Argentina Travel Reflection — Susan

When our small group left for Argentina, I had many people questioning me about what a partnership or a relationship with another Lutheran church in another country meant. I myself was a bit foggy on the whole concept.

I have come back understanding the Relationship Ministry. I can best put it into words with this story:

As I hurried to ready myself for our mission trip, I was told to pack an extra bag of clothing, which would be sold at a yard sale fundraiser for the Emanuel Mission. Hmmm . . . what is the Emanuel Mission? Who was selling the clothes? What was the money for? I would soon learn the answers to all these questions.

We initially were introduced to the congregation of San Pablo, in the town of San Miguel, Argentina. These gracious people planned our agenda.

We were shuttled out to a neighborhood about a half hour away from the San Pablo church. Arriving at the Emanuel Mission with many of the congregation, with whom we had spent a considerable amount of time, and Fabian, the minister of San Pablo, I could only see a small dirt lot among impoverished homes. The lot was full of tables with clothing everywhere! Utter chaos!

We set ourselves to work. We unpacked and organized our donations and helped fold the clothing that was donated by the congregation. Little by little the people of this neighborhood came out to see what was going on. The children poured in! The sale was on!

And on this sunny day, we sold clothes and food. We attempted to speak Spanish and we played with the children. Carrie handed out cross necklaces to the children. Chuck gave out balloons with a blessing written on them–in Spanish by Alli! And I gave the children small gifts to play with.

This small dirt lot became a place of worship. We did more than raise money; we were spreading the word of God to this neighborhood. Emanuel Mission is a place for the children to worship, but we can dream big and hope the children will bring their parents.

In church the following morning, Fabian–San Pablo’s minister–tearfully announced we had raised $375.00, enough for a light! The congregation was proud and energized. The next sale was already planned. We were all proud to have helped.

The relationship is about accomplishing together.