In February, Sister Parish members in Guatemala met in Tierra Nueva I and II for the bi-annual representatives meeting. See all photos from the meeting.

Guatemala representatives and staff who participated in the meeting.

During the weekend, representatives learned about the dream of a new land that the founders of Tierra Nueva I and II  had and also about how they have faced recent challenges like violence and a 2015 landslide that destroyed many homes.

Site of the 2015 landslide in the Loma Linda community in Tierra Nueva I.

We also had the chance to worship together, stay with families, and talk about ways to improve our sistering relationships.  Conversations focused on how to improve communication with U.S. churches, as well as communication between the different Guatemala communities who are geographically spread out all over Guatemala.

Walking tour of the communities.

The representatives meetings are a central aspect of Sister Parish, providing learning and travel opportunities for southern members and ensuring that southern members play an active role in the Sister Parish organization as a whole.