The Patagonia StoryCongregations in Argentina and Illinois Link "Arm-in-Arm" for Mission Missio Dei Series, Number 9 |
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The vision, call and energy for the Patagonia Mission Project (PMP) emerged in Argentina in the mid-1990s. As the Mennonite churches in Patagonia began their work, they sought partners. Juan Sieber, son of former MBM missionaries Floyd and Alice Sieber, challenged both Argentine and U.S. churches, saying, "The way we have always seen mission is as a one-way road from the United States to the world. We want a two-way relationship. We want a partnership." Arm-in-Arm (AIA) formed as a cluster of people from Illinois congregations, and a partnership was born together with Iglesia Evangelica Menonita Argentina and Mennonite Mission Network. This booklet chronicles the development of that partnership, sharing the insights of people from boths sides of the equation to demonstrate how the roles become mutually beneficial.
About the Authors
Delbert Erb served with the former Mennonite Board of Missions in Argentina for many years. Currently he and his wife, Frieda, are "retired" in Choele Choel where they continue to serve within the Argentine church in many ways. Delbert has served as partnership facilitator from the beginning, walking the partnership through the inevitable conflicts and growing pains to acheive deeper relationships and a strong vision.
Linda Shelly is regional director for Latin America with Mennonite Mission Network. Based in Newton, Kan., she provides overall coordination to the Mission Network's ministry involvements in Latin America, including partnerships, international workers and relationships with Latin American churches and other organizations.