Delegation to Colombia

Report from a
Delegation to Colombia

Presbyterians Concerned about Colombia invite you to join a new delegation to Colombia, May 17-29, 2004. [2-20-04]

Stand with Colombian Presbyterians living through a time of great violence, and learn about their churches' courageous response to threats.

Our Money, Their Lives

a special report from Jane Hanna, former president of the Witherspoon Society [5-5-03]

We have already posted one report [just below] from the Witness for Peace delegation - co-sponsored by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and the Witherspoon Society - that visited war-torn Colombia in March of 2003. Jane Hanna, former Witherspoon president, adds details to our understanding of the impact of the U.S. "war on drugs," now morphed into the "war on terrorism," on the ordinary people whose livelihoods - and lives - are increasingly threatened.

AMERICA'S WAR IN COLOMBIA

Presbyterian delegation returns from Colombia [4-2-03]

A special report from Malissa Haslam, Santa Fe

A Witness for Peace delegation sponsored by the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Witherspoon Society returned home this weekend from Colombia, South America, where the group spent ten dramatic and emotion-filled days hearing about and seeing first hand the devastating results of the US Government's Plan Colombia (now called, we were told by US Embassy diplomats, The Andean Regional Initiative).

During the delegation's final debriefing process, we were asked to write an answer to the inevitable question we would all be asked, "How was your trip?" My answer follows.

"So just how was your trip?" I am asked lovingly and excitedly as I'm hugged by these beloved people who prayerfully supported - though not always in agreement with the purpose - my going to this war-torn country. Although they all know that I was not taking a pleasurable vacation, they will not be prepared for my somber reflections, sharing of difficult memories, nor for the sudden, powerful emotions that overflow. "Mind-boggling," I say, or simply "Incredible."

Overwhelmed at what I've seen and heard these past two weeks, I realize that I must sort through this kaleidoscope of feelings for the sake of my own sanity and emotional health. Even now, being home less than twenty-four hours, much of the experience already seems ethereal. In the mass e-mail I'd sent just prior to departure, I'd asked prayer not only for safety but specifically for the ability to understand the situations as best I could, so that upon my return I would be able to communicate honestly and clearly what I learned. And so amidst this wide range of emotions, I begin to try to answer.

"Filled with amazement," I respond, "at the courage, strength, and endurance of the human spirit shown by the reintegrated guerillas as they willingly, under pseudonyms, shared their stories. Heart-rending pain at the sight of children's naturally dark hair turned much lighter because of severe malnutrition, as well as bewilderment at the slight glimmer of hope reflected in the occasional flowers planted in the cement-like soil at Kilometer Seven, one of the displaced persons' encampments and the only home many of these children have ever known. Astonishment, awe for those brave activists in the social, labor union, and pastoral segments whose lives and those of their families are regularly threatened because of their continued efforts in demanding justice, decency, and equality. Envy at the Colombians' love of country despite the corruption of its officials and the hardships imposed through collaborations with the US. Anxious, unsettled at the huge anti-war protest at the US Embassy in Bogota (in which we did not participate but somewhat witnessed), yet, gladness. For to me this event was symbolic: there are indeed millions of people around the world - despite the fact that most US citizens are oblivious - who understand and see clearly the US Government's ultimate goal of world domination.

Shame for my own country because I have seen the glaring results of its policies towards Colombia and know these same kinds of policies and practices are being carried out elsewhere many times over. Anger for the lies we've been handed by our government officials. Disbelief and sadness that the country I love and call my home, the country I have until recent years unquestionably respected, has lost, over many years - for no administration escapes responsibility - its moral soul and has itself stooped to such low, inhumane levels of greed, hatefulness, and horrific acts of oppression and terrorism. Stark realization that the US has become what it's always said it hated and opposed. Dread and fear that my country may soon become the object of horrendous violence, the likes of which it has never experienced.

Yet, there is hope. Hope that the commitment and compassion exemplified by the young adult International Team who so competently led our delegation following the Witness for Peace principles of nonviolence to which we all committed (as other untold numbers of people have similarly done), may yet be the "subversive seeds" that bring to fruition the belief that another world is indeed possible. Humbly grateful, because as we were reminded by one delegate's morning reflection, "God does not call me to be successful. God only calls me to be faithful". . . in my efforts to inform and educate. I can trust God for the results.

Malissa Haslam
Santa Fe, NM
April 2, 2003

Malissa Haslam is an elder at First Presbyterian Church, Santa Fe, where she teaches the three and four year olds. For many years she directed an early childhood program at a Santa Fe preschool that stressed conflict resolution methods.

Presbyterians Concerned about Colombia

Sponsored by
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
and
The Witherspoon Society

[7-24-02]

Impact of U.S. Aid in Colombia

Under the auspices of Witness for Peace

Delegation to Colombia
March 17-29, 2003

Colombia has endured almost four decades of brutal armed conflict between the national army, leftist guerrilla movements, and right-wing paramilitary forces. Overwhelmingly, the victims of this conflict have been civilians -- primarily community and church leaders, human rights workers, and local labor organizers. Into this situation, the U.S. Congress has approved several billion in mostly military aid -- ostensibly to fight the "war on drugs" but in fact to expand our military influence.

	Meet with a wide range of experts to hear analyses of the impact of U.S. policy in Colombia
	Hear personal testimonies from displaced people and others directly affected by the conflict
	Travel outside Bogotá to see the impact of military assistance on farmers and other civilians
	Meet with Presbyterians and hear their stories about the effects of US policy on civilians
	Gather tools and skills needed to educate and influence U.S. policy makers

Estimated Cost: $1,400 plus airfare. This includes all meals, accommodations, translation and transportation in Colombia (including in-country airfare). Your fee also covers briefing materials and extensive training in Miami. Scholarship funds are limited, but fundraising consultation is available. Past delegates have a very successful track record of raising the needed funds.

Applications: Due February 15, 2003 with a $100 deposit. Space for 20 participants

For an application and more information, contact:

Betty Kersting (505) 982-4548 sfkerst@rt66.com
or
Anne Barstow (212) 662-8209 annebarstow@juno.com