"I do not feel unsafe, although violence is everywhere. I know Who has called me here, I know that He is watching over me, and I know that you are praying for me."
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Dear Heritage Friends:
Let me begin by thanking you for your faithful support and concern during the past years. I have been able to visit you several times during this time, once after an unforgettable drive up from my mother's home in Williamsburg during a snowstorm. A number of you have written to assure me of the church's prayers and support, and these letters are always a real encouragement. I certainly do thank all of you for your love and concern.
I am a PCUSA missionary assigned to serve in Colombia, South America. I have been here almost 25 years (since 1977). You are hearing much more about Colombia in the news these days than you did back in the 70's. My mother says she wonders whether I've achieved anything at all, since the situation seems to be worse now than when I came! (I THINK she's joking!) Actually, the violence is not new—it was here even before I came, though it is true that it has escalated in recent years.
I have to say this: I feel privileged to be here, especially in this time of crisis. There are great demands on the church, as you can imagine, and I am able to be a part of the church's response and also train pastors and lay leaders for ministry in the future. What better opportunity could I ask for to serve our Lord? And my situation right now is unique, because the PCUSA has determined that due to violence and threats of violence they will not send any other North American missionaries to this country for now. I do not feel unsafe, although violence is everywhere. I know Who has called me here, I know that He is watching over me, and I know that you are praying for me.
When I was new here I served out in the jungle wilderness, an area where the church was growing rapidly. My job was to organize a program of evangelism, church development, and theological education by extension. That program still continues, now under the leadership of some of my former students. In 1983 I was asked by the church to join the faculty of the newly established Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I served as President of the Seminary from 1987 to 1992, and then was able to turn the administration over to a Latin American, continuing on the faculty as Professor of Bible and Biblical Languages.
Last year the seminary moved into the final stages of accreditation as a full fledged university, which means that our degrees will now be recognized for secular purposes as well as in the church. One of my former students is now the President of the University, and I was asked by the church to return to administration as Academic Dean, a position I have held for the past year.
During these years I became involved in an organization of Latin American Bible Scholars, RIBLA. There is a wonderful movement across Latin America in which lay men and women are turning to the Bible, both Catholics and Protestants. It has been my privilege to lead many seminars and intensive courses on the Bible for RIBLA. I also write articles on Bible interpretation for its journal and serve on the editorial council of the journal.
Meanwhile, as the crisis in Colombia has increased, our church has been very much involved in calling for peace, defending human rights, and working with the displaced persons who have had to flee their homes because of the violence. I have been involved in this work leading seminars and workshops on the issues involving from the point of view of the Bible and ministering directly to the displaced persons as well. I am also invited by other seminaries, other universities, and other organizations to lead seminars and workshops on a variety of subjects.
Blessings on you,
Alice Winters