Colombia Accompaniment FAQ

What sort of accompaniment do you practice?
Our program arose from a request for accompaniment by our partner church in Colombia. What we do is essentially community accompaniment, a ministry of presence with the church and with the displaced communities and human rights leaders with whom they work. Accompaniers are always in the presence of our Colombian hosts, except when they are "at home" and sometimes going for meals, etc. Our presence has become well known and our accompaniers stand in solidarity and spiritual support for the church and the displaced communities, while providing "international eyes" to what is going on and any threats that are received by the church or those it serves. In Colombia, our church partners take the lead in determining activities, and they try to adapt to the gifts of each person who comes. The church partnership element is a special part of this program. We learn a great deal from each other, and many accompaniers come away with an invigorated sense of what it means to be church. Our primary goal is to be a supportive presence of solidarity, with the benefit of increasing awareness for our accompaniers and, through them, our U.S. churches and the broader society through education and advocacy efforts.

Where in Colombia do accompaniers go?
We are based primarily in Barranquilla and visit surrounding areas. Occasionally accompaniers are asked to go to Bogotá or another city for events, but typically they stay within the bounds of the North Coast Presbytery, within a few hours' drive of Barranquilla.

Where do accompaniers stay?
Accompaniers have housing provided by the Colombian church, which so far has been a small apartment on the University campus but may be changing soon to another apartment elsewhere in Barranquilla. Occasionally there are overnight stays in other places.

How long would I stay?
The typical term of service is one month. Some folks have been able to stay for two or three months, and many have returned several times. We prefer not to send anyone for less than a month, because it usually takes about two weeks to begin to get a mental grasp of the situation and dynamics, and we also do not want to drain our Colombian hosts’ energy with excessive turnover.

What do accompaniers do?
The primary element is a ministry of presence, so activities vary greatly depending on what is going on in the church and country. Many days are "office assignment" presence at the presbytery offices, following the news and occasionally helping with translation assignments, etc. Most accompaniers have some opportunities to visit the different communities that are supported by the church: there is a farm that a large group of displaced families has begun to work, and to which they are seeking legal title. There are also two displaced Afro-Colombian communities that the church is involved with through the Ecumenical Network, as well as a growing number of outreach projects of individual congregations. There are often various workshops that the accompaniers attend, as well as church services and activities. But the most important thing is presence.

Is it dangerous?
Our hosts in the Colombian church are very protective of us and would not ask us to be there if they thought we faced any great risk or danger. You have probably heard of the risk of kidnapping and of the violent conflict, which is indeed greater in Colombia than most other places you might travel; however, you will not be engaged in typical tourist activities, and our church partners will help ensure that all appropriate precautions are taken. It is also important to note that this program is now in its fifth year and so far no safety problems have arisen for our accompaniers, thanks be to God.

With whom would I serve?
Our model is to have two accompaniers present at a time. They are paired together by the accompaniment coordinator, with efforts made to ensure compatibility, mutual respect and cooperation, according to the schedule and availability of each. If one accompanier does not speak good Spanish, the other must be comfortable providing translation and help with interpretation. Requests to serve with a particular person are generally honored, quite gladly.

If I go to the training, am I committed to going to Colombia?
No, you will not be committed to going just because you join us for the event. It will be a time for training, education, and mutual discernment. At the end the leaders will sit down with all participants individually and talk about their sense of whether this is something they feel called to pursue, and will share any feedback, questions, or concerns. If all agree that it would be a good fit, we will talk about scheduling, availability, and partnering.

Who can be an accompanier?
We have a wide range of levels in our participants, from some who don't speak Spanish and have never been involved in Latin America at all, to others who have extensive experience in Colombia and special training in trauma counseling, medicine, and other skills. Anyone over 21 years of age with a valid U.S. passport and a heart for this important ministry is welcome to apply.

What if I’m not Presbyterian?
This is a program of the Presbyterian Church (USA) in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Colombia, and is a clearly Christian endeavor. It is open to ecumenical partners from other denominations who feel called to be part of this ministry. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

How is the trip to Colombia funded?
As a mission volunteer, it is the responsibility of the accompanier to cover the cost of his/her term in Colombia. We encourage each individual to use fundraising as a method of covering expenses. This not only relieves a financial burden, but raises awareness about the program itself. The total cost of airfare, food, local transportation, and miscellaneous expenses for the month varies, but is generally around $1,500.

What does it cost to attend the training?
There is no cost to attend the training/discernment event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to the event, but all meals, lodging, etc., will be provided by the program. If needed, financial assistance from the accompaniment program may be available to help with travel expenses, please feel free to ask!

What if I don’t have much money?
We do not want lack of funds to prevent any called and qualified individuals from serving as accompaniers. If you have special circumstances or financial needs, please feel free to share them and we will do our best to make it possible for you to participate.

Are there other ways to support this ministry besides becoming an accompanier?
There are many things you can do. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Educate yourself and others

  • Be an advocate

    • Check your congressional delegation’s record on Colombia policy and urge them to support human rights and rule of law for Colombia’s people
    • Sign up for action alerts
    • Pray for the people of Colombia and our leaders
    • Sample prayers and worship resources are available here
  • Send a financial contribution
    • The accompaniment program relies entirely on donations and welcomes your support, either online or by check (Payable to PPF with “Colombia Accompaniment” in the memo line. Please send to: Presbyterian Peace Fellowship,?17 Crickettown Rd.,?Stony Point, NY 10980)
    • Various PC(USA) accounts are set up to support projects of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia