Letters from Overseas

The United Church of Canada sends personnel overseas in response to requests from global partner churches and agencies. As members of the Christian community, overseas personnel attempt to work beside people overseas in their life and mission with its struggles and victories, sorrows and joys. Another part of the work is to communicate with people in Canada.

All of us like to receive letters. We invite you to open some of these Letters from Overseas. Share them with your community of faith, and read about the work and life of the global partners of The United Church of Canada and the overseas personnel currently serving with them.

The work of overseas personnel is made possible through your gifts to the Mission and Service Fund of The United Church of Canada. See an example of overseas service on the United Church's YouTube channel.*

Recent Letters

Thom Davies Writes from Palestine and Israel, December 2011 [PDF: 3 pp/38 KB]
Sarah Beer Writes from Peru, December 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/32 KB]

Letters by Country/Region

Brazil

Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, September 2011 [PDF: 4 pp/45 KB]: Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, shares a letter from an activist who survived imprisonment and torture in the early 1970s.
Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, June 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/37 KB]: Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about CESE involvement with people of other faiths.
Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, November 2010 [PDF: 3 pp/35 KB]: Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about traditional celebrations.
Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, April 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/38 KB]: Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about the funeral of murdered street people and spring celebrations.
Kathleen Stephenson Writes from Brazil, February 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./28 KB]: Kathleen Stephenson, United Church overseas personnel in Brazil, writes about celebrations, challenging budget decisions, and ecumenical work.

China

Gary MacDonald Writes from China, December 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]: Gary MacDonald, United Church overseas personnel in China, writes about experiencing hope, fear, and love in the Christmas season.
Gary MacDonald Writes from China, October 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/36 KB]: Gary MacDonald, United Church overseas personnel in China, writes about the parable of Lazarus and a "Golden Week" visit to rural China.

Colombia

Chris Ferguson Writes an Advent Letter from Colombia, 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/41 KB]: Chris Ferguson, overseas personnel in Colombia, writes about witnessing the light of Christmas amid injustice and violence.
Matthew Heesing Writes from Colombia, August 2011 [PDF 3 pp/37 KB]: Matthew Heesing, overseas personnel serving with the Latin American Centre for Popular Communication, writes about forms that solidarity can take.
Matthew Heesing Writes from Colombia, July 2011 [PDF 2 pp/33 KB]: Matthew Heesing, overseas personnel serving with the Latin American Centre for Popular Communication, writes about how CEPALC has been sowing seeds of dedication in good soil.
Matthew Heesing Writes from Colombia, June 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/29 KB]: Matthew Heesing, overseas personnel serving with the Latin American Centre for Popular Communication, writes about the invitation, hope, and radical love in the church.
Matthew Heesing Writes from Colombia, May 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]: Matthew Heesing, overseas personnel serving with the Latin American Centre for Popular Communication, writes about the "Goliaths" that people working for justice are resisting in Colombia.

Cuba

Néstor Medina Writes about His Work in Matanzas, Cuba [PDF: 2 pp/26 KB]: Néstor Medina served as short-term overseas personnel teaching at the Evangelical Seminary of Theology in Matanzas, Cuba.

El Salvador

Lynn Macaulay Writes an Advent Letter from El Salvador, 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/36 KB]: Lynn Macaulay writes about the presence of Advent hope amid the impact of a hurricane.
Lynn Macaulay Writes from El Salvador, May 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/60 KB]: Lynn Macaulay, United Church overseas personnel serving with ADES in El Salvador, writes about local opposition, in the face of grave threats, to an international gold mining operation.

Israel/Palestine

Thom Davies Writes from Palestine and Israel, December 2011 [PDF: 3 pp/38 KB]: Thom Davies, ecumenical accompanier in Israel and Palestine, writes about both the tragedy and the good news of a Christmas in Bethlehem.
Jan McIntyre Writes from Palestine and Israel, November 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/31 KB]: Jan McIntyre, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about the impact of occupation on lives of farmers.
Jan McIntyre Writes from Palestine and Israel, October 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/63 KB]: Jan McIntyre, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about experiencing roadblocks in the West Bank.
Patricia Mercer Writes from Palestine and Israel, August 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/37 KB]: Patricia Mercer, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about a small village's resistance to occupation.
Dianne Baker Writes from Palestine and Israel, July 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/33 KB]: Dianne Baker, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about the essential need for water.
Lenora Yarkie Writes from Palestine and Israel, May 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/86 KB]: Lenora Yarkie, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about accompanying Palestinian children to elementary school.
Lenora Yarkie Writes from Palestine and Israel, April 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/73 KB]: Lenora Yarkie, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about accompanying Palestinians in a conflict over land use.
Patricia Mercer Writes from Palestine and Israel, April 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/32 KB]: Patricia Mercer, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about the risks a young girl takes to visit her imprisoned brother.
Sherry Ann Chapman Writes from Israel/Palestine, February 27, 2011 [PDF: 3 pp/47 KB]: Sherry Ann Chapman, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, describes a concrete example of economic structural violence.
Sherry Ann Chapman Writes from Israel/Palestine, February 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/40 KB]: Sherry Ann Chapman, United Church overseas personnel serving with the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel, writes about the desire Muslims, Jews, Christians have for peace.
Sherry Ann Chapman Writes from Israel/Palestine, January 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/ 41 KB]: Sherry Ann Chapman writes about the connection between the Kairos Palestine document and injustices she is observing in her work with Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme.
Susan Palmai Writes from Israel/Palestine, March 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/35 KB]: Susan Palmai writes about women she has met in her work with the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel.
Susan Palmai Writes from Israel/Palestine, February 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/44 KB]: Susan Palmai, Ecumenical Accompanier in Israel/Palestine, writes about the beginning of her second placement, this time in Bethlehem.

Japan

Rob and Keiko Witmer Write an Advent Letter from Japan, December 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/44 KB]: Rob and Keiko Witmer write an Advent letter about the diverse work of churches in Japan.
Rob and Keiko Witmer Write from Japan, May 26, 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/42 KB]: Robert and Keiko Witmer, overseas personnel serving with the United Church of Christ in Japan, write about what is sustaining the people of Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Robert and Keiko Witmer Write from Japan, April 23, 2011 [PDF: 2 pp./39 KB]: Robert and Keiko Witmer, overseas personnel serving with the United Church of Christ in Japan, write about what is sustaining the people of Japan in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Cesar Santoyo Writes from Japan, April 2011 [PDF: 2 pp./32 KB]: Cesar Santoyo, director of a ministry to Filipino migrants to Japan supported by United Church partners, writes about his work after the earthquake.
Robert and Keiko Witmer Write from Japan, April 8, 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]: Robert and Keiko Witmer write about the ongoing impact of the earthquake in Japan, including the nuclear threat and rescue work.
Robert and Keiko Witmer Write from Japan, March 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/24 KB]: Robert and Keiko Witmer, United Church overseas personnel in Japan, express thanks for continuing concern and prayers.
David and Zenora Rackham Write from Japan, March 2011 [PDF: 3 pp/26 KB]: David and Zenora Rackham write about the effects of the March 11 earthquake on Japan.
Robert and Keiko Witmer Write from Japan, March 2011 [PDF: 3 pp/27 KB]: Robert and Keiko Witmer write about the effects of the March 11 earthquake on Japan.

Mozambique

Karen and Bill Butt Write from Home Assignment from Mozambique, April 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/37 KB]: Karen and Bill Butt write about sharing their experiences with the Christian Council of Mozambique with congregations in the Maritimes.
Karen and Bill Butt Write on Home Assignment from Mozambique, March 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/31 KB]: Karen and Bill Butt write about sharing their experiences with the Christian Council of Mozambique with Canadian congregations.
Karen and Bill Butt Write about Their Work in Mozambique, October 2010 [PDF: 2 pp, 26 KB]: Karen and Bill Butt, overseas personnel in Mozambique for The United Church of Canada, write about how congregations are engaging in mission in Canada.
Karen and Bill Butt Write from Mozambique, April 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]: Karen and Bill Butt, overseas personnel in Mozambique for the United Church of Canada, write about partnership and empowerment versus charity.
Karen and Bill Butt Write from Mozambique, January 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/52 KB]: Karen and Bill Butt, overseas personnel in Mozambique for the United Church of Canada, write about the effects of a simple bicycle on a congregation.

Nicaragua

Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, December 2011 [PDF: 1 p/24 KB]: Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson write from Nicaragua about preparations for Christmas in the Moravian church.
Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, September 2011 [PDF: 1 p/32 KB]: Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson write from Nicaragua about a transformative young boys' group.
Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, April 2010 [PDF: 1 p/30 KB]: Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson, overseas personnel in Nicaragua for The United Church of Canada, write about teaching, the funeral of a church elder, and learning cooking
Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson Write from Nicaragua, January 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/27 KB]: Deborah Elliot and Don Gibson, overseas personnel in Nicaragua for the United Church of Canada, write about the beginning of their work there.

Peru

Sarah Beer Writes from Peru, December 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/32 KB]: Sarah Beer, overseas personnel in Peru, reflects on Mary's experience as a young mother, comparing it to that of young mothers in Peru.
Sarah Beer Writes from Peru, December 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/30 KB]: Sarah Beer, overseas personnel in Peru for The United Church of Canada, reflects on the meaning of Christmas.
Sarah Beer Writes from Peru, August 2010 [PDF: 2 pp, 40 KB]: Sarah Beer, overseas personnel for The United Church of Canada, writes about her initial welcome from the Hope Centre in Chiclayo, Peru.

South Korea

Catherine Christie Writes an Advent Letter from South Korea, December 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/63 KB]: Catherine Christie shares an Advent message of the courage of the Korean people in resisting the building of a military base in their community.
Catherine Christie Writes from South Korea [PDF: 2 pp/27 KB]: Catherine Christie, United Church overseas personnel in South Korea, sends Advent greetings and reflects on her first five months in the country.

Switzerland

Kristine Greenaway Writes an Advent Letter from Switzerland, December 2011 [PDF: 1 p/25 KB]: Kristine Greenaway describes "flickers of light" she sees as people around the world work for justice and peace.
Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, September 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/49 KB]: Kristine Greenaway, United Church overseas personnel serving with the World Communion of Reformed Churches, writes about how global interns enrich the work of WCRC.
Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, June 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/43 KB]: Kristine Greenaway, United Church overseas personnel serving with the World Communion of Reformed Churches, writes about the WCRC's first anniversary and peace work in Northern Ireland.
Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, January 2011 [PDF: 2 pp./57 KB]: Kristine Greenaway, global mission personnel associate service with WCRC in Switzerland, writes about the first full year of activity for the newly formed communion of churches.
Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, October 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/28 KB]: Kristine Greenaway, United Church overseas personnal associate with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, shares her experience of the creation of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.
Kristine Greenaway Writes from Switzerland, March 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./16 KB]: Kristine Greenaway, United Church overseas personnal associate with the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, writes about the "spring" she sees in changes in global church movements.

Tanzania

Tiina Cote Writes an Advent Letter from Tanzania, December 2011 [PDF: 2 pp/42 KB]: Tiina Cote reflects on how the courage to follow God's call today resembles the courage of the shepherds in the Gospel to leave their flocks.
Ron and Linda Locke Write from Tanzania, December 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./97 KB]: Ron and Linda Locke, overseas personnel in Tanzania, write about Christmas preparations and meetings with partners in Tanzania.
Ron and Linda Locke Write from Tanzania, July 2010 [PDF: 2 pp./29 KB]: Ron and Linda Locke, overseas personnel in Tanzania, write about a local mining operation, a housing project, and language lessons.
Ron and Linda Locke Write from Tanzania, June 2010 [PDF: 2 pp/34 KB]: Ron and Linda Locke, overseas personnel in Tanzania for the United Church of Canada, write about their initial welcome and meetings with partners

If you would like to receive these occasional Letters from Overseas by e-mail please contact Sarah Shepherd to be put on the e-list.