International peacemaker visits Mt. Pleasant

MT. PLEASANT — IowaWINS and First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant will host international peacemaker Camern Elena Diaz Anzora of El Salvador Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. with a potluck to follow at 5:30 p.m.

Anzora is one of seven international peacemakers touring the country for the next month with Presbyterian Church (USA) Presbyterian Mission.

The program’s mission is to transform cultures of violence into communities of peace in obedience to 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “ … Peace at all times in all ways …”

According to the PC (USA)’s website, the program is designed to respond with communities to inspire new approaches to active peacemaking, equip God’s people to be compassionate and prophetic peacemakers, and connect communities of peace to learn from each other in shared accompaniment and take action together for the transformation of the world.

“By sharing stories of their work and witness, the peacemakers help us understand peace and justice concerns around the world and provide insights that can inspire us to greater faithfulness,” according to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program. “Their visits broaden our sense of God’s inclusive family and help equip us to build a culture of peace and non-violence for all God’s children.”

Since 1984 the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program has hosted more than 350 International Peacemakers from 60.

The International Peacemakers, like Anzora, focus their time on three priority areas of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s work: dismantling structural racism, alleviating systemic poverty and building congregational vitality.

Much of this mission is utilized to help the church carry out the Biblical commitment based on Matthew 25 in the parable of the sheep and goats.

“’For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me,’” Matthew 25:35-36 reads.

“‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me,’” verse 40 continues.

The International peacemakers will share their stories working with ministries such as: Hunger Ministries, Clean Water/Environment Justice, Immigration/Migration/Refugee Welcome, Poverty Alleviation, Health and Wellness, and Racism/Systems of Oppression and Violence.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com