Andrew Leake continues environmental work in Northern Argentina
We’ve just received the April prayer letter from Andrew and Maria Leake working in Northern Argentina. Down & Dromore is linked with the Diocese of Northern Argentina.
Among the news is that of Andrew’s work with Bishop Nick Drayson and his wife Catherine on a series of workshops aimed at empowering Christian leaders amongst indigenous Churches to help parents disciple their children. This initiative responds to the fact that growing numbers of indigenous youth are falling prey to alcoholism, drugs, gangs and prostitution.
Andrew’s contribution is in terms of enabling leaders to appreciate the extent and nature of the environmental changes that are affecting indigenous communities across the Chaco, and the challenges these pose to the well–being of children and young people.
“We are greatly encouraged by this work,” says Andrew, “as it is enabling us to introduce Creation Care onto the agenda of indigenous Churches.”
The next two workshops take place in May and June. The most recent event took place in Juarez, the town where Andrew grew up as a child. A visual report of that meeting can be seen on YouTube here.
“We now plan to accompany the Pastoral Familiar initiative with a church–based, social survey (mentioned in our last circular) of local perceptions of environmental and climate change across the Chaco,” he continues. “Our Bishop has given his support to this, and we now await approval from a UK donor before we proceed with the initiative. We believe that the results of the study will provide a unique regional perspective of changes at the local level, and in so doing encourage Churches to understand their responsibility towards caring for Creation.”
Prayer pointers
Give thanks for the encouragement we are receiving for our work from our Bishop
Pray for the development of the Pastoral Familiar work
Pray for the planning and implementation of the church–based survey on environmental and climate change in the Chaco
Give thanks for Carolina, Ceci and Tomás having settled into their new academic year
Pray for the loan of a car for us to use during our visit to the UK in July and August
Download the prayer letter as a PDF here.