005, after finishing the basic biblical studies, I initiated my “Bachelor in Bible and Pastoral Theology” at SEMILLA.  My dream was to increase my training for serving at the Kingdom of God and His Church.  I wanted to be a preacher and pastor.  I also wanted to serve to my neighbors in the midst of their human needs.  Studying at SEMILLA has been very helpful for achieving my goals and dreams. 
    I have grown in my Christian faith, discipleship, family life, and vocation as Jesus’ servant.  Besides that, I enjoy the educational experiences at the Seminary; the courses are great opportunities for learning and sharing in community with other sisters and brothers.  So also, the formation that I have received has been a meaningful experience for the life of my congregation.  Constantly, I try to put into practice all of my Seminary’s learnings and experiences in my community of faith. And this has contributed to the holistic growth of my congregation.  Therefore, I am very grateful for this gift of being part of the SEMILLA’s family.  Thanks to God for this educational ministry.  I hope that its seeds can be spread throughout the Latin American lands.          

SEMILLA’s “junta directiva” or board of directors pictured above is comprised of persons representing seven Anabaptist conferences from five Central American countries

News in summary

    It has been a year since our last newsletter, and there have been lots of things happening.  Here’s a list of some of the inportant news items:

• In 2010, one hundred seventy-four students are enrolled in the high-level theological studies of the Seminary – Bachelor and Licenciatura. Of these students, about 40% were women and 60% men.  
•  SEMILLA has cooperation agreements with twelve bible institutes.  Of these institutes, nine are Anabaptist, and three belong to other Christian traditions.     
• During the year 2009, about four hundred sixty-five students attended bible institute classes supported by SEMILLA.
• Forty-eight seminary  and bible institute students completed their studies and received their degrees during the year.  These graduates come to strengthen the leadership, life, and mission of the Church in Central America. 
• In coordination with the Theologian Women Movement, SEMILLA has published a new book: The Liberating Message of Jesus for Women Today, edited by Olga Piedrasanta and Milka Ridzinski.  The book contains inspirational reflections related to the role of women in the world from the perspective of the liberating message of Jesus. 
• During the first half of 2010, CASAS received over 65 students.  They focused their educational experience on diverse topics such as: Guatemalan History and Context, Spanish Studies, Central American Religious Expressions, Community Development, and Mayan Culture.  Some of the groups came for short term educational experiences.  Others came for long time term, one semester.  In this way, we had students from: Eastern Mennonite University, Goshen College, Bethel College, Hesston College, and others.     
• Besides the formal programs, SEMILLA has offered several lectureships and workshops for leaders and pastors in Central America.  These activities were oriented to update and deepen the identity, mission, and life of the Church before the present context and challenges. 
• We have a new, large classroom.  Located at the fourth level of the seminary, it has a very nice view and has capacity for more than one hundred people.   
• Casa Emaús, SEMILLA’s guesthouse, has hosted just over 6,500 guests over the past year.  These guests have come from diverse churches and organizations of America.       
• Lastly, in the annual budget of SEMILLA, approximately seventy five percent is covered through programs of the seminary, which include income from publishing, CASAS (Central American Study and Service),  and Casa Emaus.

New large classroom on fourth level

Staff Changes
    Our sister Victoria (Vicky) Montenegro was named as Director of CASAS.  It is a meaningful experience to have a Guatemalan woman providing leadership for the development and growth of this educational and intercultural program.  Vicky is Mennonite; she is very committed to the Anabaptist vision.  She hopes to work for the promotion of SEMILLA and CASAS’ programs in America and beyond.   

    CASA Emaus has also a new Director.  In August, our brother Edwin Valladares accepted SEMILLA’s invitation to be the new Coordinator of the guest house.  Edwin looks forward to using his gifts for the promotion and strengthening of Casa Emaus.   
    Sharon Hernández is SEMILLA’s new accountant.  She began her work in April .  She is a very Christian, responsible, and gifted woman.  Her ideas and support are contributing to strengthen the administration process of SEMILLA.  
    In February, Silvia Velásquez was named as Assistant Dean for the seminary program.  Our sister Silvia has embraced her duties with a profound sense of responsibility, professionalism, and efficiency.  Her energy and work is contributing to renew the academic processes of the Biblical and Theological Program.      

CASAS Journal Reflection 

“The importance of hospitality as I return to the U.S.  I want to practice better hospitality both to guests in my house and foreigners near to my university.  The worth of family relationships, it is not money or possessions that make life enjoyable, but relationships.  The importance of respecting the lifestyles of others who live differently, and willingness to learn from their styles of life, making aspects of those styles a part of my own.  The importance of language in culture, and therefore of language study, before and during intercultural travel.”

Scott Kempf                                        Fellow student Menan Assefa and CASAS
Goshen College                                   teacher Myra Peque with Scott
Summer 2010

Groups benefit from short-term CASAS experiences

Bluffton College, May 2010
    For several years, we have had the opportunity and blessing of having students and delegations of Bluffton College.  They visited us again in May of this year.  This cross-cultural experience was really meaningful for both them and us.  They had the opportunity to expand their borders by sharing with local people, learning about Guatemalan history and reality, being introduced Mayan culture, reflecting on challenges related to our political and economic context, and serving among us.  It also was a wonderful experience for CASAS-SEMILLA.  We were impacted by the openness, humility, and sensitivity that this group showed in the process of encountering new people, culture, and other realities of life in Central America.  Sharing with the brothers and sisters of Bluffton College has been a very significant opportunity for breaking down barriers and building bridges of friendship between people.  This experience, as the ones that we have had with other groups who have come to our community through the time, is a way of growing in our relationship with both our God and our neighbors.   

East Goshen Church, June 2010
    In June, we received a new delegation from the East Goshen Community.  It was a meaningful opportunity to learn about their life and love for the church. The group was comprised of eight youth between 15 – 17 years old, and seven adults.  We observed that this group pastors and leaders have a profound commitment to the formation of the youth.  They wanted to show some aspects of the Guatemalan reality and challenges to the youths in order to contribute to their learning and growth.  In the process, these adult people became true partners, friends, and leaders for their youth.  This was an inspiring experience for us, as well.  The Church interest for the Christian life, growth, formation, and discipleship of her youth is always an encouraging and inspirational point.

Summer 2009

From the Desk of the Dean

Brother Ignacio’s commitment

Several weeks ago I was teaching the course: “Biblical Interpretation,” with a group of SEMILLA students, all pastors of the Mennonite Conference in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz.  All the participants come from the K’ekchi’ indigenous people.  Therefore,  Spanish is their second language, and this presents a difficult academic challenge.

The most intensive phase of the course lasts one week, just around 40 hours of class work.  Sometimes, it is an exhausting task because they are not full-time students.  They have to attend other duties and activities.  They have responsibilities of leadership, pastoral care, preaching, and teaching in their congregations.  Plus, they have to work to earn money to sustain their families.  Several of them must walk many hours, long distances, in order to attend the courses.  That is a great effort that we must understand and admire.

More than a simple course, sharing with them was an adventure of faith.  I challenged them to interpret the biblical text within their own context and culture.  When they were studying, their eyes and faces shone full of admiration and happiness.  That was because they were discovering that beyond the literal text we can find the spirit of the text, an unlimited richness, and wisdom for our daily life and reality.   The examples that they used to illustrate their discoveries and thoughts were very connected to their context, culture, and situation.  They worked with profound enthusiasm and responsibility. 

At the end of the week, they needed to choose a biblical text from the gospels and to interpret it by using a hermeneutical process.  After that week of classes, they would have two weeks for doing the final assignment.  It was a wonderful and refreshing experience to read their papers.  They were written with simplicity and strongly connected to their reality and life.  The thoughts emerged from the depth of their hearts but with a profound sense of responsibility before the biblical text.  All of them accomplished that task on time, excepting one, brother Ignacio.  Unfortunately, because Ignacio lives in a village that is very distant from the main office of the Kékchi’ Mennonite Church, he couldn’t be present on the day that I assigned for presenting that final paper.   I felt sadness at his absence.

Some days after returning to SEMILLA, I received a phone call from a remote village in Alta Verapaz.  It was from brother Ignacio!  He apologized for not being present on the specified day for presenting the final assignment, but he explained to me that he had indeed done the work.  And as proof, he asked me for time and patience for reading the paper by phone.  I smiled.    He said, “I know this is unusual, but I want to prove to you that I have done the paper.  And after reading the paper, I will send it to you by mail.”  Because of his insistence, I agreed, and he began to read.  Opening my heart, ears, and mind, I listened to pastor Ignacio who wanted to share with me the wisdom that he found in the biblical passage in Luke that speaks of the sick woman who touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak.  His voice was full of emotion when he shared his main findings and conclusions:

-  The sick woman was a courageous woman who challenged the power of Jesus.

-  She was a simple woman who broke the tradition and found healing and blessing.

- She was a woman whose faith would

stop Jesus on his way; that faith would  heal and liberate her[continued on p. 2]  from marginalization.

- In the passage, there are two women who are symbols of the profound love of God: the little dead girl who was revived by Jesus was 12 years old, the woman who touched the edge of Jesus ‘ cloak had 12 years of being sick.  Both of them mirror the fullness of God ‘s love for humanity.  God‘s love is for all generations and people.

- That woman returned to her home with a new sense of life; she had been dignified, restored, and liberated from all sin and sickness.

Thank you brother Ignacio!  You taught me the meaning of responsibility.  Besides that, you told me the place of technology used with wisdom.  Brother Ignacio, you passed the course with an “A.”  Congratulations...

Hans Denk Lectureship 2009 and 

Celebration of SEMILLA's 25th Anniversary

On February 25, 26, and 27 we gave thanks to God for the first twenty-five years of ministry of SEMILLA. The Hans Denk Cátedra (Lectureship), celebrated every two years, embraced the theme “Church, Word, and Proclamation in a changing society.”  Around 120 people attended the event. 

The lectures were shared by Anabaptist theologians, who are professors at SEMILLA and other theological institutions.  The first one, provided by Brother Jaime Prieto, a Mennonite from Costa Rica, shared thoughts on “the church and its commitment with history.”  The second, presented by Brother Hugo Zorrilla, a Colombian Mennonite resident in USA, reflected upon the theme “Word, Faith, and Celebration.”  The third, by Brother Gilberto Flores, Guatemalan resident in USA, considered the theme “Proclamation and mission today.”

During the commemoration of SEMILLA’s 25th anniversary we recognized the importance of our collaboration with communities of faith in our geographic region. We have studied its history. We have learned to contextualize the Word for our Latin American churches, and we have looked for better methods to carry out the mission of proclaiming the gospel in our lands. 

The evenings were times of celebration.  One night, we rejoiced at the graduation of those brothers and sisters who completed their biblical, theological, and pastoral studies.  During the liturgy of graduation,  former missionary and SEMILLA founder Amzie Yoder shared with us his preaching.  The following night, we sang, prayed, read the Bible, and participated in the preaching that former Rector Juan Martínez shared during the anniversary celebration.  As part of that, we remembered interesting facts, testimonies, and anecdotes related to SEMILLA ‘s history and journey.  The last night, we had a very special time of sharing.  We enjoyed very Guatemalan food and shared in a hymn sing.  In our celebration, other institutions shared our joy.  Representatives of Church, theological, and missionary organizations, from Latin America, North America, and Europe accompanied us during the Hans Denk Lectureship and the 25th Anniversary celebration.    It was a refreshing time of sharing, reflection, feast, and renewal for all of us.  

Yanett Palacios,

A Testimony of Faith and Commitment

My name is Yanett Palacios.  I am 41 years old.  I was born in the mountainous Ixil Triangle region of western Guatemala.  It is a beautiful land infected by the violence of the thirty-year civil war.  Growing up there was a difficult, and I still keep sad memories in my mind. 

One day, I had the opportunity to move to Guatemala City, and I became involved in educational projects with children.  I like education, so this was a wonderful experience for me.  Soon, I recognized the need for more training in order to improve my educational ministry.  My main interest was to study the Bible and Theology, and I enrolled at SETECA (The Central American Theological Seminary). At that time, my husband did not share my dream, and my studies at that Seminary were interrupted.    

Later, my husband and I began attending a Mennonite Church.  We felt very welcome and were invited to participate in several activities.  Together we began to explore ways of serving in the Church.  We initiated our studies at the Mennonite Bible Institute (IBM) in Guatemala City.  We studied three years there.  During the third year, we were sent for an internship in the “Fuente de Agua Viva” Mennonite Church in Boca del Monte.  The purpose was to improve our practices and skills with pastoral care. 

When we finished our internship, we were called to work as pastors at the “Roca de Salvación” Mennonite Church, Zona 6, in Guatemala City.  It was the beginning of my pastoral vocation.  Pastoral care has been a challenging, and beautiful experience in my life.  I have had the opportunity to share with people and families in the neighborhood surrounding the church.  I have served, trying to mirror God ‘s love, in the midst of the reality, poverty, and difficult situations of people in the community.  Besides that, it is wonderful to share the pastoral work with my husband. We preach, teach, care, and serve together in our community of faith.  Serving God with a sense of faith, faithfulness, and joy has brought growth to our family. 

When we began our pastoral ministry, we also committed ourselves to strengthening our theological formation, and so we came to study at SEMILLA.  As a student of SEMILLA, I have nurtured my understanding of the wholistic gospel, my commitment to the Church mission, my discipleship, and my spirit of servanthood.  I have obtained better and practical tools and skills for my pastoral and educational work.  Besides that, I have grown as a woman, mother, wife, and friend. 

Finally, I testify that being pastor is a wonderful and meaningful experience.  It is a challenging task, but I have received a lot of blessings in my life.  Frequently, I face problems, needs, and sufferings; but nevertheless, God has been present with me on the journey.  His Holy Spirit has given me strength and wisdom in my life and work.  This nourishes my faith, courage, and hope; it sustains me as a follower and servant of Jesus.   

Extra Credit

by Lucy Camel, Coordinator of CASAS Spanish Language Studies

Working in CASAS has been very enriching for my life. I consider my work like a channel of blessing that radiates to many people. Here one learns more than just Spanish, culture, and history. I would like to share a few examples of those “extra” lessons.

One of our students explained why she was studying at CASAS.  “I am an elementary school teacher and would like to apply the Spanish that I have learned in order to better teach English to the children. Also, I want to communicate better with the parents of the children, of whom the majority are undocumented and don’t speak English.” It was exciting for me to know that my work was only the beginning of something greater and that its effects are greater than one can know. Recently the same student wrote me after some years to says that she is still teaching children, has Latino friends and in her free time she loves to visit restaurants of Latin food. It brings me joy to know that she has found a community where she can develop and also that it can be an oasis in the desert for many families.

Another student has returned several times to Guatemala to visit friends. She has a great spirit of service where she works in a medical clinic with many Latino clients. She is in charge of providing information in Spanish and also explaining the health needs of the Latino clients to the doctors.  Additionally, she has received some calls from a nearby hospital in her home in the U.S. to help with translations. Now she is taking a translation course of medical vocabulary to better help her clients. Personally, I admire all the people who offer their life, time, and personal gifts to serve those most in need.

After his time in Guatemala, another person expressed that his perceptions of people with different ideas, colors, and countries has changed much. He now treats others with more respect because of his experiences here.

Each person that comes to our program brings their own ideas and thoughts about Latin American countries. Through living and studying at CASAS, the students develop a true understanding of life here. I firmly believe that each person can make a difference if everyone puts in their small grain of sand. I am happy to be part of a staff with a mission of benefiting beyond our borders.

Memories of Charity

Victoria Aracely Díaz Palacios

Charity was our first CASAS student.  One evening, she prepared a delicious dinner for us.  All of us enjoyed the food.  She always said, “Mamá Díaz, I am happy in your home.  I like your paintings, and your food is delicious.”  She said that because I like to paint landscapes.   

One day, she told me, “Mama Díaz, the  “cheque” is not here.  I placed it on the mirror, but it is not here.”  I thought, “Oh, she lost the check for this month.”  But then I saw the check and I told her, “Look, the check is here.”  But she answered, “No mama Díaz, I said my  “chicle” (gum)!”  We laughed a lot.        

When she returned to her country, my little granddaughter missed her a lot.  She wanted to see her.  The last day, the youth group of my Church prepared a good-bye dinner for her.  There were beautiful words and hugs for Charity.  She gave us some souvenirs; but especially, she gave us her heart.  

A Poem

Charity, dove of peace,

Peace that my land yearns for,

My land that offered you her love,

Love that young people like you are looking for.

(in Spanish)

Poema

Charity paloma mensajera de Paz

De paz que anhela mi nación

Nación que te brindó amor

Amor que buscan los jóvenes como tú

The Diaz Palacios family hosts CASAS students in Zone 7 of Guatemala City.  Charity attends Eastern Mennonite University.