El Salvador Day 5

We all awoke early and headed out, at 7:45, to the Cathedral (San Juan) for the 45th convention of the diocese.




The Bishop read the role, and read the minutes of the last meeting (last year). As this is a smaller diocese than Los Angeles, I was pleasantly surprised at the size of the room (the chancel) and the number of participants. The Dioceses of Los Angeles, Central New York and Olympia were seated at one table. It was wonderful to be seated together, and Elba, our translator, helped those who needed translation. What a gift.




Our own George Woodward, Vice President of Cristosal, along with the Executive Director of Cristosal Noah Bullock were the first of the guests to address the convention. It was wonderful to see George address the convention! I am proud to be one of his bishops. Next, the Dioceses of Olympia and then Central New York addressed the gathering.




Finally, the Los Angeles delegation addressed the convention at the invitation of Bishop Barahona. All four of us gathered there, and I previously asked George to be the one to address the convention. Why? Because I had preached the night before to many of those who were gathered today. In addition, George, as the head of the Program Group for World Mission has been deeply involved in this work for many years. He has made many trips to El Salvador, and knows the country and the people well. It was gratifying to watch him skillfully address the convention, bringing our love to them, and talking about our role together. He did let everyone know that I am totally in love with pupusas (I knew that before I went to El Salvador thanks to the delicious lunches at Trinity, Melrose) -- but he assured the convention of the love and support of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

After this, there was a break in the convention. It gave us an opportunity to purchase some beautiful hand made goods from the congregation of San Andres, the church that Shelley Denney's daughter Amy served in before she came back to the United States. I bought some items to bring home to share with family and friends -- beautiful!

We then headed back to the hotel for lunch. It was almost 1:00, and we needed to be back at San Juan for a meeting with the Ministerio de Diversidad Sexual at 5:00. We ate with our Olympia friends, happily so, and everyone except Julie, Shelley and me headed to their rooms to rest. Julie Bryant, Shelley Denney and yours truly were on a mission: artisan crafts.




We travelled with Arcielo, our driver, to the Artisan Market. I saw nothing I wanted to buy -- truthfully, the handcrafts from the women of San Andres were so much better. Then we travelled to the workshop of Fernando Llort. AMAZING work! So much of the art we see in the wooden crosses from El Salvador were inspired by this most amazing artist. What I didn't post yesterday was that the tile work that was on the outside of the Roman Catholic Cathedral in San Salvador -- that this artist did-- was destroyed. I'm giving you the before and after here. The Roman Catholic Church had the tiles removed because, according to our guide Elba, people voted and said they were pagan. At the artist's studio, there was a photo of the pile of tile on the ground after it was taken down. It made me almost weep.




Shelley Denney was almost apoplectic when she saw it.
It is always amazing to me what is destroyed -- that which is so beautiful, full of emotion of the time in one way or another and then -- it is gone. I love the before picture so much more, and I have spent only a brief amount of time in this country. What do I understand? I have never, ever been so profoundly welcomed wherever I have been -- everyone has been so kind. There is an amazing sense of hospitality, I can't express enough my gratitude for being here.

Afterwards, we went to a pottery shop where the pottery is made by people with disabilities. I put aside a few items to take home -- I will return on Monday and have them prepared to be either shipped or hand carried home. One is more beautiful than another -- and to think that someone who herself is disabled started this productive workshop for others who have disabilities -- what a great gift!

We then hurried back to the hotel, rearranged our purses and purchases and




got back in the van again to head back to the church/Cathedral of San Juan. We were invited by el Ministerio de Deversidad Sexual de San Juan Evangelista to come and meet with them. Over 20 were gathered to meet us, and they were the "tip of the ice berg" -- over 70 are active in this ministry, and Bishop Barahona was with us. Bishop Barahona stated clearly that this is not about "gay rights" -- this is about human rights, and he is fully supportive of this mission and ministry. The young man sitting next to me had a pin on his shirt and I asked him, "can I please have your pin?" This young man gave me his pin, which he pinned on me, and which I had admired on him and others the day before, which I show you here. More, it turns out that they had pins for us -- well, almost all of us. There was a miscount, and when they got to me, I took the pin that should have been for me, and pinned it on the young man who gave me his. There was one short for the woman from the Diocese of Central of New York -- the young man I "pinned" pinned the pin I put on him on her. It brought me close to tears. What a gift, what a great gift.

We then headed back to the hotel. I'm tired, but energized. What an amazing country -- so much death yesterday, so much life today.
I'm preaching and celebrating tomorrow far away from San Salvador -- I wonder in my wandering what else this life might bring?
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El Salvador Day Four

We started out the day meeting with Bishop Barahona. He welcomed our new friends from the Diocese of Central New York -- Sarah Cox and Kristine Hudson from Central New York as well as the Rev. Carol Rodin and the Rev. Rilla Barrett from the Diocese of Olympia. We spent time talking about our agenda for the next few days and getting to know each other. After breakfast we headed out for our day.

We started out at the Chapel of Divine Providence Hospital (a hospital for


terminal cancer patients) where Oscar Romero was murdered. It was very close to the home where he lived. We learned that he was killed as he ended his homily. The interior of the chapel has plaques and other paintings, etc. depicting Bishop Romero. It was sobering to be there, to see where he was murdered.

After being at the Church, we headed a few yards away to the humble home



in which Bishop Oscar Romero lived. It was a very simple home, with a front room, a tiny, tiny kitchen, a bed and bath, and a small guest room. In the guest room were the clothing he was wearing when he was murdered -- blood stains and all. It took my breath away to be there -- to witness the humbleness in which he lived, a reflection of his life. A man who lived simply with a very powerful message. The fact that he was killed immediately after his sermon with one bullet directed to his heart brought me to tears. The power of words -- to inspire or incense. In the case of Oscar Romero, proclaiming the gospel of God in Christ, calling for justice -- incensed.




We then headed over to UCA -- the University museum, to see the exhibits of those who were murdered. The seven Jesuits who were murdered -- and the two women staff -- executed. The remaining blood stained clothing of the Jesuits were on display as if they were standing there. I was stunned -- and held back tears. We saw the pictures of the Maryknoll sisters who died -- and we still don't know where they are buried. Seeing the personal effects of the Jesuits and others on display, along with the personal effects of Oscar Romero at his home -- I was haunted by the image of the need to remember -- to not let what has happened, and the ordinary items of life that we hold on to remind us that we need to remember. To remember that lives that are taken are linked to all things personal, to other people, to love, to life.




We then went into the chapel at UCA. I had to stop and I gasped. The stations of the cross, descriptive, compelling, brutal, amazing. I held back tears as I took pictures of these stations. I also had Shelley Denney walk me over to a painting depicting what happened in the assassinations of the Jesuits. It was powerful and alarming -- art depicting life, life that ended in death.

We then headed over to the Roman Catholic Cathedral in San Salvador which contains the crypt where Oscar Romero was buried. We spent time walking around the nave floor of the Cathedral -- beautiful. It is in the Center of San Salvador -- and is in a depressed area. What once housed the rich and famous now is an area of poverty and is a bit dangerous to walk around in on your own. We tried to go into the crypt, but it was closed until 2:00. So, we ended up trying to go to Iglesia del Rosario. Well, it was closed, but we powered then over to the Palacio Nacional -- which was beautiful, and in the process of being renovated. We toured around, and then headed back to the Cathedral.


We arrived at the crypt, and saw the beautiful tomb of Oscar Romero. I kept


thinking to myself that he was a humble man -- I saw his house, I saw his car. They were humble, and this was so, in many ways, grand. Maybe that's the point -- humble in life, saint in the next. It was so hot today, I was perspiring profusely, but I kept thinking about Bishop Romero in his robes, which are never light over our clothing. He was kind, but he spoke God's truth. What a powerful image for people, even today.

I so appreciated the fact that Oscar Romero was not afraid to follow Christ. I applaud the Salvadoran people for housing graphic displays of what happened to people -- bloodily so -- who followed Christ. May we never forget that there is a cost for this work when we speak prophetically.




We got back in time to the hotel to grab a VERY quick bite to eat, shower and change for the ordinations. We headed to the Cathedral at 5, greeted new and old friends, and proceeded to get ready for the ordinations. I have a LOT of pictures of the ordination, as I was seated with a great "view". I was honored to be able to preach for our two new deacons, and to open the convention. More, to be able to celebrate the Eucharist after all we had seen this day -- so much death, so much oppression, so much repression -- we found out as we arrived at the Cathedral earlier today that our driver Arcelio's father was murdered in the cathedral in a massacre -- when Arcelio was 2 years old. It made me weep. I held those prayers with me at this ordination -- and give thanks for Alfredo and Antonio.

More pictures and blog entries from El Salvador to come.

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Location:Lamatepec,San Salvador,El Salvador

El Salvador Day Three

This morning we met with Bishop Fabio Colindres, the Roman Catholic Bishop who serves as Military Ordinariate of El Salvador along with Raul Mijango, an ex-guerrilla and former congressman. Bishop Barahona hosted this meeting at the Anglican Cathedral in San Salvador. In addition to our group, Noah Bullock, Executive Director of Foundation Cristosal and Olivia Amadon, Trips Coordinator for Foundation Cristosal, Lynette Wilson, Episcopal News Service Editor and Reporter and Jose Lopez, an attorney who works with Bishop Barahona at the Diocese of El Salvador were there.

Bishop Colindres and Mr. Mijango shared some sobering statistics: there are 20 jails in El Salvador with a capacity of 8,500, but currently over 26,000 are housed there. The Bishop then shared why he was interested in this work: -- searching for the well-being of the community, human rights and peace. Mr. Mijango and Bishop Colindres started working together in the prisons, and they knew it would be tough. The Bishop started working with gangs to stop violence -- 14 people were dying every day in El Salvador before 14 months ago, which made El Salvador at that time the second most violent country in the world. Now, 14 months after the truce, there are 5.6 deaths per day -- making El Salvador in the 40's for death rates.

What happened? Reconciliation. How? Two months of intense work by these two men. What did they get the gangs to agree to?
1. stop aggressiveness between gangs
2. stop crimination activities such as kidnapping, rape, robbery, extortion
3. voluntarily give up weapons
4. allow people to move around safely in communities
5. add their social organization to contribute to local development.

Since January 2012 when the truce was reached, there are now 9 municipalities that were most violent in El Salvador that have reduced violence.

How did they do this? The gang members trusted these two men, and wanted a new life. Why did the gang members choose to change? -- to both these reconcilers, the gang members saw the writing on the wall so to speak, and knew things had to change or the country was headed into another civil war. They want the opportunity to leave the life they have lead, but need opportunities to do so. For the most part, gang members have come from the poorest of circumstances, raised in violent situations of all kinds.

As Mr. Mijango clearly stated, "We need the hand of God to help us. The purpose of this effort is to change hearts and minds, and this is not possible with only the action of humans."

The greatest work has to be done with the community previously victimized by gang members. How do we trust them? It is hard to trust someone who has hurt you. Yet, it is the gospel message to forgive when one repents. The proof is in the pudding, so to speak, and will continue to unfold in the months and years ahead.

Other churches, such as the Anglican Diocese of El Salvador have joined this effort, and support it fully. Bishop Barahona spoke eloquently about his own diocese's efforts, and his support of the work of Bp. Colindres and Mr. Mijango.

One statement that was made was that gangs did not exist in El Salvador until Los Angeles gang members were deported back to El Salvador. Jose Lopez stated that the gangs could not have taken root in El Salvador unless there was fertile soil here to plant them. There is poverty and other social issues that lead to fertilizing the soil for all sorts of social ills. Bishop Colindres and Mr. Mijango are trying to do something about this -- by talking about reconciliation and new life. By trying to stem the tide, along with other religious institutions in the country, of poverty and need. They believe in the gospel message of Jesus Christ -- reconciliation and and love.

Our own Rev. Julie Bryant asked, "what steps are you taking to keep another leadership from emerging to split the gangs and what, if any, people are emerging to become another gang?" Mr. Mijango answered her question this way: "the historical leadership knows the opportunity they are being given -- they are spreading this new good work. The good thing about the historical leadership is that the new leadership that is coming up are following this good path -- the leaders of the group are the future (good) leaders of the community."

This was one of the most powerful meetings I have had the privilege to attend, and I was honored to be there and hear about the amazing work of these two men. Reconciliation -- it is very difficult work, and it's not over in El Salvador.

I wrote pages and pages in my journal while I attended the meeting. I have chosen to give an overview here, and there are many aspects of the conversation I have left out. I apologize for that, but I wanted to bring the highlights here. Please do NOT respond with your political point of view on this blog -- this blog is simply to report mission and ministry -- and gang members need the love of God in Christ as much as anyone -- maybe more. Bishop Barahona said that we are ALL children of God-- and we need to remember that, and treat each other accordingly. This is difficult work, and it is being attended to in El Salvador.

After we left the meeting, we grabbed a quick lunch and headed to Cielo Mar, a center on the ocean owned by the Diocese of El Salvador. I leave you with some images from the rest of the meeting and images of Cielo Mar.






















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Location:San Salvador and Cielo Mar

El Salvador Day Two

At 7:00am we were in the van heading to Maizal. Fr. Mario met us there and gave us an introduction to Maizal, the people and the work that goes into that community. This included the history of the purchase of the lands, the building of the community of 30 homes (10 of which were built by contributions from congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles), and the building up agriculture and attention to health issue there.






When Fr. Mario began speaking to us about the sewing cooperative at Maizal (started with our own Shelley Denney's donation of her sewing
machine), the ladies brought out some of their wares. Of course, I had to buy some! These are so pretty, and so reasonably priced. I was amazed at the women -- they wanted to learn to sew clothing for their families to save money, and the by product are these "bolsas" -- purses -- which were lovely.




Alfredo Lopez, about to be ordained Deacon (this Friday), gave us an introduction to the mission and ministry of Maizal. Alfredo and his brother Antonio, also a seminarian about to be ordained, have been at Maizal for a long time. We reviewed a map of the area, and what is located where on the property. Especially noted was the large water tank -- imperative for this area.


Thomas Wilson then spoke about the commitment he and his wife Diane have made in coming here from Western Massachusetts -- not speaking Spanish. They acclimated quickly, and have become a great resource for Maizal. They are working to make Maizal a place where groups, especially seminary groups, can come and have a unique ministry experience in a beautiful part of the world. They spoke about their home there, how they have found a special filter for their water -- and about making that a viable option for others in the community -- and also about life in El Salvador. I found them to be delightful, unassuming, and very friendly. They have a passion for this work, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ -- and it is contagious!


Antonio Cabeza, 78, has been working hear and coordinating the program for years -- he offered passionate testimony to the work of ERD, Cristosal, the Diocese of Los Angeles, etc. He was very animated and passionate in his speaking with us, and was happy to go with us later on our walk of the property. You can tell that Antonio loves Maizal, the work there, the people there -- and is very dedicated to this community.




We then started on our tour of the community and grounds. First stop: the POOL! Of special note is that our own J. Jon Bruno donated the money to build the pool, which has made a tremendous difference in the kind of hospitality that can be offered at El Maizal. When groups come to do work projects, they spend a number of hours working in the fields in the hot sun. The pool offers an opportunity to "cool down". I can tell you even though I was told it was not TOO hot today, it was HOT! I would have loved to have had a dip in the pool, but was not equipped to do so at the moment. I was so proud to be part of the Diocese of Los Angeles and to see this gift that was given, which gives refreshment to those who use it.




Nelson Carranza then walked us through the Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana del El Salvador Programa Nacional de Salud Integral, which offers agricultural education, the goal of which is to teach/ensure: Food security, conservation, combat malnutrition and join people in working together towards these goals. Right now over 110 people directly benefit in 7 communities (including 40 women and 60 youth), and 550 people indirectly benefit. There at Maizal they produce corn (hence MAIZal), sorgum, red beans, "arroz Centa", soy beans and achote.

We also learned that there are medicinal herbs that are grown at Maizal, and were given an opportunity to talk with some of the women who are doing this work. Everything from Oregano to verbena to ginger and more. The benefits from the herbs are well known and used in the community, and some are frequently used as additives to soup.

We passed by the medical clinic with Dr. Daniela comes every two weeks to work with members of the community and deal with health issues. Thomas and Dianne Wilson, missionaries living at Maizal from Western Massachusetts through TEC help reinforce teachings and issues raised in the clinic with the community in between Dr. Daniela's visits.




We walked through the community consisting of 30 houses -- 10 of which were built with funds collected from congregations in the Diocese of Los Angeles. I remember raising money for part of one of the houses years ago -- how amazing to see the fruit of that fundraising! I loved seeing the chickens, which provide eggs for the families.




We also walked through part of the gardens and saw pineapple growing as well as mangos. Don Antonio loved talking about the conservation efforts being made, the use of land, the kind of trees planted (some for wood -- eucalyptus, teak) as well as the fruit trees. Don Antonio became so animated talking about how the land was purchased and when, and how the orchards and forests that are there now (which were planted) hadn't existed before.





Among my favorite moments was going to the school. The children were amazing -- so smart, so eager, so engaging. I posted two videos on facebook -- one of Julia Bryant asking the children to recite their ABCs, the other where Julie taught the children how to sing and sign "Father we adore you, lay our lives before you, how we love you" -- they were SO cute! The teachers were smiling. Later, after lunch, one of the students home from school (her mom is one of the amazing chefs in the kitchen at Maizal) read to me out of her schoolbook -- with great confidence -- beautifully!




We then took a walk through the orchards and headed on back to the main building. We cooled off a bit (it was HOT!) and the chefs made us a wonderful lunch of chicken, rice and salad. I loved the rice so much I asked them how they made it -- I found out it is simple, but delicious: carrots, onion and consume -- I took a picture of one of the chefs holding the ingredients (except the rice, of course!).




We then headed over to the obelisk that was donated by Cristosal as well as over to the church. Our own George Woodward was one of the donors of the obelisk!




The church is simple but so beautiful! I spotted an iguana inside -- it is the type of iguana that can "walk on water". We spent time talking with our new friends (or in some cases, old friends). It was so great to be there, to see mission and ministry in action in an exciting way and to catch their enthusiasm.

We then went to Valle de Bella and Lake Catepeque -- just to stop and see, and returned to San Salvador.




This has been a quite amazing day! I'll end my wandering and wondering with a few more pictures:












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Location:Maizal

El Salvador Day 1

After leaving LAX at 1:30 in the morning, we arrived safely in El Salvador --we being the Rev. Cn. George Woodward III, the Rev. Shelley Denny, the Rev. Julie Bryant -- and me.
What a wonderful sense of hospitality here -- ever since we set foot in El Salvador, we've been actively cared for. Strangers have been kind and hospitable to us as well -- what a mirror of the love of God in Christ!




After a brief rest we were driven to the Diocesan Headquarters of the Episcopal Diocese of El Salvador. There, we met with and had lunch with clergy and the Bishop, Martin Barahona. Lunch was delicious -- prepared with love for us.








We talked with the clergy and the Bishop -- we went over the agenda for the




week. Shelley, George and Julia renewed old friendships, and we all made




new ones.
I spent time with Bishop Barahona in his office -- we talked and shared about our various ministries. This first day was amazing -- our little group is VERY tired, but exhilarated at the thought of the meetings in the days to come. We're off to an early dinner an turning in early as well -- we're being picked up at 7:00 am to head to El Maizal for the day. I'll try to post daily pictures of our trip -- and keep you posted on the wanderings and wonderings of this journey.




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Location:San Salvador

Fearless Church Fundraising

I started (and finished!) the new book FEARLESS CHURCH FUNDRAISING:
The Practical and Spiritual Approach to Fundraising by Charles LaFond while flying today to the East Coast for the Church Pension Group Board meeting.

Two words: BUY IT!

Two more words: USE IT!

It is the most comprehensive, helpful stewardship resource I have read in years. Charles LaFond -- fundraiser/monk/priest not only tackles the obstacles to giving well, but provides step by step how-to's for successful annual campaigns as well as planned giving and capital campaigns. I kept on wanting to shout YES! to every page I read (which I know would have bothered the people sitting around me on the plane) -- it is that good. Not only does he capture eloquently what I've been preaching and practicing for years, he adds to it with not only a practical approach to stewardship, but outlines for christian education and adult forums.

Everything from calendar for planning to vision and mission development to stewardship with youth -- it's all here, and it's under 220 pages long.

It's not rocket science, it's the Gospel. Charles lays it all out well.

This has been perhaps the best, most practical time spent on a plane that I've had in years!






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Location:On the plane from Santa Ana to Newark

Called to the Wall

 We started out, just as we had last year. Some came from as far as Trinity in Santa Barbara. The farthest came from Minnesota and New York.

People gathered at MacArthur Park where the first few stations were read. Prayers were prayed. The caravan began.

At Messiah in Santa Ana, more gathered. the pilgrimage continued with more stations, more prayers. Palms were added to the truck carrying the Salvador del Mundo -- an image of Jesus which made its way up from El Salvador, along the pilgrim trail, across the Mexican border, and ended up at Trinity
Episcopal Church on Melrose.  Those gathered for this event continued on to Chula Vista, St. John's Church. More people were gathered there. More stations, more prayers. The Salvador del Mundo traveled us, leading us down the freeway. People gawked, pointed, took pictures, prayed. It was quite a site -- this 6 foot statue of Jesus standing upright in the back of a pick up truck, leading a group of pilgrims to the border.

At St. John's in Chula Vista we were given simple sandwiches to eat and water to drink.More stations read, more prayers offered. We then started down the road to the border.

At the parking lot, we gathered. A large cross was carried by members of our pilgrim team, a smaller was carried as well. As we got to the beach, we stopped for more stations and prayers. We were walking our "Via Crucis" -- the way of the cross.

I remember last year walking along the beach in my chasuble and miter -- it was so hot! This year I wore only a simple alb and stole -- it was still so very warm. I thought about the people who have crossed the border, walking miles and miles -- not the 2 mile distance I had to traverse -- they with little or no water. Although my joints were killing me, I kept on. I knew this was my feeling the pain of others who have made this trek.

We stopped before we were to climb the short hill to reach the border wall -- and said the last stations, and offered more prayers. The waters of the Pacific on our right side, ahead of us a large fence that went down and into the ocean.

At the border, we celebrated the Eucharist -- on both sides at the same time. It was chaotic -- and wonderful. It was life-giving.
Celebrating the Eucharist this affirmed for me that nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ.

On the other side -- and here is a picture of that side looking over towards the side we were on -- Mariachis sang with and for us all.

After the service, we all joined one another at the fence. People asked us to bless them, and they blessed us. I blessed a little girl, Liliana -- and she blessed me. It made me cry.

Tears of love, tears of sorrow were shed by many. Just as people shed tears for Jesus.

This was a very powerful Via Crucis. And we intend to repeat this Way of the Cross next year. I invite you to join us!