INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP

September 10, 2008

   Presbytery Office, Willmar, MN

Present:

Rev. Jim Krapf, LeRoy Ennenga, Jan Prehn, Carol Stiles, Gary Woehler

Karen Woehler, Rev. Bill Yueill, Lynn Yueill, Harold Kampa

October 08 Water Team:

Doris Hemp, Chuck Moore, Jackie Moore, also includes members LeRoy E. Gary W. Jan P.

Interpreter, Nancy Sutton

Absent: Merrilyn Arndt, Gladys Ratzlaff, Stacey Steck, Flora Steck, Edith Alvarez, Heidi Stauffenecker

Occidente Presbytery Visiting Representatives

Miguel Gallardo, Presbytery Treasurer

Bety (Elizabeth) Cifuentes de Sanchez, Leader, Presbytery Womens Assoc.

Ilsi Caldron, Leader, Presbytery Youth

Rogelio Ajqui, Presbyter Vice Moderator, Pastor

Introduction to a report with pictures: Jim Krapf

Devotions: Lynn, Acts story of Peters dream picnic of both unclean and clean animals for eating. The Lord loves and calls all He created.

Introduction from Sue Collar welcoming Occidente Representatives to M.V.P. emphasizing the Work of International Partnership informing churches of MVP of our shared companionship in mission.

Minutes of May 30, 2008- Voted approval as recorded on Presbytery web site.

Financial Report Jan 1- Sept 8, 08 presented

Next trip to Occidente: Participants will be Commissioned MVP meeting, 9/13/08.

Water Project - Bety Cifuentes indicated Lawrence has seen to the roofing and water availability for the October installation.

Gary purchased the majority of Water Project Supplies here. He will purchase the remainder in country. $600 to $700 in country. $1200+ to Living Waters. (Purchased $150.?) $70 for books. $500 each with Gary & LeRoy to be returned in dollars. Approx. total $2200

Budget line short about $1400 Transfer: $500 from 3181 Education, $900 from 3182 both into

L5085.

Voted: Contribution of $200 each M.V.P. water project participant (total $1200). To come from from L5082.

Voted: Pay the cost of Jim Krapfs trip to Guatemala for Network meeting -$631.29.

Recommendation for future travel: Tuesday thru Thursday (low ticket prices)

What expectations are there of M.V.P. visitors to Occidente Presbytery meeting from Occidente representatives perspective: Meeting is 2 days. Observe. Chat with water committee. No Devotions or Preaching. You may be asked to say some things about MVP. Pact of Companionship in Mission will be presented for approval at Occidente Presbytery meeting 10/28-29.

Pact of Companionship in Mission has been analyzed and approved by the Occidente Executive. It will be circulated at the meeting, no debate and voted on by the Presbytery.

Occidente rep. suggestion what possibilities for prayer support from church to church. Need to exchange lists of church? Answer; we will go over some of these concerns when Presbytery Exec returns in PM

Licensure of water project for the 4th water project . The church, is instructed and is making arrangements. Water use permit has been granted.

Voted: approval of Registration for Net Work meeting Nov. 4-6 in Guatemala up to $600 (150x4 participants) From 3182

A communion table runner made by Virginia Molitor will be given to the church at Palmara since when Presbytery receives communion the church where Presbytery meets administers the celebration of communion.

2. Observations from Occidente delegates thus far in their visit.

            a. Enriching to visit the churches. Hymn books were of interest. Westminster Church Vehicle available to Presbytery was appreciated. For 3 first time out of Guatemala. Noticed churches except Mankato, few children or teenagers. (half way thru trip). An work is prayer to God, that there be no generational gap. In Guatemala we give a lot of participation to children, young people. Our purpose is to bring the whole family to worship. Doesnt like to point out wrong things (like journalists), but he is a minister of God.... an idea is for individual churches in Occidente and MN to pray for one another. The chance for informal dialogue has been helpful in places of visits. Responding with existing church prayer list from Presbytery web site.... will include in the prayer

list the churches of Occidente.

* Visas and passport,s phone cards, transportation = $940. Plus $500 additional ($450 cash was given to treasurer Miquel at M.V.P. meeting)for reapplication for visas for 3 of the group. From 3182 Exchange Delegates acc't.

Voted $.44 for mileage for Nancy (translation) Bill (driving) and $.27 to Westminster for use of its van.

3. Requested that Occidente leaders join in communication to their Synod the appeal that that Synod repay the absconded funds to the Presbyteries of Occidente.

Response: Yvone (Synod Secretary) would request Money be returned to Occidente. Presbytery Secretary (Pedro Alvarez) has communicated by phone and by letter that the money should be returned. Nothing has happened so far.

Presently we tell MVP churches to give money to Int. Partners who will then bring money as we travel to Occidente.

New Business (leaving #2)

1. Mutual reflections on Gathering for Gods Future. pg. 1 Rogelio - the new call to testify to Christ in the midst of our reality. Cities- mega problems, that require mega prayers. Reminder of the hymn Firm and Forward.

pg. 2-5. Living Good News in Communities who are poor. Guatemalans come to Worthington to work at good wage to send money back home. Come together to meet around immigration, new members in community, how do we make life better for people in Guatemala so economic development. Guatemalan response: Guatemalans and Latins do come for economic reasons. Capitalism is neither bad or good... it does use people for its own purpose make more $. People who do return help their families.

Rogelio: Who do you prefer to give the church to a group of Pentecostals rather than having a Reformed ministry among Latin Americans with the Worship zeal of the Pentecostals and the missionary zeal Mormons?

First thing is to encounter God. Personal encounter with Christ. Rogelios Conversation with Maria (who translated at Worthington) encouraging her relationship with Jesus Christ, her savior

pg. 6. Rogelio involved with missionaries to Spain, China. Spaniard, You bring religion to us who first took it to you. You who are poor and underdeveloped have faith.

pg2 . last Para. 3rd Sentence. Faith blooms in place where tumult happens (not past tense ie happened in past.) Are people who live in war or depression the only ones who need God?

AGREEMENTS- Pact of Companionship in Mission 2008-2012. Items III & IV.

How do you feel about the Water Project? Ans.: at programs beginning it was understood that it would be brought to each region of Occidente. It is important to continue. (Were now on project #4, so one more and that project is complete). Water must stay within the town where bottled.

Statement: 2 permits 1: water permit (use of city water, well, filter) Health permit (distribution) which requires that water may not be sold outside the community.

Beyond water projects - Occidente problems similar to MVP in which we need to pastors fortified- interpret Bible, Theological work,

Sue Collars reflections- a challenge. A wonderful relationship through which people grow. Visit is great, it will further relationship in the churches. Never the less - relation doesnt impact most MVP churches, since the water project has been most of the impact, but few can participate. Think how the pact is actually going to look like , how will actually come into being.

Occidente will have representatives at the Net work meeting.

Ideas for future: workshops in reformed theology, fortify pastors and spouses for the work God gives them.

Voted to adopt the Pact of Companionship in Mission between Occidente and MVP for 2008 through 2012.

(Secretaries left to find help on questions about Visas raised by PRESGOVs David Wiesman so minutes stop here.)

Respectfully, William Yueill

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