Faith Expedition to Guatemala celebrates Brethren stove project.

Margot and Tom Benevento, General Board program volunteer for Latin America and the Caribbean, led a Faith Expedition to Guatemala Oct. 28-Nov. 5, sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office and Global Mission Partnerships. The delegation of 14 spent time in the community of Union Victoria and the community development projects of San Lucas Toliman, exploring the culture, history, and development of indigenous people of the communities while considering issues of peace, justice, and human rights.

A highlight of the trip was a festival and inauguration celebrating a Church of the Brethren-sponsored stove project. "Tom Benevento was recognized for his efforts of over ten years in developing a fuel-efficient stove that is now used throughout the Union Victoria Community and is growing in its use throughout Guatemala," reported Brethren Witness/Washington Office director Phil Jones. "The unique baffling system of this stove reduces wood consumption by more than 75 percent and provides a healthier, safer environment for the family in its use."

The group also participated in celebrations of All Saints Day and the Day of the Dead, long-standing and important holidays of the Guatemalan people, Jones said. "An interesting side to the trip was the unfolding of the American presidential election as seen through the eyes of this Central American country," he added. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office sponsors Faith Expeditions on a regular basis. For more information call 800-785-3246.

Source: 11/19/2004 Newsline