Voces para la Paz y la Fraternidad

Last night we had the privilege of attending a concert entitled "Voices for Peace and Brotherhood". As many of you are aware, there has been a great deal of unrest in the state of Chiapas the past several years, coming to a head with the Zapatista uprising in 1994. Since that time, various churches throughout the state have united to heal some of the divisions that exist. One result of these efforts was last night's concert. For the past nine years, a number of Chiapas churches have worked together to put on an incredible musical concert. For two hours, we worshipped with groups from Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Baptist, and 7th Day Adventist Churches; groups ranging in size from three to 96; groups accompanied by piano, guitar, marimba, and violin. There was Christmas music, praise songs, English hymns sung in Spanish, and songs that we were hearing for the first time. (The picture is the choir from the Presbyterian Church here in San Cristobal.) Each group was talented and brought a meaningful message, with the final group being a fitting climax to the program. This all-male choir of almost 100 included boys as young as seven, three men playing guitar, two playing trumpet, 32 boys and men playing violin, and the rest singing. The entire concert was an incredible example of different denominations working together for a single purpose - raising their voices in praise to God.

One of the blessings of the past few months has been getting to know people from so many different countries. That thought struck me last week as we met with the Ch'ols and individuals from the Mexican, Netherlands, and Norwegian Bible Societies. It also struck me last night when we went out for dinner after the concert. Just yesterday we met a young couple from the Netherlands who are teaching at the John Kempers Seminary in Berriozabal. They had come to San Cristobal to hear their friend Rogelio sing in the concert. (Rogelio and Becky live in the basement apartment of the house we're staying in.) At dinner there were 14 of us sitting around the table with Spanish, English, Tzotzil, Tzeltal, and Dutch all represented. What a great time of fellowship we had over tacos, chalupas, and tortas. Our prayer is that wherever you live, whatever language you speak, and whatever foods you may be eating, that you find fellow Christians who can encourage and uplift you in your faith. Take care! Donna