The Very Rev. David Giuliano

Moderator David Giuliano writes about his visit with United Church partners in Colombia and Nicaragua. This Moderator's Blog originally appeared on WonderCafe*.

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Nicaragua Day 4—“Respect,” Friday, February 22, 2008

This morning we met with “Instituto de Desarrollo Social de la Iglesia Morava,” It’s the social development branch of the Moravian Church. They function as intermediaries between outside providers of aid and the communities in need.

Mostly, we were discussing a Canadian Foodgrains application of which we are part. Hurricane Felix wiped out the agricultural potential of 20 communities and about 2,000 families in the region. The Swedish Foodgrains program helped out with immediate relief after the storm. Our application is for seeds and tools so that people can begin to grow their own food again.

I asked about challenges they face as intermediaries. There was immediate consensus that the biggest challenge was working with people who want to impose solutions. Harold, Cora’s husband and a member of the committee, told us about one aid agency that insisted only an expert could repair the carburetor on one of their portable wood mills. The expert flew in from the U.S. and changed the carburetor but the mill still didn’t work. “While he was on his cell phone to head office,” Harold shook his head, “one of the boys fixed the old carburetor.”

Another one of the mills was determined to be worn out by the manufacturer and scheduled for disposal. When the mechanics came to visit, Harold showed how they had overhauled the mill and given it fresh paint. It was working well. They refused to believe it was the same mill until Harold showed them the serial number plate. Once a technician was flown in to set up and demonstrate a new mill. He couldn’t get it started. A local person explained that there was an electronic safety on the machine that needed to be turned off. Each of the stories, concluded with shaking heads and gales of laughter.

Not all are funny. Work crews from other countries sometimes insist on inappropriate building techniques, or on introducing non-indigenous seeds and farming practices or give money with strings attached (usually from mining or forestry companies). “It’s difficult but sometimes,” Humberto said, “we’ve had to turn down aid because it does more harm than good or because it is so disrespectful to us as people. What else can we do?” He confided that currently there is a house builder whom they might have to ask to leave soon.

At the root of these problems is a notion of superiority. Denis, another member, said, “Don’t treat us like children.” I asked about the relationship with The United Church of Canada. They responded with gratitude and praise for our partnership model. We agreed that we would speak as “amigos,” assume the best of intentions, and speak honestly when misunderstandings arise. They expressed special gratitude for the role Jim has played in caring for our partnership.

Humberto wrapped up saying, “Respect is a tool for development.” As with any friendship, a development project is impossible with out respect.

Archive

• Moderator's Blog: Looking for Jesus in Colombia and Nicaragua (February 2008)