This month we had the opportunity to host the Praxis program in Bolivia. Praxis --practice, as distinguished from theory-- is a for-credit trip offered to Canadian seminary students that allows them to get out of the classroom and into the field. These students together with their prof. joined a group of Bolivians to explore the course’s theme: environmentalism and the response of the church. The accompaniment of Bolivian nationals also adds an element of cross-cultural learning.
To help us explore the intersection of environmental care, faith and the role of the church, we were able to hear from a number of international and national speakers. This included presentations and workshops from A Rocha Peru, Oxfam Quebec, local environmental groups and government representatives. Collectively they enlightened us on environmental challenges both globally and in Bolivia, how we can make a difference personally, and how the church can be a positive force for change.
Together we visited projects in El Alto, a city filled with migrants, of whom many left their homes because they could no longer survive in the rural areas as a result of climate change. We also ventured to agricultural areas to learn how environmental degradation is effecting the lives of project beneficiaries struggling to live by subsistence farming. Through the testimonies of local Bolivians and with our own eyes we saw the effects that our collective abuse of the environment is having on everyday life.
The positive impact Praxis is having with our partners here in Bolivia is already evident. Some leaders have been inspired to implement environmental components into their ministries by integrating stewardship theology into Bible teachings, others to educate around recycling and sustainable living practices, or even mobilizing churches to plant trees. We're looking forward to seeing more initiatives take root in Bolivia and Canada in the near future.
To help us explore the intersection of environmental care, faith and the role of the church, we were able to hear from a number of international and national speakers. This included presentations and workshops from A Rocha Peru, Oxfam Quebec, local environmental groups and government representatives. Collectively they enlightened us on environmental challenges both globally and in Bolivia, how we can make a difference personally, and how the church can be a positive force for change.
Together we visited projects in El Alto, a city filled with migrants, of whom many left their homes because they could no longer survive in the rural areas as a result of climate change. We also ventured to agricultural areas to learn how environmental degradation is effecting the lives of project beneficiaries struggling to live by subsistence farming. Through the testimonies of local Bolivians and with our own eyes we saw the effects that our collective abuse of the environment is having on everyday life.
The positive impact Praxis is having with our partners here in Bolivia is already evident. Some leaders have been inspired to implement environmental components into their ministries by integrating stewardship theology into Bible teachings, others to educate around recycling and sustainable living practices, or even mobilizing churches to plant trees. We're looking forward to seeing more initiatives take root in Bolivia and Canada in the near future.
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