As the world struggled to recover from the ravages of a global war, churches across America bore witness to their faith in a united act of generosity that helped relieve human suffering.
It’s a pretty port of call.
Mere blocks from where cruise ships pull into San Juan terminal, visitors can find enticing Old San Juan, with its mix of history, shops and restaurants, all open for business, even on a warm but quiet Tuesday night. Veering right, visitors can find conveniences such as bike rentals and a CVS pharmacy, all up and running.
“People go to hotels, Old San Juan and they see the stores open, lights … and they say, ‘Oh, everything is back to normal,’” the Rev. Edwin A. González-Castillo says.
Except it’s not.
There’s a tiny peninsula off the southeastern coast of Belize where tourism is catching hold. As you travel the coastal roads, you will notice new development including high-priced homes and hotels. In between the development, is the small community of Seine Bight, a village aiming to grow as well, with a difference. Unlike the developed areas to the north and south of this village, the residents of Seine Bight are hoping to keep local ownership of the land.
Norman Fong grew up in a housing project. Coming from a low-income family he learned early in life what it was like to be evicted and not know where to go.
Sarah Jane Moore grew up in a small Illinois farm town where few spoke of diversity. The town had no minority residents, and only a few people of color attended her college.
Low income residents and immigrant communities in the Washington, D.C. area are getting help from a local non-profit, supported in part by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. ONE DC is working to improve social and economic equity by organizing, training and educating housing residents in Shaw and the District.
A Sierra Leone resident recently said that the drive from Kenema to the Liberian border is like riding six hours inside of a concrete mixer. Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) delegates visiting the region agreed with this assessment after making the trip on the all-dirt road.
In the first full day of their meeting last week, members of the National Committee on the Self-Development of People threw the word “new” around quite often. During an opening Bible study, SDOP Coordinator Alonzo Johnson and Committee Chair Rebecca Reyes referred to Isaiah 43:16-21. In the scripture, God speaks of not dwelling on the past, but instructs followers to move forward.
For Rebecca Reyes, the work never ends. The now-retired Presbyterian pastor has put a lifetime into working for the denomination whether pastoring a church, working as a campus minister, or leading Latino health services at Duke University Hospital. A fourth generation Presbyterian, Reyes was the first Hispanic woman ordained by the denomination.
Ecumenical partners update Presbyterian Mission Agency staff Presbyterian Mission Agency staff received an update on life in Sierra Leone, post-Ebola this week. Two people, one who lives and works in the… Read more »
