Carrie here again. We had an absolutely FABULOUS week with the youth from the Utz Pan bakery here in Xela and they headed back to Guatemala City yesterday. It was early mornings and late nights all week, so I am a bit behind with my updates for you. I have the weekend now to rest and work, so I’ll try to get a few more posts out in the coming days.
On Tuesday, while the kids were visiting their first bakery, I was invited out to the Association office to take part in the graduation ceremony for the first group of women who completed CEDEPCA’s six-session Introduction to the Bible class. What a celebration! This is the first of four courses taught by staff from CEDEPCA’s Biblical and Theological Education ministry. To learn more about this class and how the women are responding, read this previous article written by Jenny Garcia, Association staff member and class participant.
The Association gave each woman a beautiful light blue sweater (kind of a uniform) to formalize this educational opportunity. Many of these women have only completed basic levels of education (3rd to 9th grade), so to finish a course like this is quite an accomplishment and is taken very seriously. The women completed their final class in the morning, then family members began to arrive to witness the graduation ceremony. We prayed, sang, and gave thanks for this wonderful opportunity.
Each woman received their diploma, and then the Association gave CEDEPCA and New Castle Presbytery certificates of appreciation for providing the staff, materials and funding for this program. The participants are asked to pay a nominal fee for the class if they are able so they feel invested. Several NCP churches and individuals have already donated the funds needed to expand this program in 2025. So the women who just completed Introduction to the Bible will move on to the second course, and another group of new women will begin the first course. These women are learning how to read the bible with new eyes and in the context of their own lives, creating lasting change. Thank you!
I’ll be back tomorrow to share more about the youth bakery trip!
I’m counting sooo…. many Blessings here! Thank you for shaing.đź’• Gloria
Indeed, what is happening is certainly a blessing. Thanks Carrie for posting these updates – it is wonderful to hear about the positives with the bakery project in Xela and also about the pride and engagement which the Bible Study has fostered. Outstanding effort & results Carrie to you and all of those who are making it happen!