|
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Our Transformational Immersion Program follows
what is referred to as a “reverse mission” process rather than the work
projects that often come to mind when people think of a church-related
trip abroad. Instead of coming with all the tools, resources and solutions
to overcome poverty and injustice our participants are invited to enter
into a partnership of mutuality that calls us to hear, learn and grow
through dialog and relationship with those on the margins of life. We go
out into the city streets, local “barrios”, and rural villages to hear the
stories of families and organizations struggling against the very real
systems of poverty and injustice that impact their daily lives. We engage
in critical thinking to have more clarity on what are the causes and
alternatives to structures that rob so many of life and dignity. We
challenge one another to think about how our faith calls us to stand in
solidarity with the poor and oppressed. The true “mission” happens when
groups return home, transformed by new encounters with the living Christ
and moved to act for justice in their own local communities and the wider
global world that we all share. We encourage participants to come with
empty hands but with open hearts and minds, ready to receive the hope,
wisdom, and gifts that our Mexican sisters and brothers seek to share with
us.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
A typical 8 to 10 day program includes:
Orientation
- Motivation to join the program
- Program
methodology
- Walking tour of the local area
- Visit historical center of
Mexico City and nearby archaeological sites
Experience the Reality
- Overview of Mexican history
- Visits to marginalized
communities
- Testimonies - political
refugees, women as community and family leaders
- Impact of
globalization on the countryside and urban settings
Analyze the Reality
- Biblical reflections on the
struggles of God's people
- Presentation on the identity
and history of Mexican women
- Simulation exercises on power
dynamics and economics
- Presentations on global
economics and politics of domination
Experience the Hope
- Biblical reflection on the
promise of God's reign
- Visit the Basilica de
Guadalupe
- Participation in a Christian
Base Community gathering
- Visits to faith-based
community projects
-
Introduction to Theologies of Solidarity
- Worship celebration in a local
church
Prepare for Return Home
- Spiritual exercise to
integrate experience
- Group reflection on experience
and action plans
- Closing worship to commission
returnees
|
LOGISTICAL DETAILS AND COSTS
Requirements for your group
We request a minimum of eight participants per group and a maximum of
twenty. Because the content of our programs requires a certain level of
critical thinking capacity, participants must be of at least high school
age (9-12 grades). Please be sure participants are in good physical
condition, as many of our programs include significant amounts of walking.
Program costs
The program fee is $70 per person, per day. The cost includes lodging at
the Lutheran Center, meals, local transportation, entrance fees and any
other program related expenses. Groups are responsible for their own
flight arrangements and airfare. A non-refundable deposit based upon group
size is required at least 45 days prior to your program to reserve your
space in our schedule. The balance is due at least 15 days prior to the
start of your program. Information on how to complete a wire transfer of
funds for both the deposit and the balance will be provided once the
program dates have been selected. |
