Fifteen years ago, St. Michael’s in Roseville entered into a relationship of accompaniment with a partner congregation in Cimiento, Guatemala. Through the years we have visited Guatemala, hosted leaders from the Iglesia de Luterana Agustina de Guatemala (ILAG), and offered support and mutual care. In October, 12 members of St. Michael’s traveled to Guatemala to reconnect with our partner congregation, engage in the work of the elementary school (CLAG) and the girls’ school (Milagro), and see how ministry is taking shape in various contexts across the country.
Participant Reflections
Together again in partnership: working, building, and playing together; cooking and eating together; worshiping together. The great joy of this trip was in being together again. The congregation of Santa Cruz de la Esperanza (Holy Cross of Hope) had worked through the night to ready the sanctuary for the dedication worship service on our morning arrival. They had waited months to use the new church building until, and finally, together, we were able to bless the space. Our international partnership does not always allow us to be together physically, but this trip truly celebrated that we are one community, one congregation, in our faith and in our commitment to each other. – Lisa Koland
We were able to reconnect with our partners and celebrate the building of their new church and the gift of being community with and for one another. It was a gift to be able to be part of this ongoing relationship. It was powerful to hear the people of Cimiento pray for us and for our church—it is one way they show up for us. And it was powerful for them to see us come and walk with them for a few days, to celebrate with them and eat and worship together. – Pastor Brad Froslee
This trip to Guatemala changed my view on the word “service.” I no longer think of it as a goal, an objective; I think of it as a companionship, an exchange of experiences, culture and knowledge that we all can learn more about our partners and ourselves. I went into the trip with a mindset that there was nothing I could be taught and I was just there to do service, but I ended up being taught more about myself and my values than anything else. – Mia Carrico, High School Student
This was my first trip to Guatemala; it was a wonderful and new experience! My favorite moment was learning how to make tamales from the Milagro students. When talking and working with them, I realized they worked carefully and in no rush. This made me realize how much of a hurry I’m always in and how I’m always thinking of time and efficiency. Looking back, I’m so happy to have spent time with them! I’m now more conscious of just how valuable time is and how putting effort into a process is equivalent to love. And the tamales were delicious! – Emma Koland, College Student
