From Your Synod Executive

Chip Hardwick
1 day ago
2 min read

A tropical wind blowing beneath the palm trees. 100 worshipers in two languages. 30-year-friendships and brand new pals gathered around the table. Hands swinging overhead in joy. Even a conga line to the African praise song, “Siyahamba.”

All of this, and more, characterized the joint worship service last month celebrating the work of the Spirit in the 30-year-partnership between Miami Valley Presbytery and the Presbytery of the North Coast in Colombia. The service was one of many highlights while seventeen of us traveled to learn from the eleven churches of the partner presbytery.

It was my first trip to see the depth and breadth of the partnership, and I was quite impressed! Five churches in Miami Valley have partnerships with congregations there in Barranquilla and Cartagena. I heard about many individuals whose lives have been deeply shaped by the partnership. Only two: Mario Bolívar, from Colombia, served in Troy OH, was later ordained by Miami Valley, and has served several PCUSA congregations before recently becoming the Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Florida. Tom Milligan, ruling elder at First Sidney, has become so deeply connected to the partnership that he is finishing up a term as the chair of the board at the Reformed University in the Colombian presbytery.

I’ve seen many churches in partnership with congregations in other countries, but the partnership between Miami Valley and the North Coast seems unique for a few reasons. First, it’s been going on for thirty years! That is certainly what author Eugene Peterson calls “a long walk in the same direction.” Second, it’s two presbyteries, not just two congregations, maintaining closeness over such a long period of time. Third, the churches really seem to be equal partners. I did not see any instances of paternalism by the American churches toward their Colombian partners.

Please pray for the thirteen Colombians who travel to Miami Valley for a weekend in Dayton in July. I’m excited to see my new friends, and even more eager to see how God continues to help the world around us look more like the Kingdom of Heaven through this joint ministry.

Enjoy these pictures from our time together!