IowaWINS and the First Presbyterian Church of Mt Pleasant are hosting Carmen Elena Dias Anzora from El Salvador, an international peacemaker who is part of a group of seven individuals touring the country for the next month with the PC(USA)’s Peacemaking Program. Ms. Anzora will be visiting the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 27. Ms. Anzora will give a presentation about her work at 4:30 PM, and a potluck dinner will follow afterwards at 5:30 PM. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program makes it possible for leaders from overseas partner denominations and organizations to visit Presbyterian congregations and institutions in the U.S. to bear witness and interpret peace and justice issues.
Since 1984 more than 350 International Peacemakers from 60 countries have been hosted through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. The International Peacemakers focus their time on 3 priority areas of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s work: dismantling structural racism, alleviating systemic poverty and building congregational vitality. They also help Presbyterian’s live into a biblical commitment based on Matthew 25 by sharing unique experiences and stories from their work in the following areas:
- Hunger Ministries: I was hungry and you gave me food
- Clean Water/Environmental Justice: I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink
- Immigration/Migration/Refugee Welcome: I was a stranger and you welcomed me
- Poverty Alleviation: I was naked and you gave me clothing
- Health and Wellness: I was sick and you took care of me
- Racism/Systems of Oppression and Violence: I was in prison and you visited me
This year the Peacemakers come from seven different countries or regions, including Cameroon, El Salvador, Madagascar, Malawi, Israel/Palestine, Rwanda, and Tuvalu (Pacific Islands). For more information, contact the First Presbyterian Church at firstpresbymtp@gmail.com. Visit the Presbyterian Peacemaking page for more information about the International Peacemakers.