by Velma Rice
Transformation! How does one become transformed? From what is one transformed? And to what does one transform? These are the questions that were addressed by those who traveled to Mexico City. We went to Mexico City knowing that God was present with us so that we could listen with open minds and hearts to understand complex issues and to receive courage to live according to the will of God. The methodology of the program is based on Luke 24:13-35, The Walk to Emmaus, which included the cycle: "See! Reflect! Action! Evaluate! Celebrate!"
The first experience of seeing began by visiting the Historic Center of Mexico City with a tour of the National Palace, the Cathedral and Templo Mayor, the Ancient City of Teotihuacán, and the Plaza San Jacinto. Dr. Kim Goldsmith, a local archaeologist, shared information about the indigenous people of Mexico and Dr. Ross Gandy, a political science professor at UNAM, shared information which compared and contrasted the realities of those living in extreme wealth and poverty. His observation is that there are various groups which recognize the problems in Mexico and are working for change, but Dr. Gandy feels that unification of these various groups is needed.
The second experience of seeing was an overnight trip to Cuernavaca where we heard about the defense of "Casino de la Selva" and visited the squatter settlement of "La Estación". Flora Guerrero, a local artist, and Adriana Hernandez, a civil society organizer, were very articulate in describing the struggle to defend "Casino de la Selva", a historic hotel with large murals by famous artists and a beautiful garden of trees. Through various political stratagems, Costco, a large corporation based in Seattle Washington, acquired ownership of the hotel and grounds which were subsequently destroyed and replaced with a mega shopping center. There were on-going peaceful protests against the destruction of the historic building, the historic murals, and the gardens which served as the ecological "lungs" of the city and a gathering place for the community, as well as against the adverse affects on the local economy caused by Costco replacing family merchants. The peaceful protests culminated in the arrest of about 30 people including Flora Guerrero. This escalated the problems in that those who were arrested are now being required to continually register with the government.
Immediately across the street from the "Casino de la Selva" is the squatter settlement of "La Estacion". We were divided into two groups, each of which visited two women in the settlement. The stories of Andrea, Elsa, Donatilla and Maria are inspirational stories of struggle for daily survival.
The third seeing experience included a presentation by Augustina Reyes, Christian Base Community Movement coordinator (CBC), a visit to the Community Center of AMEXTRA (The Mexican Association for Urban and Rural Transforamation) and a visit with Vilma Fernandez, former El Salvadoran Lutheran pastoral worker. Augustina Reyes shared her own personal story of transformation and about her current work in the faith community. The Community Center of AMEXTRA is a holistic approach of service by the local people, with and for the community, which includes the following: day care for working mothers (and fathers) which gives the children two healthy meals a day, excellent age appropriate education for the children, as well as training for the parents to continue the children's learning process at home, pastors who teach scripture and care for the people, and social workers who teach prevention of abuse as well as addressing issues of abuse. Vilma Fernandez shared her family's story of struggle and sacrifice during the El Salvadoran wars which resulted in the assassination of her brother, a Lutheran pastor in San Miguel, as well as her own persecution and eventual flight to Mexico.
Reflections included individual meditation as well as group reflection. Together the group viewed a video on the ministry of Salvadorean Archbishop Oscar Romero. Then there was opportunity for individual meditation on the words of Romero and our response to them. Group reflections included Biblical reflections on the Magnificat and The Exodus Story. Speakers from the religious community included: Gerardo Thijssen, a worker priest and pastoral theologian for fifty years; Dr. David Brondos, Dean of Comunidad Teológica and an ELCA pastor which our congregation supports; and Dr. José Alcántara, a theology professor at Comunidad Teológica. Pastor Thijssen shared some statistical realities of the Mexican people followed by Biblical and historical reflection and a plan of action. David Brondos gave us a tour of the Comunidad Teológica and the seminary, as well as sharing historical and contemporary religious insights.
Dr. José Alcántara spoke on the "Theology of Transformation" from Romans 12: 1-2. Dr. Alcántara helped us to understand that transformation is a process that happens to individuals as well as groups and it takes place over time within the community. We also had the opportunity to hear from a woman named Sofia who is a student at the Lutheran Seminary and is preparing to be one of the first women pastors ordained in Mexico.
After a week of seeing and reflecting it was time for action, evaluation and celebration. Our group worked together and made an outline of an action plan which includes: sharing the group's experience with Christ the King members, further research and study of resources provided by The Lutheran Center in Mexico City as well as the ELCA and other advocacy organizations, and suggestions for action and/or support both in Mexico and in our local community. After evaluation our group celebrated with an inspiring worship service lead by Pastor Karin Liebster and Pastor Kim Erno, director of The Lutheran Center in Mexico City.
The trip was very well organized with knowledgeable, articulate speakers that have a passion for the Gospel and for ministry by and with the oppressed, and for "being transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we may discern what is the will of God", Romans 12:2.
Those who journeyed with us were Esther Baker, Beverly Davis, Carolyn Jacobs and her father Norman Jacobs, Pr. Karin Liebster, Don Rice, Velma Rice, Richard Stuff, Mary Lou Pieratt and her grandson Shelton Irby, and Sabine Lamar. I feel sure I speak for the entire group when I express our heartfelt appreciation to Kim Erno, director of The Lutheran Center in Mexico City, his assistant KC Grafft, and to Beverly Davis who made this wonderful opportunity a reality.