50th Anniversary Pastoral Forum
As we celebrate CEPAD’s 50th anniversary, our Teustepe office hosted a Pastoral Forum to discuss CEPAD’s pastoral model (pictured above). We were joined by members of pastoral committees from across Nicaragua, who shared how they got started with CEPAD, and how they continue to serve their communities.
Many of these committees have been working for decades, so they have extensive experience in working with the community. We hosted representatives from Matagalpa, Carazo/Managua, Teustepe, Somoto, and Blufields. We want to highlight just a few of the items shared below.
Pastor Magdeleno from the Pastoral Committee in Teustepe shared that he felt he’s always been a part of CEPAD. His mother was pregnant with him in 1972, when the earthquake hit Nicaragua, and she was assisted by CEPAD. She was able to get repairs on her home so that Pastor Magdeleno grew up with stable housing. He also shared about how CEPAD helped them to understand the Bible in its context, and how to share the workshops they received with other women, youth, and neighboring communities.
Pastor Denis from Matagalpa shared how CEPAD didn’t just provide theological help, but physical help as well. When Hurricane Mitch hit, CEPAD was there to provide food packets, medical attention, and housing supplies to help with repairs. Thanks to CEPAD, he was able to get a revolving fund, and now has his own home.
Pastor Tomás from the Carazo/Managua pastoral committee shared an impactful story about how they had to actually apologize to their community. They realized there was separation between those inside the Church, and those outside it. So the committee went to the people who had been marginalized, who had felt hurt by the Church, and they repented. By doing so, doors to create relationships flung open. They were able to get more of the community involved, and worked together to continue serving those on the margins.
We are so thankful for all who joined us in celebrating this part of CEPAD’s history, and we look forward to serving together for many more years to come.
