International Peacemakers

An overview of the program

Leaders from partner denominations and organizations around the world visit the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) each year to interpret issues of peace and justice. These visits inform Presbyterians, open hearts and minds, touch lives, establish relationships and inspire new ministries. By sharing stories of their work and witness, the peacemakers help us understand peace and justice concerns around the world and provide insights that can inspire us to greater faithfulness. Their visits broaden our sense of God’s inclusive family and help equip us to build a culture of peace and nonviolence for all God’s children. Since 1984 more than 350 International Peacemakers from 60 countries have been hosted through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. The International Peacemakers Program is made possible by your generous gifts to the Peace and Global Witness Offering.

Meet the Peacemakers

Connecting with International Peacemakers: 2023

IN-PERSON – In 2023, Peacemakers will itinerate throughout the church from September 15 to October 9 at the invitation of mid councils and Presbyterian-affiliated institutions. Visits generally last 3-6 days, excluding travel days. Not all visits must or may include a weekend. Midweek visits can be ideal for colleges, universities, or theological institutions. Mid councils, clusters of congregations and educational institutions may apply to host a peacemaker.

Request a Peacemaker

SYMPOSIUM – Beginning in 2020, the Peacemaking Program added a Virtual Symposium as a means to connect with our past International Peacemakers. The Virtual Symposium provides a number of pre-recorded interviews, panel discussions and presentations by our past International Peacemakers. You are invited to view and make use of one or all of the Symposium segments.

Peacemaker Symposium

The Areas of Focus for Our Peacemakers and the Matthew 25 Church Initiative

Our peacemakers have been selected to help the Presbyterian Church (USA) live into the “Matthew 25 Church Initiative,” which seeks to ensure that the PCUSA continues to confront racism, address environmental concerns, stand against violence and militarism and advocate for the dispossessed. The initiative calls for the whole church, at all levels, to locate itself with the poor and to advocate and take risks for and with the poor…”in the soup kitchens and catholic worker houses, among the immigrants, with those working to end mass incarceration, and with those who seek to protect all of us, especially the poorest of the poor around the world, from the vagaries of climate change.” The International Peacemakers will also focus their time on the three priority areas of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s work: Racism, Poverty and Church Vitality. And they will help us become a Matthew 25 Church by sharing unique experiences and stories from their work in the following areas:

Hunger Ministries: I was hungry and you gave me food
Clean Water/Environmental Justice: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink
Immigration/Migration/Refugee Welcome: I was a stranger and you welcomed me
Poverty Alleviation: I was naked and you gave me clothing
Health and Wellness: I was sick and you took care of me
Racism/Systems of Oppression and Violence: I was in prison and you visited me

International Peacemakers: A Partnership Between Peacemaking and World Mission

Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and World Mission, International Peacemakers who need interpretation assistance are often accompanied by either a PC(USA) mission co-worker or a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) alumnus. This partnership allows Presbyterians to hear firsthand from both a peacemaker and a mission co-worker or young adult volunteer who represents or has represented the PC(USA) in the region. Together the peacemaker and mission co-worker or young adult volunteer share stories of connection and partnership between the PC(USA) and our ministry partners.

Planning the visit

It is best for a team representing the mid-council, institution or a cluster of congregations to work together to host the international peacemaker and to plan a meaningful and complete visit. The hosting team is asked to design a schedule for the peacemaker’s visit that provides many opportunities for meaningful engagement between the peacemaker and various groups and gatherings. Schedules should be planned carefully and thoughtfully to make good use of the peacemaker’s time and talents without being overwhelming or exhausting for either the peacemaker or the hosts. Including a variety of groups and settings enriches the experience both for the peacemaker and the mid-council or institution.

Providing hospitality

The host team provides hospitality for the peacemaker during the visit. They arrange for the peacemaker’s lodging, meals and local transportation. Ordinarily the team shares responsibility for the logistics of the visit and each team member has a role to play. Sometimes the team members each take responsibility for a day or a region, but it is best if hospitality is shared amongst many rather than done by just a few. If possible, for the sake of the peacemaker, it is best to provide lodging in one place for the duration of the visit rather than to move the guest from place to place each night. However, if your peacemaker is moving across the geography of your region and not return to a “home base,” it is less ideal but may be necessary to pack up and move during the visit. Please keep this hospitality issue in mind as you plan the peacemaker’s schedule.

Costs and travel

The hosting organization is asked to contribute $475 to help defray the cost of the program. The Peacemaking Program covers all international and domestic airline travel costs. We will make travel arrangements, purchase tickets, provide health insurance, and inform hosts of travel schedules. As soon as your peacemaker’s visit has been confirmed, instructions for making the payment of $475 will be sent to you.

Application and notification

Please use the online application form to apply to host a peacemaker. Apply early but no later than June 1. Applicants will be notified automatically that their application has been received. If you do not receive an automatic reply, please check with the Peacemaking Program at 502-569-5805 to confirm receipt of your application. Placements will be made as soon as possible following application. Late applications will be filled as space is available.

Apply here

Host orientation

All hosts, whether new to the program or experienced, are expected to attend a zoom orientation meeting led by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

2023 International Peacemakers

Request a Peacemaker

Cuba

Alison Infante Zamora

The Presbítero Pastor (Rev.) Alison Infante Zamora currently serves as Moderator of the Synod of the Presbytery of Matanzas (IPRC). Since being ordained in 2008, his ministry experience includes various ecclesial and ecumenical responsibilities, such as chairing the IPRC’s Social Policy Study Commission and serving as Moderator of the IPRC. He holds a comprehensive perspective on God’s Mission through the church and feels most fulfilled in ministerial areas such as the proclamation of the word, music, and teaching.

In his work, Alison emphasizes the social pastoral ministry as a way of proclaiming the Gospel. Under this premise, for example, the Azabache project exists, an antiracism and community empowerment project. The church also provides cultural spaces hosting tertuliasꟷ social and conversational gatheringsꟷ and an exhibition hall for plastic art works, through which values such as respect, dialogue, and aesthetic education are affirmed, especially in young artists from the community.

Alison’s pastoral and ecumenical ministry has always been carried out together with his wife, the Presbítera Gobernante (ruling elder) Sarahí García Gómez. Together they have worked in various pastoral fields and currently serve in the community of Cárdenas, Matanzas, at the Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada “Juan G. Hall”.

El Salvador

Milagro Mejía

María del Milagro Mejía de Flores, an ordained deaconess, is a Salvadoran Theologian, lawyer, and Notary Public. A member and founder of the Calvinist Reformed Church of El Salvador (IRCES), she has contributed to the church since its birth, organizing and legalizing the statutes of both the Church and the Juan Calvino Academy. The academy, which belongs to the church, provides formal education for children with limited resources due to lack of access to public schools.

Milagro advocates for justice, having worked for 24 years with the government, serving the judicial branch. She also worked 12 years in the women’s entrepreneurship program through Alfalit, the church’s development center. Among other programs, Alfalit supports low-income women by providing seed capital, skill development and entrepreneurship training. Women develop skills for cosmetology, manufacturing, industrial machine use, and small poultry and pig farm management.

In the ecumenical sphere, Milagro strengthens and trains groups at the national and international level through forums, workshops, seminars, retreats and meetings. In the search for peace during the Salvadoran civil war, she worked on the peace proposal. After the signing of the peace agreements, she worked in communities and the local churches to strengthen their organization. Milagro is married to Pastor Santiago Alfredo Flores Amaya and has three children.

Interpreter: Joseph Russ

Joseph Russ, Coordinator for Migration Issues, Advocacy, and Mission in the Northern Triangle of Central America, has a passion for intercultural human rights work. He is based in El Salvador, where he supports the ministries of the Reformed Calvinist Church of El Salvador and their education and development agency, Alfalit. Together, they work to strengthen a network of partners working on migration issues in the Northern Triangle of Central America and allies in the United States. Based on the experiences of migrants and local partners themselves, U.S. individuals, congregations, presbyteries and mid councils can join them in solidarity and advocate for policies that support migrants and prevent forced migration. He is a candidate for a Master’s degree in Latin American Theology from the Universidad Centroamericana José Simeón in San Salvador, doing research on migration theology from the perspective of returned migrants. For the past five years, he has lived in El Salvador where he has interpreted for international visitors, worked in human rights education through Cristosal, helped found the Santa Marta Anglican Center to provide shelter and support to unhoused LGBTIQ+ youth and young adults. In his free time, he likes to dance, hang out with his cats, and play Dungeons & Dragons.

Noemí Sánchez

Abdias Noemí Iglesias Sánchez has been a member of the Calvinist Reformed Church of El Salvador (IRCES) for approximately 30 years, as part of the youth group and now as a member of the IRCES Board of Directors. Through the IRCES Board of Directors, Noemí is the primary representative, ensuring the implementation of General Assembly agreements as well as the community and pastoral work of the IRCES’s strategic plan.

In youth ministry, she attended various youth camps as well as workshops on building a culture of peace. She studied Business Administration from the University of El Salvador, and has put her faith and skills into practice by assisting IRCES colleagues in coordinating youth workshops and community activities promoting peace and teaching peaceful inter-personal skills.

Married 16 years with 2 children, family is one of the most important parts of Noemí’s life.

Interpreter: Leslie Vogel

The Rev. Leslie Vogel has served as a PC(USA) mission coworker in El Salvador from 1988 through 1995, and in Guatemala since 2013. Now regional liaison for Guatemala and México since 2018, Leslie serves as a facilitator of PC(USA) to provide support for global partner programs, relationships, and activities, and as an implementer of Presbyterian World Mission Strategy. She supports PC(USA) mission personnel in Guatemala and México by sharing information, mentoring/guiding, and encouraging missiological reflection. In addition, Leslie facilitates and seeks to strengthen healthy, effective, and missiologically appropriate relationships between partners in México and Guatemala and their counterparts in PC(USA) congregations and presbyteries.

More recently, in a context of political unrest in Guatemala, Leslie has been providing pastoral accompaniment with some political prisoners there. Also trained as a professional interpreter and translator, Leslie often accompanies global partners to facilitate and enhance communication between them and PC(USA) constituents.

A teaching elder member of the Presbytery of Grand Canyon, Leslie lives in Guatemala.

Greece

Efi Latsoudi

Psychologist and human rights activist Efi Latsoudi is one of the founders of Lesvos Solidarity, a grass-roots organization based on Lesvos Island in Greece. Efi was also the coordinator and founder of the first open, independent welcoming shelter (Pipka Camp) for refugees fleeing to Greece primarily from Africa and the Middle East. Pipka Camp operated for 8 years, until it was forcibly closed by the Greek authorities in October 2020.

Efi’s determination and commitment to advocate for the vulnerable remains strong. Lesvos Solidarity, which is focused on a strong advocacy presence for the rights of the refugees, runs housing, educational, employability, psychosocial and medical programs. The organization’s vision is to inspire society and to expand its solidarity model, which promotes equality, trust, creativity, empowerment, active participation, and respect for each other and the environment. Lesvos Solidarity’s beneficiaries are among the most vulnerable refugees hosted in camps across Lesvos, including people who suffer from serious medical conditions, victims of torture and violence, large families with children, pregnant women, newborns, LGBTQIA+ persons, single adults, and victims of shipwrecks who lost loved ones at sea.

Efi is also a filmmaker who has created short documentaries and films and written scripts for fiction films. Efi holds degrees from the University of Athens, School of Philosophy, the University of Picardi-Jules Vernes in Maitrise de Psychology Clinic and the University of Paris. In 2016, she was awarded the Nansen Award, conferred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to those who go beyond the call of duty in helping people forcibly displaced from their homes. On September 20, 2021, Efi Latsoudi was also awarded the “Anita Augspurg Award” by the international organization WILPF (Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom) for her collective contribution and “commitment to maintaining peaceful coexistence”. Another important moment of recognition was from the International Peace Award to Lesvos Solidarity and Efi Latsoudi by the German Institute die Schwelle on May 20, 2022, in the category “Encouraging Initiatives” for the overall activity of her and Lesvos Solidarity

Indonesia

Angie Wuysang

Ordained minister of GMIM (Gereja Masehi Injili di Minahasa), the Christian Evangelical Church in Minahasa, Faculty of Theology at Universitas Kristen Indonesia Tomohon, and PhD student at the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS), Angie Wuysang is passionate in building interreligious dialogue for world peace and the integrity of all God’s creatures. Engaging these real issues, Angie Wuysang is an excellent ambassador not only of the Christian community in Indonesia, but also the interreligious communities. She specializes in women’s issues, environmental issues and interfaith dialogue. Her sustained concern for environmental/food ethics is the subject of her dissertation research.

Liberia

Matilda Parker

Ruling Elder Matilda Wokie Parker is an executive with over 25-years of experience in Finance, Business Operations, Governance and General Management. A successful visionary and creator, she serves as CEO of the P. Ernest Parker Group of Companies, focusing on Real Estate Development/Rental and Agriculture in Liberia. She is also the CEO of the Matilda Wokie Parker Foundation started in 2009 to provide financial/tuition assistance to underprivileged families, resolve Palava Hut land/electoral disputes in the 15 counties, and find legal representation for low income families.

Ms. Parker proudly extends her leadership acuity to her community and has a true passion for charitable endeavors benefiting sports, seniors, women and children as illustrated through her Foundation. Her affinity for giving back to her community stems from the guidance and support she received from her family, church, community, and schools in her formative years.

Ms. Parker holds an Associates of Art in Accounting, a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with magna cum laude honors and an Executive MBA from the University of Texas. She is an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Monrovia. She has one son, Ernest Nicholas Brewer and one granddaughter, Embirlee Nichole Brewer.

Palestine

Amira Barham

Amira Barham, a Palestinian Christian, was born and raised in the town of Beit Jala, near Bethlehem. With a passion for social justice, equality, and helping people, Amira obtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from California State University Long Beach in 1999 as a Fulbright Scholarship recipient. She has worked as a social worker with many diverse and vulnerable populations in Palestine, the United Kingdom and the United States. She’s worked with young unaccompanied asylum seekers fleeing war-torn and dangerous countries, young people and adults struggling with substance misuse and criminal behavior, and vulnerable young people and women suffering gender-based violence.

Most recently, Amira’s work has been focused on supporting marginalized children in Palestine, mainly from refugee camps, with Sounds of Palestine. Sounds of Palestine is an organization that uses music and orchestra lessons to enhance children’s self-esteem and impact positive social change and community involvement. Additionally, she is connected to Al Harah Theater, as the developer of policies for safeguarding children.

Amira recently completed a postgraduate diploma in Health Action Training, which offers training on utilizing drama practice and drama techniques to enhance person-centered care and resilience, specifically in the aftermath of the pandemic to help healthcare professionals.

Poland

Magdalena Łuczak

Magdalena Łuczak is a humanitarian activist working in Poland. Professionally associated with the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, she works in cooperation with Grupa Granica, focusing on the rights of minorities at the Polish-Belarusian border. Magdalena’s humanitarian activism history includes working on a rescue team in the Greek Island of Lesbos and in refugee centers in Berlin, Germany.

In addition to being a therapist, Magdalena is an English and Political Science graduate. Her thesis was on American history and culture. Magdalena has a passion for protecting animals and the environment. She splits her time between Poland, Germany and the USA.

FOLLOW THE PEACEMAKERS

2023 International Peacemakers Itineration

International Peacemakers will be visiting presbyteries between September 15 – October 9, 2023. Their itineraries are listed below. Please contact the lead host in each area to learn more about their schedule.

Cuba – Alison Infante

9/15/23 – 9/21/23

South Louisiana

George M Strain

9/21/23 – 9/27/23

Florida

Anne Apple

9/27/23 – 10/3/23

Santa Fe

Susan Keil Smith

10/3/23 – 10/9/23

Detroit

Susan Acton

El Salvador – Milagro Mejía

9/15/23 – 9/21/23

Riverside

Alfred Graise

9/21/23 – 9/26/23

Cascades

Bruce Kelsh

9/26/23 – 10/3/23

Greater Atlanta

Brenda Smith

10/3/23 – 10/9/23

St. Augustine

Ervin Bullock

El Salvador – Noemí Sánchez

9/15/23 – 9/22/23

Mid Kentucky

Susan Barnes

9/22/23 – 9/29/23

Winnebago

Alan Smith

9/29/23 – 10/3/23

Shenandoah

Keith Phillips

10/3/23 – 10/9/23

Eastern Oregon

Mary Lemm Davis

Greece – Efi Latsoudi

9/15/23 – 9/22/23

Des Moines, North Central Iowa, Prospect Hill

Amgad Beblawi

9/22/23 – 9/28/23

East Iowa

Lisa Ross Thedens

9/28/23 – 10/5/23

Mackinac

Steve Grace

10/5/23 – 10/9/23

North Alabama

Brandon Miles

Indonesia – Angie Wuysang

9/15/23 – 9/22/23

Blackhawk

Loreen Stravers

9/22/23 – 9/28/23

East Tennessee

Bill Myers

9/28/23 – 10/3/23

New Hope

Willem Bodisco Massink

10/3/23 – 10/9/23

Grand Canyon

Cindy Michels

Liberia – Matilda Parker

9/16/23 – 9/22/23

Albany

Heather Kirk-Davidoff

9/22/23 – 9/28/23

John Calvin

Laura Agee

9/28/23 – 10/2/23

South Dakota

Paul Henschen

10/2/23 – 10/9/23

Carlisle

Allison Smith

Palestine – Amira Barham

9/15/23 – 9/21/23

Scioto Valley

Mary Gene Boteler

9/21/23 – 9/27/23

Beaver Butler

Joyce Hamilton

9/27/23 – 10/2/23

Southern Kansas

Darcy Eads

10/2/23 – 10/5/23

Transylvania

Rob Musick

10/5/23 – 10/9/23

Central Florida

Barbara Sayles

Poland – Gaia Magdalena Luczak

9/15/23 – 9/21/23

Northeast New Jersey

Frank Broyles

9/21/23 – 9/27/23

Lake Erie

Joseph Kumer

9/27/23 – 10/2/23

Miami Valley

Cynthia Holder-Rich

10/2/23 – 10/9/23

John Knox

Jessica Nylund Salt

Welcome to the Virtual Symposium!

Beginning in 2020, the Peacemaking Program added a Virtual Symposium as a means to connect with our past International Peacemakers. The Virtual Symposium provides a number of pre-recorded interviews, panel discussions and presentations by our past International Peacemakers. These interviews are a chance to reconnect with these peacemakers, learn about and from their work, be updated on the pressing issues in their countries, and hear their perspective on life, ministry and events around the globe. New guests will be featured each year during the Season of Peace and will remain on the Symposium webpage.

Below are the descriptions and links to the interviews, panel discussions and presentations that comprise this Virtual Symposium. You are invited to view and make use of one or all of the Symposium segments.

AFRICA

CAMEROON

JAFF BAMENJO – Fighting Hunger in War-Torn Cameroon

Jaff Bamenjo (Cameroon, 2019) is the Coordinator of RELUFA, the Network for the Fight Against Hunger, a Joining Hands partner of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in Cameroon. He coordinates the advocacy campaigns on land and food justice and transparency in the extractive industries. Jaff was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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MADAGASCAR

LALA RASENDRAHASINA – Working for the Wellbeing of Madagascar

Lala Rasendrahasina (Madagascar, 2014) served as President/Moderator of the FJKM (Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar) from 2004-2016. During ongoing political, economic and environmental instability, he and the FJKM boldly spoke truth to power and fought for peace with justice. In this interview we discuss the challenges of healthcare, poverty, homelessness and violence in Madagascar, a country rich in resources but impoverished by its leaders. Lala was a featured Symposium guest in 2021.

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MALAWI

MPHATSO MARY NGULUWE – The Challenges of Healthcare in the Remote Regions of Central Africa

Mphatso Mary Nguluwe (Malawi, 2017) serves as a Director of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian Health Department, directing 3 major hospitals and overseeing 12 Community Health Centers, most in hard to reach areas. Mphatso was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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RWANDA

JEROME BIZIMANA – Reconciliation and Healing in Post-Genocide

Jerome Bizimana (Rwanda, 2015 and 2018) serves as the President and Legal Representative of Remera Presbytery in the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda and is committed to the church’s ongoing work to reconcile the people of Rwanda twenty-five years after the atrocities of genocide. Jerome was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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SOUTH AFRICA

DEON SNYMAN – Transforming Disadvantaged Rural Communities and Responding Creatively to Covid-19 in South Africa

Deon Snyman (South Africa, 2015) has served as a minister of rural Zulu speaking congregations of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa. For 13 years he served with the Restitution Foundation in Cape Town where he developed restitution theory and models to assist in addressing the South Africa’s colonial and apartheid legacy. Deon was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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SOUTH SUDAN

LUCY AWATE – Peacebuilding in South Sudan

Lucy Awate (South Sudan, 2019) works with our PCUSA partner, RECONCILE, as a psychosocial peacebuilding expert. She has over 16 years of experience providing technical guidance for trainings and workshops. In this interview Lucy updates us on the work of RECONCILE and the challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic have presented to her peacebuilding work. Lucy was a featured Symposium guest in 2021.

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ZIMBABWE

LYDIA NESHANGWE – Meet the Moderator of the Council for World Mission (CWM)

In August, Lydia Neshangwe (Zimbabwe, 2019) took on a new role, serving as the first woman elected as moderator of the Council for World Mission (CWM), a worldwide partnership of 32 denominations with a combined population of 22 million Christians in about 50,000 congregations spread across 40 countries around the world. Lydia was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

PHILIPPINES

JEROME BARIS – Justice and Human Rights Issues in the Philippines – An interview with Jerome Baris (Philippines, 2017)

Jerome Baris (Philippines, 2017) currently serves as the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Area Bishop of the East Visayas Jurisdiction and is a highly informed advocate for justice and human rights in the Philippines. Jerome was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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LATIN AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

CARIBBEAN

NICOLE ASHWOOD – An Equal Piece Peace

Nicole (Nicqi) Ashwood (Caribbean, 2013 & 2014) represents the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands as the program executive for Just Community of Women and Men. Her presentation looks at the inclusion of women in the work of Peacemaking for Just Communities and includes a brief overview of the SyroPhonecian woman’s encounter with Jesus. Nicole was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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COLOMBIA

LUIS FERNANDO SANMIGUEL CARDONA – “A Better World is Possible

Luis Fernando Sanmiguel Cardona (Colombia, 2016) is a pastor in Bogotá and executive director of the Communities of Faith – Teusaquillo Territory of Peace, an ecumenical and Interfaith consortium working for an integrated and lasting peace. In this interview Luis Fernando discusses how faith communities are working in solidarity with broader social movements to bring about change. Interpretation by Sarah Henken. Luis Fernando was a featured Symposium guest in 2021.

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GERMAN ZARATE-DURIER – A Prophetic Witness for Peace in Colombia

German Zárate-Durier (Colombia, 2012 and 2013) most recently served as the director of the Office of Diaconia (Mission and Service) of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia (IPC), focusing on church development and the promotion of human rights. German was a featured Symposium Guest in 2020.

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COSTA RICA

ERLINDA QUESADA – Environmental Justice and Labor Protections in Costa Rica’s Pineapple Plantations

Erlinda Quesada (Costa Rica, 2019) cofounded the National Front of Sectors Impacted by Pineapple Production (FRENASAPP), which seeks to address the negative impacts of the expanding pineapple plantations in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica. Interpretation by Karla Koll (Mission Co-Worker for Costa Rica). Erlinda was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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CUBA

EDELBERTO VALDES FLEITES – The Situation in Cuba

Edelberto Valdés Fleites (Colombia, 2003 and 2015) is a pastor in the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba and serves, among other things, as Moderator of Central Presbytery and Synod General Secretary. In this interview he describes the economic and energy challenges facing Cuba, the history of his nation, the impact of U.S. Cuba policy on Cubans and his hopes for the work of the Presbyterian Church in Cuba. Edleberto was a featured Symposium guest in 2021 with interpretation by Tracey King-Ortega.

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GUATEMALA

DELIA LEAL – Addressing Violence Against Women in Guatemala

Delia Leal (Guatemala, 2017) is the Regional Coordinator for the Women’s Ministry of the Protestant Center for Pastoral Studies in Central America (CEDEPCA). CEDEPCA’s efforts aim to prevent and eradicate violence against women. Interpretation by Leslie Vogel (Regional Liaison, Mexico and Guatemala). Delia was a featured Symposium guest in 2020 with interpretation by Leslie Vogel.

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HAITI

FABIENNE JEAN – A Report from Haiti

Fabienne Jean (Haiti, 2018) serves as coordinator of FONDAMA, the Hands Together Foundation of Haiti network, part of Joining Hands, an initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. In this interview she updates us on the work of FONDAMA to find lasting solutions to the problems that impoverish the population of Haiti. She describes both the priorities and challenges the organization has faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Fabienne was a featured Symposium guest in 2021 with interpretation by Cindy Corell.

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MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

GREECE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

Manolis Ntamparakis and Arlington Trotman: The European Churches’ Response to Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers

Manolis Ntamparakis (Greece, 2018) is a staff member of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) based in Thessaloniki, Greece. He provides capacity building support and consultancy to the Municipalities of Central and North Greece region to support refugee integration programs in their constituencies. Arlington Trotman (United Kingdom, 2019) is the former moderator of the Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe (CCME), an organization of churches and ecumenical councils from 18 European countries that advocates for migrants, refugees and minority groups. Manolis and Arlington were featured Symposium guests in 2020.

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PALESTINE

ARDA A., ALEX AWAD AND NORA CARMI- The Palestinian Plight: A Conversation with 3 Past Peacemakers from Palestine

Arda A. (Palestine, 2011, 2012 and 2016) was Project Supervisor and Media and Advocacy Coordinator at the YWCA of Palestine. She currently works as a Communications Consultant. Nora Carmi (Palestine, 2017) has held leadership positions with the YWCA of Palestine, Sabeel Liberation Theology Center, and Kairos Palestine. She has served as a community builder in Palestinian society, advocating for a just peace and empowering women and the community through skill development and spirituality. Alex Awad (Palestine, 2018) served as Dean of Students and full-time instructor at Bethlehem Bible College in Bethlehem where he served on the faculty for 24 years. Arda, Alex, and Nora were featured Symposium guests in 2020.

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SYRIA

SALAM HANNA – Hope and Hurting in Syria

Salam Hanna (Syria, 2013) serves as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Latakia with the National Evangelical Synod of Syria and Lebanon (NESSL) and as the Director of the NESSL’s Relief & Rehabilitation Program. In this interview he describes the changes in Syria over the past few years and the work of the NESSL’s relief and rehabilitation program. Salam was a featured Symposium guest in 2021.

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TAMAR WASOIAN – The Challenges Faced in Syria Today

Tamar Wasoian (Syria, 2015 and 2016) is an Armenian educator and theologian and a descendent of Armenian Genocide survivors. Tamar was a featured Symposium guest in 2020.

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An overview of the program

Connecting with International Peacemakers: 2023

The Areas of Focus for Our Peacemakers and the Matthew 25 Church Initiative

International Peacemakers: A Partnership Between Peacemaking and World Mission

Planning the visit

Providing hospitality

Costs and travel

Application and notification

Host orientation

2023 International Peacemakers

Cuba

Alison Infante Zamora

El Salvador

Milagro Mejía

Interpreter: Joseph Russ

Noemí Sánchez

Interpreter: Leslie Vogel

Greece

Efi Latsoudi

Indonesia

Angie Wuysang

Liberia

Matilda Parker

Palestine

Amira Barham

Poland

Magdalena Łuczak

FOLLOW THE PEACEMAKERS

2023 International Peacemakers Itineration

Cuba – Alison Infante

El Salvador – Milagro Mejía

El Salvador – Noemí Sánchez

Greece – Efi Latsoudi

Indonesia – Angie Wuysang

Liberia – Matilda Parker

Palestine – Amira Barham

Poland – Gaia Magdalena Luczak

Welcome to the Virtual Symposium!

AFRICA

CAMEROON

MADAGASCAR

MALAWI

RWANDA

SOUTH AFRICA

SOUTH SUDAN

ZIMBABWE

ASIA AND THE PACIFIC

PHILIPPINES

LATIN AMERICA, SOUTH AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

CARIBBEAN

COLOMBIA

COSTA RICA

CUBA

GUATEMALA

HAITI

MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE AND CENTRAL ASIA

GREECE AND THE UNITED KINGDOM

PALESTINE

SYRIA

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