TODAY IN MISSION YEARBOOK
‘For the love of basketball and faith’
Over 2,000 miles from the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico, a community of Indigenous immigrants gathers for community through sports. During a scroll on Facebook, Antonio Colón saw a group needing access to a playground and basketball court, and as the adage goes, the rest is history.
The ministry of Colón and Sandra Otero is centered on being present with the people. Originally from Latin America, they felt a calling to support the Hispanic and Latino community in their adopted home of Charleston, South Carolina. In 2017, they partnered with their presbytery to establish Misión Presbiteriana Mackay, named in honor of Dr. John A. Mackay, a prominent Christian leader and former president of Princeton Theological Seminary who was known for his dedication to missional ministry.
Through Misión Presbiteriana Mackay, Colón and Otero aim to address the needs of the community by fostering relationships and providing support that honors their cultural heritage. Their work emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the belief that ministry involves walking alongside people in their daily lives.
Colón and Otero have forged strong ties within Charleston’s Hispanic and Latino community, using basketball as a bridge to build relationships and establish trust. Their approach is rooted in the belief that true connection involves being present with people in their everyday lives, much like Jesus did.
Understanding the unique challenges faced by immigrants, they focus on meeting community members where they are, recognizing that many carry the weight of family ties to loved ones left behind. This awareness has led Misión Presbiteriana Mackay to extend its reach to Oaxaca, Mexico, where they are actively working to enhance education and foster community activities in one of the region’s poorest areas. By addressing needs both locally and across borders, they emphasize the importance of family support.
The ministry’s efforts to support the community’s daily life and family needs are central to its mission. Colón and Otero prioritize building relationships that foster trust and understanding, allowing them to effectively address the specific challenges faced by families in the Hispanic and Latino community.
They focus on providing resources that meet immediate needs, such as access to education, health-care information, and assistance with navigating local services. By organizing community events and recreational activities, they create spaces where families can come together, strengthening their connections and providing a sense of belonging.
Furthermore, the ministry recognizes the importance of supporting not just those in Charleston but also their relatives in Mexico, emphasizing that caring for families extends beyond borders. Through collaborative efforts, they strive to improve overall well-being and ensure that community members feel supported in all aspects of their lives.
The ministry’s goal is to embody the teachings of Jesus through their actions rather than merely through words. Colón and Otero emphasize that true ministry involves demonstrating love, compassion, and service in tangible ways. By actively engaging with the community, they aim to reflect Christ’s presence in their daily interactions and support.
This approach fosters trust and builds authentic relationships, allowing them to effectively meet the needs of those they serve. They believe that by walking alongside people, addressing their challenges, and celebrating their strengths, they can share the message of Jesus in a meaningful and impactful way. Ultimately, their commitment to living out their faith through action underscores the belief that love is best expressed through service and community involvement.
Shani E. McIlwain, Former Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Let us join in prayer for:
Rebecca Barnes, Coordinator, Presbyterian Hunger Program, Compassion, Peace & Justice, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Susan Barnett, Coordinator, Research Services, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Let us pray:
Gracious God, whose love is so encompassing that it can heal a world in pain, please mark the path as we walk together to grow Christ’s church. Lead us to hearts that need to know your love and help us to demonstrate in our lives the hope you offer us all. Guide our hands as we reach out to those who are suffering so we can ease their pain as you have eased ours. Amen.