4
ASCENSION PERSPECTIVES “What are you going to do this summer?” It’s the question I like to ask my music students this time of year. With the exception of “sleep” the answers vary. Some are content just to hang around the house perfecting their video gaming skills. The older ones have in recent years opted to take ACC summer classes to get a jump on college requirements. Most look forward to some sort of family get away even if for a few long weekends. I still long to hear at least one of them to enthusiastically cry “practice Mr. Peterson, practice.” Alas such are the realities of summer. In that vein, I thought I’d use this month’s Perspectives to share what I am looking forward to this summer. By now you know that summer has become a time for me to spend at least a little time in and around the small community of San Juan de la Concepcion, Nicaragua at my home away from home La Mariposa Spanish School and Eco Hotel. The eight years now that I’ve returned have instilled in me a deep appreciation, respect and love for the Nicaraguan people, especially those whom I am blessed to call friends. That being said, I’m sure it comes as no surprise to you that I'm planning a trip back again at the end of July through early August. As on previous trips, I’ll be spending time taking Spanish classes and enjoying the familiar environs of La Mariposa, but this go round I've got a couple of other things up my sleeve that perhaps you can share with me. You’ve heard me speak of my friend Paulette who vision and dedication have transformed La Mariposa so much more than a place to learn Spanish. Community outreach and development are central to its mission and identity. Your generosity along with that of other people around the world have helped a group of women start up a bakery to help provide for their families and neighborhood. Last year I took four walkers from our Medical Lending closet that have been put to good use since, one of them by my friend and namesake Bryan whom we helped to receive surgery to save his eyesight. All reports suggest that he is doing remarkably well. Since last summer La Mariposa has provided funding and other necessary resources to further develop a physical rehabilitation center for physically and developmentally disabled children in a neighboring barrio called Los Pepitos. There, Bryan, along with other boys and girls, receives regular therapy and medical treatment. Obviously funds are always needed to keep this vital work going and if you are interested sharing a gift you can do so along with your regular Sunday offering. Just note “Los Pepitos Rehab” on your check or envelope. I am delighted to report that the ink will soon be put to paper making the center part of a greater non profit in the community that will support a variety of community development initiatives. I will also be taking part in a ten day delegation with the Alliance For Global Justice that will take me from Managua to northern Nicaragua and Honduras. Together with folks from across the US we will seek to better understand the root causes of economic migration that we in the US have come to know about all too well. I am hoping to talk with those whose lives have been most significantly impacted, especially in poor areas of Honduras, people who want the same things you and I so often take for granted. Afterwards, I want to be able to share their stories as well, because I believe their stories, their voices are important ones for us to hear. I firmly believe we in the church are called to listen and seek to better understand those who have endured so much simply to survive from day to day and in turn to use our voices “to serve all people, following the example of Jesus and to strive for justice and peace in all the world.” I would be grateful if you would consider helping me get there so that I can tell their story. To that end, I’ve set up a gofundme page that you can find at the following link www.gofundme.com/w3w5nbc . If you have any questions please let me know. I hope and pray that you have a blessed summer, full of rest, recreation and fun with those you love. As always, thank you for the privilege and blessing of being your Pastor. Yours In Christ, Pastor Peterson ASCENSION ACCENTS Ascension Lutheran Church Vol. 55 No. 6 June 2015 A congregation called: to invite, welcome and involve all people to share in God's love and service.
