Breaking New Ground

Our first group arrived on Friday February 17. This was an unusually small group but important nonetheless. Susie Wiggins and Reverend Debbie Freeman from Little Rock Arkansas came to celebrate the first anniversary of the forming of a Ladies Society in 12 churches of the Lacandon Presbytery. The Presbyterian Women of Arkansas have a covenant relationship with this new group of indiginous Tzeltal ladies, and Susie and Debbie came to visit and affirm that relationship.

We traveled to the jungle village of Plan de Ayutala where the celebration was being held. We also traveled with the treasurer of the General Assembly of the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico, who was invited to participate in the celebration. As usual, we were greeted with much warmth, fellowship and a meal.

Over 300 ladies from the 12 churches were in attendance for the Saturday and Sunday event. Interestingly though, one society would not allow their ladies to attend, so they sent the two male advisors to the society as representatives.

At the Sunday morning worship, Debbie became the first female to preach the Gospel in the Presbyterian Church in that village and possibly in the entire region. She delivered a wonderful message, speaking directly to the ladies in attendance, something that native pastors rarely do.

After her sermon, Debbie and Susie presented the Ladies Society with two communion trays which were donated by their church. They also presented a communion plate and chalice handmade by Debbie’s brother. The communion set and trays were given with the sure knowledge that the sacraments would be administered when the ladies societies meet. The marvelous thing is they will be used by a new group of believers speaking a different language than those that gave it.

Once again, God opens doors for the advancement of His kingdom. Slowly this male-dominated society is getting glimpses of female elders, pastors and leaders from the US Church. By allowing the formation of the ladies societies, the Tzeltal men have taken a small step toward more active participation by ladies in the church. They have a long way to go, but progress is measured in small steps here. Come on down ladies and help open more doors.