This year is the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first SAMS missionaries in the North of Argentina. During 2011 there have been many centenary celebrations among the indigenous communities across the diocese of Northern Argentina.
In April 1911 three SAMS missionaries (Barbrooke Grubb, Richard Hunt and Edward Bernau) arrived in Northern Argentina and set in motion what has been called, “one of the outstanding stories in Christian mission”.
Catherine and Bishop Nick Drayson offrom Down & Dromore’s link diocese of Northern Argentina, report from celebrations in Mision La Paz:
“It was a warm night on the banks of the Pilcomayo and the service was held outside. We were honoured by the visit of Dr Michael and Virginia Patterson, retired medical missionaries in the area. The speaker was a Wichi leader in the Pentecostal church. He described the debt owed to those who had followed God’s call and left their country 100 years ago to bring good news to the Chaco. ‘And now, as a way of saying thanks to those we never knew, let us give a hug to those missionaries who are here tonight!’ And with that there began an extraordinary outpouring of emotion, lasting what seemed like hours, in which hundreds of people embraced us, the Patterson’s and other visitors present, in a symbol of gratitude and commitment.
“In Algarrobal we walked to the old wooden cross that marked the original site of the first mission station. Everywhere the few surviving elderly people who remembered the early days of the church gave testimonies, which were recorded. And everywhere there was much music, dancing and eating. Last Sunday, we sat in a packed church, with many men and women wearing the liturgical poncho of deacons and priests. Local leaders led well, inviting various people to speak or sing in Wichí or Spanish, and using Anglican liturgy in Wichí for Communion. People had poured in from surrounding communities, wanting to share in the celebration.
“Services often last for three hours or more, as old people share memories of the arrival of the gospel in their village and numerous music groups, some highly skilled and some less experienced, want a turn to play and sing. Food is abundant – huge cauldrons of pasta or rice with beef, cooked on a wood fire. The Wichí churches face many problems and challenges, but there is vibrant spiritual life and much to celebrate.”