ELCA delegation in Nicaragua
January 19-29, 2009
In January 2009, an ELCA delegation traveled to Nicaragua to examine the implications of a warming climate for people living in a developing country, and to gain an in-depth understanding of how the issues of extreme poverty, hunger and climate change are interrelated.
Through relevant pre-trip study materials and interactions with Nicaraguans from diverse
professions and viewpoints, participants will examine the scientific basis of climate change and many of its anticipated and concrete manifestations, with a special emphasis on those related to hunger and poverty.
Learn more about the
delegation participants.
Accompaniment in an Era of Climate Change
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ELCA delegation travels to Nicaragua to study climate change, poverty and hunger “In Nicaragua, we feel that we are seeing the effects of climate change every day and that it is linked to the vulnerability of people.” – A representative of ACT (Action by Churches Together), in a presentation to the ELCA delegation, during a meeting in Managua with several organizations that are members of a National Roundtable on Disaster Preparation.
“How good it is that you have come to see with your own eyes how bad it is and how much we need help!” – A pastor of the Moravian Church in Nicaragua, in Puerto Cabezas.
Late last week, a group of fourteen ELCA Lutherans returned from a rigorous and powerful 10-day “study trip” in Nicaragua [Jan 19-29], where they visited with a wide range of people, from church partners and non-governmental groups, to scientists, governmental officials, and communities of campesinos in rural areas on both coasts of the country. People in many areas there are still recovering from Hurricane Mitch (1998) on the western coast and, even more so, Hurricane Felix (2007) on the isolated North Atlantic side, near Puerto Cabezas. Poor land practices, deforestation, and a challenging political and economic situation exacerbate the already difficult conditions.
Many of the delegation’s participants would likely point to the “community visits” as the experiences they will never forget. Many people in Nicaragua are desperately poor and dependent on subsistence farming, which has become increasingly difficult with the markedly shifting rainy seasons, combined with disastrous floods, mudslides, severe droughts, and the spread of disease. Similar impacts are being felt by the poor, the world over.
“For me it was very important to see and hear firsthand how climate change is already impacting the most vulnerable in the world,” said David Creech, Director of Hunger Education for the ELCA’s World Hunger Program. “I've done a lot of reading and thinking on the subject, but to meet families and hear their stories and see their plight made the problem so much more pressing.”
The trip was designed both as a model for accompaniment with our neighbors in the global south and as an “on the ground” learning opportunity for the travel group members to gain an in-depth understanding of how the issues of extreme poverty, hunger, and climate change are interrelated. The delegation’s participants came from nine states and included several national staff members. They have committed to post-trip education and advocacy projects that will highlight what they have learned and encourage others to engage in advocacy on issues of climate change and poverty, as well as personal earth-friendly actions.
In Nicaragua, the delegation was warmly welcomed and hosted by the Interchurch Center for Theological and Social Studies (Spanish acronym CIEETS) and assisted greatly in translation and travel logistics by Stephen Deal, Central American coordinator for Global Missions.
The group also had the opportunity to meet with leaders of the Moravian Church in Nicaragua (in Puerto Cabeza) and to experience a rousing worship in Managua at the Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope (Iglesia Luterana Fe y Esperanza).
Group members, in collaboration with trip participant Mary Minette, ELCA Director for Environmental Education and Advocacy (Washington Office), will also be producing a teaching video and discussion guide for use in congregational settings. Several will also participate in the upcoming “Ecumenical Advocacy Days” [Jodi – put link or other info here?]
“I hope that the church will hear our stories and be mobilized to act. We need to remember the most vulnerable and offer what we can to help them adapt to an increasingly unpredictable environment, by supporting programs such as the World Hunger Appeal and Lutheran World Relief,” said David Creech. “But equally important is that we also advocate on behalf of those who are poor, and for serious policy changes, especially as regards to CO2 emissions and trade agreements. And in our personal lives, we can all make lifestyle choices that are less consumptive and more earth friendly.”
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Kim Winchell, Diaconal Minister for Earthkeeping MinistriesNorth / West Lower MI Synod, and trip participant