Methodists in Mexico hold first service ministry gathering
7/18/2001 News media contact: Linda Green · (615) 742-5470 · Nashville, Tenn A UMNS Report By Kathy Gilbert* The Methodist Church in Mexico has responded to the resurgence of servant ministry across the country by conducting its first convocation of people in ministries of service.
Sixty-five men and women gathered at El Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd) Methodist Church in Mexico City, May 24-27, to share stories of their call and their diaconal ministries across the country with migrant workers, street children, prisoners, widows, the aging, the poor and those without medical care.
The Methodist Church of Mexico and the Section of Deacons and Diaconal Ministries of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry sponsored the Convocation of Persons in Ministries of Service, a first in the church in that country.
"Historically, the Methodist Church in Mexico was established through centers of preaching and teaching, medical clinics and centers of outreach," said Joaquin Garcia, a staff executive at the board. "Currently, there is a strong resurgence of such ministries of service throughout the country reflecting a deep commitment to live out the commandment to be Jesus Christ to the poor, powerless and marginalized."
The Methodist Church of Mexico does not have deacons or diaconal ministry within its structure, yet many are serving as "obreros" (workers) in ministries of diakonia, Garcia said. Pastors, obreros and two representatives of the College of Bishops attended the convocation.
For more information, contact the Section of Deacons and Diaconal Ministries, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, P.O. Box 340007, Nashville, TN 37203-0007; (615) 340-7375; or visit www.gbhem.org/deacons/default.html on the World Wide Web.
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*Gilbert is a staff member in the Office of Interpretation at the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville, Tenn.
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