An Honor and Opportunity Comes to Alter-Nativas
A Ministry of the Jubilee Circle in San Cristobal
Isai Robledo, Lindsey Mercer-Robleo, and infant son, Kotán, have named their house Casa Alter-Nativas (House of Alter-Nativas). It is also the center for the Alter-Nativas ministries. And recently they were also named the Casa de Túmin, San Cristobal.
The Túmin is an alternative currency to the peso. Lindsey explains, “We use the Túmin in our markets. Being named the House of Túmin brings with it certain opportunities: safeguard the BanTúmin (Tümin banknotes), register new members, give talks about the Túmin community currency, and host the Túmin San Cristóbal network assemblies.
Alternative currencies give a significant economic capability to people left out of the capital economy and dominant currency. Congratulations to Isai and Lindsey and their ministry team for being named the Casa de Tümin for San Cristobal. (Search online for lots of information on Mexico’s Túmin and photos of the currency.)
Commendations to Yobel School on Their 15th Anniversary
A Ministry of the San Cristobal Circle
Fifteen years ago Dan Swanson and Pedro Robledo committed to starting a non-campus based, itinerant, ecumenical school to offer short courses to train leadership for congregations. Many are not served by ordained leadership, nor can they pay the salary of such a person.
Pedro Robledo explains: “We position our courses and Bible studies in rural churches and in towns or cities of the Sierra, the Highlands and the Jungle of Chiapas. In these regions where ecological reserves are located, biblical training has been provided to Spanish-speaking, Mam, Tzotzil, Tzeltal and Ch’ol communities of the Mayan culture.” Teachers have included top scholars sympathetic to the specific needs of those coming for training. Collaborations with various other schools strengthen Yodel’s mission and include, for example, the Nazarene seminary in Nicaragua.
At the end of December, Pedro wrote: “As a work team, we are a few days away from celebrating fifteen years of life. Since it was founded on January 9, 2009, our Biblical Study Center “YOBEL” has fulfilled its educational ministry in an itinerant and contextual way. To move forward, we have prepared a strategic plan for the next five years.” It is a tribute to the vision Dan Swanson and Pedro had 15 years ago and to the spiritual devotion that proceeds with the grace of God.
Register Now for an Uplifting Mexico Trip
April 7-14, 2024
The 2023 trip was rich and rewarding to everyone involved. Won’t you register for the 2024 trip to both San Cristobal, Chiapas (south MX) and San Mateo, Puebla (central MX)? We’ll be hosted by the Jubilee Circles.
You’ll experience lots of connection with ordinary people and where they live as they do inspiring, life-giving work together. And you’ll experience how faith is integral as people struggle together for well-being amid many systems of government and finance that ignore them. It’s so uplifting.
Cost? Around $1800. Includes all airfares (round trip from San Diego), buses, taxis, lodging, and most meals. We’re still working on a final figure. When more people express interest the price comes down a bit.
Let us know your interest. We’ll send you a brief registration form. Registration with $1000 is due by February 29. Fully refundable until March 15.
February 3 Forum—“Voices from the Margins”
Several Forums in 2024 will present various voices from the margins. These will acknowledge the innovation and creativity among people working together for life and community. On February 3 (9 am PST), the first of these will host guest Gloria Gonzalez who facilitates the Na’Xojobal project in San Cristobal, Chiapas, MX. Gloria will describe how the project works with people left out of the capital economy and social structures of privilege, including the “savings banks” that bring together up to 20 women in a community of caring and empowerment. Men are now joining as well. Translation provided, of course.
Also, the 2023 Forums are recorded, available, and continue live in 2024. Request a recording from John Michno, john@jubilee-economics.org.
Thanks, John, for passing along this video of Saturday’s forum. Without question, an interesting and relevant topic. I enjoyed everyone’s input. — Kyle Holberg
The first Forum of 2024 revolved around ML King, Jr.’s, revolutionary sermon “Beyond Vietnam” delivered a year before his assassination, and a well-formed letter to President Biden by Bishop Naim Ateek, a Palestinian Liberation Theologian, on a way to solve the crisis in Gaza.
Entries Requested for OneEarth Jubilee “Contest”
Writings—We are interested in receiving writings on living the biblical Jubilee then and now before March 31, 2024. Submit your writing of 500-1000 words, no more. If your entry is selected and you have a lot to say, you’ll have more chances.
Infographics—Maybe you are better at info-graphics than writing. We welcome your entry in another category of this “contest.” Submissions must be received before March 31.
No cash prizes. Lots of benefits as we grow the sense of community around the biblical Jubilee and OneEarth ways.
The Financial Picture for 2024—Partly Cloudy
Let the Sun Shine In!
We began 2023 with a lower bank account than JEM’s three previous years. A dark cloud gathered as we wondered, “Did we have to cut back our redistributions?” The unthinkable had become an honest possibility. Nonetheless, in faith, the Board decided to keep redistributions the same as the previous year. No cutbacks, no increases. But by the first of September, the cloud got really dark. JEM would not be able to maintain redistributions to the Circles.
But then the sun broke through. You, the donors made September an exciting month and we maintained redistributions for the full year. The Board’s faith at the start of the year became reality.
2024 opens much like a year ago. Donations have continued strong from the donors. Why then, the clouds? It’s actually about really good news. The Jubilee Circles have matured into increasingly effective ministries. All of them benefit from continuity of leadership. And that leadership has the trust of more people. Solidarity with humans who know what they need, they just don’t have the means to meet the need. That’s where the Circles step in as trusted companions. That’s why even though JEM’s financial donors have continued strong, the donations have not kept up with these organic expansions in ministries.
For 2024, can you help us find new donors? One collaborator with JEM has already made a suggestion, and we’ll definitely work with him to make his idea happen. What is your suggestion?
Send it to john@jubilee-economics.org
or lee@jubilee-economics.org.
Sunrise photo by Dawid Zawiła on Unsplash
