30th Anniversary of CEDEPCA

A letter from Amanda Craft serving as Regional Liaison for Mexico and Guatemala

Summer 2016

30th Anniversary of CEDEPCA – Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America

One of the many joys I encounter in my work is being present for momentous occasions in the lives of our global partners in Mexico and Guatemala. It really is a privilege to be privy to the celebrations of good works, milestones, and important achievements. I know that God is present, and we are witnessing God’s will at those times.

The Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA) is enjoying one of those significant moments. This year CEDEPCA is celebrating 30 years of meaningful work in Guatemala. Throughout the year CEDEPCA is hosting special events to commemorate the work it has been a part of as its ministry extended through Guatemala and Central America. I was fortunate to be present for one of those events.

CEDEPCA grew out of a Guatemala in war. The armed conflict was still strong, and the worst years of massive massacres was still very recent history. People were still being disappeared, and fear and distrust draped over the landscape. Guatemala was a country that needed to find a path toward ceasefires, peace, and safety. So it is not surprising that CEDEPCA found peacemaking an important ministry.

When I think about this work, I recall the Beatitudes. Matthew 5:9 states, “And blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” What a lovely notion. We are all called the children of God, and therefore we are all called to be peacemakers. This is never-ending work that rarely shows immediate results. But here we have a group of people who were committed to creating something different. CEDEPCA remained firm, and 30 years later it has much to celebrate.

As I mentioned, separate events were set up throughout the year to celebrate different ministries CEDEPCA engages. I was able to attend the event that focused on the significant work for peace- and justice-making. It was a critical moment for CEDEPCA as it reflected during another crucial time in their country’s history.

Last year Guatemala, for the first time through peaceful protest, forced their president to resign. Upon resignation, he was arrested in one of the largest corruption scandals ever brought against a president. Otto Perez Molina was charged with a tax evasion scam that allowed foreign companies to bring goods and products into the country skirting the tax requirements. Millions of dollars exchanged hands illegally. The president and vice president have taken the brunt of the accusations. However, their luxurious properties and vacations speak of how they enjoyed those millions. During the peaceful protest the country came together—Mayan with Latino, women with men, young with old. It was the first time since the armed conflict that the masses joined and marched. CEDEPCA was also a part of the movement, literally and figuratively. It marched, held educational seminars, and helped raise the issue with their international partners. In a place where shouts for justice often fall on deaf ears, the country and the world heard.

So, as it came time to hold an event on peace and justice, CEDEPCA staff focused on two very important issues: (1) the national movement to bring justice to a corrupt administration and (2) to understand what the Bible teaches us about peace- and justice-making. They invited four exceptional speakers: Stefan Hoschstrasser spoke about shalom and justice in the Bible. Ines Bustamante and Kristina Rodahl spoke about gender justice. And Guatemalan Judge Miguel Angel Galvez spoke about justice in Guatemala. Judge Galvez is one of the sitting judges hearing the corruption case against the former vice president, Roxana Baldetti. He travels with a bodyguard, knowing his safety is at risk due to his occupation. Yet he is humble and kind. He has a compassion for his country and his people. Judge Galvez hopes for something different for Guatemala. That is a dangerous dream in a place where impunity rules and judges are paid off or extorted or killed. However, he can feel the tide is shifting, and he hopes that this newfound voice of the people will continue to spur positive change. In a complex place with a complex history Judge Galvez is optimistic. The biblical study that followed Judge Galvez was also inspiring. The Bible is full of examples about how we are challenged to create change and improve suffering and injustice. We cannot turn our back on this significant work, because “blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.” CEDEPCA has been an important partner in the work for peace and justice in Guatemala. I hope that over the next 30 years it will continue to transform lives.

I am inspired when I witness such important ministry. This happens because of you. I hope that you in turn are also inspired. The gifts you give to support the work I engage with partners have a significant impact in those locations but also back in the U.S. I can share these stories because you facilitate my participation. Thank you, and I invite you to continue to support us in such meaningful ways. We are uplifted by what you do.

Amanda