Friday, February 1
Chile
Protecting the environment is a major concern of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile. We believe that humankind is called to administer the earth’s resources for the common good and to protect the environment for future generations. Today we see that this fragile trust is often violated by those who have political and economic power. As prophets in service to life, we are called to challenge those who seek to exploit our nation’s water and mineral wealth for unsustainable, short-term gain leading to long-term poverty, hunger, and thirst.
Chigüinto Presbyterian Church has an active mission committee that works to defend local water resources.
We give thanks to God for the example of indigenous peoples, who in their traditional wisdom have taught us to respect the earth as a mother who engenders life. As followers of Jesus, we understand that God calls us to repent of our arrogant ways and to live humbly as an integral part of creation.
One of our elders bears the following testimony: “Sitting on my grandmother’s knee, I first heard tales of how trees and stones speak to each other, engage in conversation with the animals and with people. The challenge, she told me, is to learn to interpret these signs, to perceive these sounds that so easily become hidden in the wind.” As Chileans in the Reformed tradition, we understand that we are called to be faithful stewards of creation.
—Rev. Manuel Gajardo, synod vice moderator, Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile
Let us join in prayer for:
Partners/Ministries
Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Chile (IEPC): Rev. Germán Brizuela, moderator, Rev. Hugo Nuñez, executive secretary • Evangelical Theological Community of Chile: Rev. Dr. Daniel Godoy, rector, Rev. Gastón Ramírez, administrator • Presbyterian Ministry to the Roma: Rev. Carlos Hernandez, coordinator
Presbytery Partnership: Presbytery of the Pines, with the IEPC
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Rev. Jim Brees, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Kendra Bright, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation
Rochelle Brinkley, Presbyterian Foundation
Let us pray
Forgive us, Lord, for failing to care for the earth, the source of all we eat and drink. Forgive us for allowing greed to destroy the environment. Forgive us for failing to defend the common good, for becoming discouraged, and for standing silent before threats to the integrity of all of creation. In the name of Jesus, the Lord of life. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 88; 148
First Reading Isaiah 50:1-11
Second Reading Galatians 3:15-22
Gospel Reading Mark 6:47-56
Evening Psalms 6; 20
