OCMC News - Long-Term OCMC Missionary Jennifer Rice Celebrates One Year in Guatemala

by Caitlyn Sargent (Posted 4/23/2018)

OCMC Missionary, Jennifer Rice, just completed one-year of service. Please keep her in your prayers that she may be given continued strength in sharing the Orthodox Faith in Guatemala.

On April 6th, Jennifer Rice celebrated her first year in the mission field of Aguacate, Guatemala. What made it even more special for her? The fact that the date was Holy Friday, which, she says, “helps me put into perspective what mission is all about as I consider the mission of Christ Himself”.

Over the last year, Jennifer has been a part of many wonderful projects to share her faith with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the Church of Guatemala. Mentoring the Aguacate choir, who lead the faithful in congregational singing of the services, has been among her favorite activities.

She has been dedicated to archiving the courses offered by the Seminary of St. Andrew in Aguacate and took part in many parish visits throughout Guatemala for various youth retreats, liturgies, mass chrismations, baptisms, and weddings.

Jennifer was also involved in the development and printing of publications such as the Calendario Orthodoxo and other resources for catechists. She asserts, “Over the past year, we’ve increased by 30 percent the number of Calendarios printed each quarter due to interest and demand!”

Another task she held was assisting in hosting and translating for four visiting OCMC mission teams. In 2018, there are three medical teams scheduled to serve at the Fr. Andres Giron Medical Clinic in Aguacate. There are also two teaching teams making preparations to visit Guatemala during this summer.

Jennifer reminisces, “When I reflect on the past year, there is a great sense of gratitude and responsibility in having the opportunity to be involved in raising up the next generation of leaders for the Church in Guatemala.”