Organization: Presbyterian Church of Colombia

Location: Barranquilla COLOMBIA

Ecumenical Partner:

Pattern of Service: Short-Term Volunteer (International)

Position description: Accompaniment, support and protection of those engaged in the social ministry of the Presbyterian Church of Colombia (IPC) with the displaced and in defense of human rights.

Volunteers will received an orientation in the United States at the end of which a final discernment will be made about their going into Colombia. Additional orientation will be provided by the partner church in-country.

Essential job tasks and responsibilities: Participate in the social and ecclesial ministry of the IPC with the displaced population, the prisoners, and non-governmental organizations
Participate in a team analyzing the social and political situations generated by the conflict in Colombia.
Help document human rights abuses
Provide pastoral support to IPC personnel and members as they continue accompaniment and consolation of displaced communities and victims of the conflict.
Provide accompaniment to IPC personnel as they talk with Colombian government authorities
Help interpret the conflict situation to PC(USA) membership, send news reports.
(Be prudent and discrete, maintain a low profile).

Mission description: The Presbyterian Church of Colombia, IPC, is a historical partner of the (PCUSA) and the oldest Presbyterian Church in Latin America. It is involved in a variety of activities from evangelism to servicing the displaced, a ministry endangered because of war and repression. The IPC provides a brilliant light in a dark situation, expanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed.

Length of service:  four to eight weeks

Start date: 2009

End date:  2009

Full time, part time or either:  Full-Time

Settings:

• Refugee Ministries
• Ecumenical Partnership
• Social Justice/Advocacy

Interest categories:

• Community Development / Social Services
• Mission Service (International)
• Relief / Refugee Ministry
• Social Justice / Advocacy

Description of program location: Colombia has one of the most violent histories in the Americas. A civil war (1899-1902) claimed 100,000 lives, and during the political unrest in the countryside known as "La Violencia" (1948-1962) over 200,000 were killed. Rapid migration from country to city coincided with a shift from agriculture to industrial production. This has intensified the concentration of wealth and led to political instability. Four different guerrilla groups fought the government for years. Except for the largest of these groups, M-19, which put down its arms in 1991 and joined the political process, they all continue their efforts to lead a revolution. Further destabilization comes from paramilitary forces and the violence toward citizens that is caused by their clash with guerrillas for territory. With government repression, guerrilla warfare, and paramilitary forces, Colombia remains one of the most conflictive countries in the region.

Required skills, talents and gifts:

• Word processing
• Writing
• Informing
• Public speaking
• Reporting
• Confidence
• Active listening
• Providing support
• Cooperative
• Working with people
• Articulate
• Relating
• Cross cultural sensitivity
• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Works as team member
• Time management

Desired skills, talents and gifts:

• Storytelling
• Dependability
• Pastoral Counseling
• Agricultural planning & development

Required experience, licenses and certifications: Volunteers must have relevant international and cross cultural experience,knowledge of Latin American history, flexibility, patience, humility and a firm Christian commitment and desire to share with others.
Volunteers must have sensitivity to issues of armed conflict and government repression. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age and members of the PC(USA).

Ecclesiastical status:

• Member of PC(USA) Congregation
• PC(USA) Elder
• PC(USA) Deacon
• Member of another Christian Community
• PC(USA) Candidate for Ordained Ministry
• PC(USA) Presbyterian Minister of Word and Sacrament
• PC(USA) Christian Educator
• Minister of another denomination

Required education and languages: Spanish

Position benefits: This is a volunteer position. The volunteer is responsible for all expenses. PC(USA) will provide the mission worker with risk management insurance. Regular health insurance is not provided. Provision for health insurance and medical evacuation insurance should be made by the volunteer for him/herself.

Housing:  Housing will be provided by the Presbyterian Church of Colombia.

Salary: volunteer

Contact: MSR

Email: MSR@ctr.pcusa.org

Phone: 888-728-7228 Ext. 2530

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