A group of seven Youth members from the Lutheran Church in Nicaragua “Faith and y Hope” (ILFE spanish acronym) began a journey on August 12th, along with one of the church pastors, Reverend Ilo Utech, towards the city of Göttingen, Germany in order to gather again with brothers and sisters from the Lutheran Church in Bovenden.
This partnership began 19 years ago, every year since then; a group of Youth members of the Lutheran Church in Bovenden go to Nicaragua and the year after that a group of youth members from the Lutheran Church in Nicaragua come to Germany as well. All of this is in order to exchange experiences, get to know each other´s countries, their cultures, and to share and live their faith out as young Lutheran Christians.
This year the main subject of this gathering is “Sustainability” related to Climate Change. Also known as the economical development on taking care and using efficiently and with responsibility, the natural resources, social justice and the commitment with future generations.
The host group has prepared a schedule in which both of the groups are able to learn more about the subject of Sustainability. The group is sharing information about projects that Germany is doing and actions they are taking to achieve a sustainable development.
During these last 5 days we have been able to interact in a fraternal way with the group from Germany who has made us feel like we are at home. Germany is a very different world compared to the world we live in in Nicaragua: the food, weather, streets, public transportation, people, are all very different, but even with all the differences between our countries and cultures, we have been able to feel the warmth given to us from our brothers and sisters. They have opened up their houses to us. We have enjoyed a lot of different home-cooked German dishes, which before we had only heard about through previous delegations. Through visits, singing, laughter, barbecues, walks and games, we have been able to learn about German People´s history. We even had the opportunity to visit the Wartburg Castle where Martin Luther translated the Bible during his time as a refugee
We believe that this experience is very valuable for our church and our lives. When we return to Nicaragua, every one of us has a commitment, and through our gift given by God, we have to share with our communities what we have learned here in Germany.
Thank you so so much Hellen for such a marvelous piece.I’m impressed by tyhe thought process and the intelligence with which you present this story.Thanks once again for keeping us inform about the youth exchange program btw your country and Germany.
ooohh Thank you Anthony…I’m glad that you have read it and you liked!! as ypu see is related to one of the themes of the Assembly also
We nid this in Africa its an indelible and experience and a small but a new lutheran parish at arid Makindu District where rains 4 the last seven years is history despite the lutheran relief program the climate change here is rapidly felt by the hunger strike Hellen. Organise something Hellen and faithfully get in touch with us.A culture exchange il work better for its the leaward of Mt.Kilimanjaro.God guide and bless lutheran faith linked programs just like the Germany -Nicaragua exchange.Bye Hellen and kindly respond.