Women’s ministry growing in Northern Argentina
Catherine Le Tissier works amongst families in our link diocese of Northern Argentina.
Catherine, how long have you been in Northern Argentina and what are some of the things you do?
I have lived in Argentina with my husband Nick Drayson for approx. 20 years. Since we arrived here in Juarez 7 years ago I have been involved with work with families, especially with women and children. It is wonderful when we see women becoming empowered by the understanding of God’s love for each one of them. It also leads to adventures; hair raising truck rides, crossing rivers in a less than watertight boat, travelling on the back of a crowded lorry in the baking sun, and also sitting through long tedious meetings, and praying for people knowing that only God has the answer!
I serve in a working group called Pastoral Familiar, and an initiative called Making Disciples in the Family (MDF). MDF has served as a wake–up call to parents to take responsibility for their children, to guide, teach and disciple them (Ephesians 4:6). Over the last 4 years, with the help of a team, I have coordinated this initiative.
Recently however, we have seen the need for the women to get organised so a women’s group called AMARÉ (“I will love”) has been formed. More than 800 women, both indigenous and urban, have become members so far. AMARÉ gives a sense of belonging, purpose and identity in Christ, as members of the Anglican Church and also of Mothers Union worldwide.
The Diocese of Northern Argentina received a generous gift from Bishops Appeal. How has that gift helped your ministry?
This gift has helped support the work of Making Disciples in the Family (MDF). It has paid for provisions, materials, and transport. We have held several MDF workshops and consultations (open to both men and women but the women are always in the majority) across the Diocese and hope to continue to do so. They are empowering events, as people voice their concerns, listen and learn from each other, and make decisions as to how to move forward. Without this funding the initiative would be impossible.
We are working on materials to help with basics of understanding and parenting their children. We also plan to translate the book “Family Time –Simple prayers, Life lessons and devotions for learning with children.”
What is your vision for women’s ministry in the Diocese in the next few years?
That women will continue to become empowered in every way and that membership of AMARE will help develop work amongst women.
A sense of purpose and unity across the Diocese with the breaking down of cultural and racial differences and misunderstandings.
Please pray… for the development of women’s leadership, and for the strengthening of the families work… for help with development of materials for parents and children… for the first General Assembly of AMARE… for discerning God’s priorities and knowing His heart… for energy and strength.
With thanks to SAMS UK & Ireland. This article first appeared in Buena Vista Summer Edition 2016.