Central America Travel Seminar: Worship and futbol

BY ALEXANDER LESTER-ABDALLA

And on the 7th day, our travel seminar rested. This morning we had the privilege to worship at Central Presbyterian Church. It was a delightful service filled with uplifting music and words of bearing great fruit in the name of Christ. The location of the church being directly behind the Presidential Palace was not lost on the congregation, as we heard celebratory cannon fire from our pews for the recently deceased mayor of Guatemala City. He was the president of the country at the end of the 36-year conflict and was accused of committing human rights abuses under his tenure. As we heard messages of hope and sang songs of praise, the history of abuses committed by the president and the controversial history of his political tenure loomed over our service. However, worship was a refreshing experience where we were truly welcomed by a passionate, faithful, and deeply spiritual congregation.

From there we packed our bags and left for beautiful Antigua. We were extremely lucky to be traveling to the colonial town on the day of a very important soccer match which we attended. There is something deeply theological about a sports game. It is not often that we are able to share an emotional experience with thousands of people in a single moment and place. Attending a game provides a connection, a spirit that humans are always yearning for that is seldom attained. Today we partook in such a connection through worship as well as Guatemala’s favorite sport: futbol. The intimate stadium was constantly buzzing with noise from fans and vendors, but all erupted when the home team scored twice to win the game. During those goals all (save a few disgruntled away fans) were one, sharing a single second where time stopped and happiness flourished.

As our trip is winding to a close, a popular topic of conversation in the group is how we will communicate our experience back home. The history we have learned to remember and the pain we have seen has created a discomfort and agitation. That discomfort was not lost or alleviated today. However, through worship and sport, we have had time to pause, pray, and reflect. For me today it was humbling and reminded me of God’s continual work through the people of Guatemala and El Salvador in a way that brings awe, wonder, and dare we say enjoyment through the most difficult life has to offer.

Alexander Lester-Abdalla is a Master of Divinity student at Union.