Holidays, Guatemalan Pilgrimage,
Wildfires, and Hope

~ from an email sent on July 30, 2024

Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain Regional Council

Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well and experiencing refreshing summer activities. I can’t believe its already the end of July. I have just returned from two weeks of camping holidays, and am feeling rejuvenated, and excited for the coming adventures. I am privileged to co-lead a pilgrimage to Guatemala and as I prepare to leave, I am very aware of the challenges that we are facing here at home. While I am away August 2 – 17, the Rev. Victoria Andrews (VAndrews@united-church.ca) will be acting Executive Minister since I expect to have limited online access.

In Guatemala, we will have the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and resilience of its people. This journey is not just a chance to witness their strength and perseverance but also to learn from their experiences. The itinerary is filled with meaningful activities, including visits to ancient Mayan sites, interactions with local elders, and participation in traditional ceremonies. These experiences will provide us with a profound understanding of the parallels between the Indigenous experiences in Guatemala and those in Canada. Rev Tony Snow will be offering reflections on these similarities, providing us with deeper insights into the shared histories and ongoing struggles of indigenous communities. This is a profound opportunity for us to broaden our understanding and foster solidarity across borders.

But as we expand our horizons abroad, we are also acutely aware of the challenges we face here at home. The fires burning across our country are a stark reminder of the fragile and unpredictable nature of our world. My prayers are with the people of Jasper, especially the Anglican and United Church communities who have lost their buildings. When reflecting on this loss, Northern Spirit Regional Council President Helen Reed in her pastoral letter to the Region says:

“But hope, itself, survives. Hope because there were many places spared, hope because people were not killed, hope because we hear of the determination of those who evacuated to return to and rebuild in this community that they love.”

If you wish to support Jasper United Church, you can do so here: https://northernspiritrc.ca/support-for-jasper/

In British Columbia, we have been asked for support for Turner Zion United Church, New Denver-Silverton that is surrounded by out-of-control wildfires. This message from Rev George Meyer:

“From a church ministry point of view, Turner Zion is learning a lot about fire response and management and the devastating impact on dislocated families, the vulnerable and surrounding communities.  We have fires on three sides of New Denver.  Both Silverton and Slocan City have been evacuated and we are on alert.

Because we are in such small communities, fire fighters have few if any options relating to meals. Turner Zion helped create and support the Fireweed Hub. Please see the website for the best information about this nonprofit society that the church sponsors.  https://fireweedhub.ca/

This little society with the core help from community volunteers provides a free breakfast and dinner to fire fighters nearby and seniors and displaced persons. Turner Zion is working with Fireweed Hub and community leaders to make the response more robust.”

Donations for Turner Zion United Church can be made to the PMR fund ‘Wildfire Relief – Turner Zion United in New Denver’:  https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/pacific-mountain-regional-council-of-the-united-church-of-canada/  (Use the drop down menu in the “Donate to this charity” box to choose the fund.)

It is hard to have hope in the midst of these challenges. But in spite of this, hope does, somehow survive. One of the most inspiring parts of being with the people of Guatemala, is bearing witness to their hope, in spite of the circumstances of their lives.

A family member recently shared a Meme on social media that offers this perspective on hope:

“People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider’s webs. It’s not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just spat out a tooth as she rises for another go.”

As we move forward, let us embrace this robust and tenacious hope. Whether in the resilience of our friends in Guatemala or the steadfast determination of our communities here in Canada, hope persists. It is in the dirt, the blood, and the tears, rising again and again.

May we continue to support one another, draw strength from our faith, and find courage in our collective journey.

In faith and solidarity,

Treena Duncan,
Executive Minister
Pacific Mountain Regional Council