CEDEPCA is celebrating its 30thanniversary and the decision on where to do some of those celebrations was easy, the Presbytery of New Covenant. The Presbytery of New Covenant has been a Covenant Partner with CEDEPCA for 25 of those 30 years!!
The long journey together began in 1991when Presbytery of New Covenant Presbyters, Rev. Jack Bolin and Rev. Tomas Spath, reached out to the PC(USA) in Louisville asking how to connect with the conflict ridden countries of Central America. The answer came back quickly, “There is a new and wonderful organization called CEDEPCA that needs your help and support.” And the Covenant Partnership began. Since then, numerous groups have traveled to Guatemala and many CEDEPCA staff members have visited the Presbytery. We are grateful that our General Presbyter, Rev. Mike Cole, understands the importance of continuing to support and sustain this relationship.
And so, Judith Castaneda, CEDEPCA’s General Coordinator; Emerson Morales, Intercultural Encounters Coordinator; and Judy Moore, long-term volunteer, arrived into a “rainy” Houston on Thursday, June 2nd . The next day they headed to Galveston to celebrate with members and friends of Westminster Presbyterian Church at the home of CEDEPCA USA Board Member, Dr. Bob and his wife, Dr. Trish Beach. As the rain continued, so did the CEDEPCA trio back to Houston where on Sunday, they were separately welcomed by San Pablo Trinity Presbyterian Church, served by Rev. Greg Davis, and Atascocita Presbyterian Church, served by Rev. Jackie Hannan. That afternoon, St. Philip Presbyterian Church hosted the Presbytery’s celebration where the CEDEPCA staff shared some of Guatemala’s struggles, how CEDEPCA’s programs educate and empower the Guatemalan people, and CEDEPCA’s dreams for the future. The trip ended “sunny” on Monday, June 6th , with visits to the Presbytery offices and with the staff of Northwoods Presbyterian Church. Thank you, Presbytery of New Covenant!!