Newsletters

Date: May 14th 2009

Reflections on Being an Accompanier in Colombia with the Presbyterian Church of Colombia

by Christine Caton


In reflecting on my time in Colombia, and why I am here as an accompanier, many things come to mind.

First of all, and most importantly, I am here because I see it as a call on my life. God has called me to be in Colombia as an accompanier, and I have the gifts and temperament for nonviolent accompaniment work. Even though my Spanish is minimal (on a good day!), I am able to communicate, especially with the gracious help of my fellow accompaniers who have been and are fluent in Spanish. God has blessed me with the ability to get along with all kinds of different people, to love them, and greet them with an open heart, which does not require language at all.

Our ministry here as accompaniers is one of presence. We simply are here, with the people, with the church, in their lives and their work and their ministries, whatever that may be. Some days are busier than others. But all days are important to the life of the church in Colombia. They asked us to come and be with them in their time of need; and we came to accompany them on their journey of faith. We are told time and time again, you are important to the life of the church. Simply sitting in the Presbytery office is a sign of our witness. Some days that is all we do. Some days are full of visits and meetings and social events. All days are important to the Presbyterian Church of Colombia. Its witness is one of the grace and peace of Jesus Christ. They bring this witness to the poor and the displaced, the suffering and the hungry. They bring the body of Christ to the people through their witness in the communities they serve. And we, as accompaniers, are privilege d to go with them on this journey of faith.