t i e r r a n u e v a
. . . on earth as it is in heaven
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home • jail ministry • family support center • people's seminary • tierra nueva honduras • worshipping communities
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on earth as in heaven ________________________
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How did Tierra Nueva begin? Tierra Nueva began in Honduras in 1981. Bob and Gracie Ekblad, along with Fernando Andrade and Catalina Toc, established an experimental farm and adult learning center among poor subsistence farmers. Tierra Nueva started by promoting sustainable farming practices, as well as training peasant agricultural promoters and health workers. |
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Eventually, Tierra Nueva began offering courses in conflict resolution, Scripture study, social analysis, organic farming, nutrition, literacy, appropriate technology and other survival skills. Tierra Nueva continues to operate in rural Honduras as an independent Honduran peasant association led by fifteen peasant promoters. In 1994, the Ekblads moved to the Skagit Valley to begin a ministry among Mexican peasants pushed from their lands by poverty, landlessness, unemployment, and drought to work the harvests of Western Washington as migrant farm workers. What does Tierra Nueva mean? In Spanish, ‘tierra nueva’ means ‘new earth.’ The name comes from Isaiah 65:17, where God says, “Behold I am creating new heavens and a new earth.” This new earth is the kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed and ushered in through his ministry of embracing the outcasts, healing the sick, delivering the demonized, and teaching the people. We too are part of Jesus’ ministry of establishing God’s kingdom here and now. We pray with Jesus, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven.” At the same time, we anticipate Jesus’ return, when “he will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain . . .” because “behold, I am making all things new” (Rev. 21:4-5). How is Tierra Nueva supported? 90% of Tierra Nueva’s support comes from individual donors and churches. We are an ecumenical effort by people of faith to serve those in need. Visit our donation page to learn how you can partner with us as we proclaim the Gospel that has the power to save, heal, liberate, deliver, and bring total transformation. Join us so we can see together concrete signs of God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. What are the main ministries of Tierra Nueva? Our core ministries are the Jail Ministry of Skagit County, the Family Support Center, Tierra Nueva Honduras, the People's Seminary, and our worshipping communities (Road to Emmaus and our Spanish language Bible study). Click the links above to read further information on each of these ministries. How can I learn more about advocacy and Scripture study? One of our favorite pastimes at Tierra Nueva (besides prayer) is Scripture study and discussion. All are welcome to our weekly Bible study on Fridays at 1:30 pm, as well as our worshipping community on Sundays at 4:30 pm. Each second Sunday of the month, we have a bilingual service and potluck at 5:00p. Another place to begin is with Bob Ekblad’s book, “Reading the Bible with the Damned.” This title unveils the good news Scripture has for the most marginalized, providing a model for leading dialogical Bible studies. Click the link at right to visit our publications page for more information. In addition, the Tierra Nueva store offers a number of CD teaching recordings on topics such as reading the Bible with the marginalized, the social prophetic, empowerment and authority, and allegiance. Click the link at right to visit our online store. How else can I be involved? Tierra Nueva is always looking for volunteers, especially bilingual men and women who can assist the outreach and advocacy work of the Family Support Center. Responsibilities might include driving people to court dates, meetings, or appointments, translation work, assisting Spanish-speakers with job applications, or providing childcare for the Sunday evening worship celebrations. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, contact the Family Support Center, 360-755-0768. Another tangible way to help us is to donate! Click the link below to donate online, or send a check to the address below. All gifts are tax-deductible. Your contributions are vital to keeping our doors open.
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