Change can be global and we can be part of it!

In this sixth week of internship we had the joy and privilege of going to NYC to learn about the work of GBCS at the United Nations. We left Washington DC on Wednesday to the Big Apple with a heart full of expectations about what those three days would look like in one of the busiest and largest cities in the world. 

  

It was truly amazing to hear about the work that has been done for more than 30 years by the United Nations Ministry and, at the same time, to learn about the history of influence of Methodism worldwide in the process of this so recognized and important global institution. 

  

One of the first moments we had was with the Rev. Levi Liberato Bautista, responsible for this ministry with the UN. On Thursday we got to know the GBCS office at the Church Center, right across from the United Nations headquarters with a wide and privileged view. For me this was one of the best moments of the last week. Reverend Levi explained the work he had done on key issues in the struggle for human rights and social justice. While the headquarters of the GBCS in DC works in the city of national power, the capital of the country, the headquarters of NYC works with global power, since for many NYC is the capital of the world. Important decisions are made in the field of multilateral diplomacy, which affects countries and peoples in different regions. It is in this field that the GBCS activism emerges that seeks to mark the Methodist identity of fighting for more justice among the decisions of the world's largest diplomatic agency. It is important to emphasize that Methodism and the history of the UN are intertwined. The founding meeting of the institution took place at Methodist Central Hall in London in 1945. Thus, the history of the UN has everything to do with the history of the Methodist people in fighting for better conditions for all human beings! 

The Church Center building, which houses the headquarters of various religious and nor-profit organizations, was built by the United Methodist Church. With a privileged location, the building also houses the Headquarters of the United Methodist Women, being very close to embassies and consulates that are present in the city that never sleeps. 

Still on Thursday we talked about the immigration process, the lack of rights for people who want a better situation and life and carelessness with children and adolescents for example. It was interesting to study and remember that Jesus Christ himself was a refugee when, as a child, he had to flee from his native land to Egypt to seek safety and protection from the terrible persecution of Herod the Great. Christ himself suffered in his skin what it is to be received in a foreign land because of suffering and persecution in his native land. Thus, we reflected on the seriousness of what the immigration process is and how such an issue should be treated in a human and responsible perspective. As Christians we cannot neglect the suffering of others, ignore human pain and prevent the struggle for survival. At last we went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and although I had gone to NYC many times, I did not know either of those places. It was great to know one of the main symbols of New York City and to see the island that served as the gateway for thousands of immigrants in the last century. 

On Friday we talked about controversial issues from the Bible and how we could look at some texts from the Holy Scripture. We reflected on our time as EYA interns and how we would like to use our experience in our lives after this time. Lastly, we went to meet the UN Headquarters on a guided tour, and this experience was incredible for me personally. The UN headquarters is rich in history, culture and union of peoples. Filled with art from all over the world, it shows the tolerance and understanding that is so urgently needed in a world that is increasingly hostile to the different. For me who is passionate about international politics, it was incredible to meet in person the meeting rooms of the Security Council, Social and Economic Council and the General Assembly. 

Besides the moments of discussion of pertinent subjects we also had moments of rest stuffed of unity, conversations and friendship. Both on Thursday and Friday we had dinner together as an EYA community and went out together at night to meet different places. It is very cool to realize that we do not just talk about unity, tolerance and diversity, but we really live it in our group: we have people from a wide range of ethnic, racial and ideological backgrounds and yet we walk with a common goal that is to make the world a better place. With our experience at the UN this week we have learned that this is possible not only locally, but even globally. God is good! 

Lucas Toledo 

Creation Justice Ministries Intern