Our God Reigns!

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!" -- Isaiah 52:7

801 souls gathered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA for the opening worship service of the 49th Annual Lutheran Women's Missionary Society (LWMS) Convention. What an amazing experience to come together as such a large group and partake of the Lord's Supper with our brothers and sisters in Christ!

Each year, this dedicated group of ladies (and men) comes together to support mission work. The group is organized into 61 circuits which represent 884 WELS congregations and four individual members. This year the Heritage Circuit hosted the convention. A record breaking 155 participants were first-time attendees, one being my husband, Natán. 

I have attended many LWMS conventions in the past, in a "behind the scenes" role and more of an encourager. This was my first convention participating as a missionary, being the one encouraged. Wow! Tears fill my eyes when I think of all the hugs and encouraging words we received from these loving sisters and supporters.

My husband and I immensely enjoyed the mission presenters from around the world, sharing how God is reigning in their ministries from countries like Antigua and Mexico; the Apache Nation, WELS Military Services and Sure Foundation in the USA; all the the way to Malawi, Africa, and various places in Asia. We also had the opportunity to share how WELS is taking seminary training across borders through our Latin American Traveling Theological Educators (LATTE) team.

We were delighted to connect with many women from Latin America, many of whom have migrated to the USA and are active members of WELS congregations. Some of them have ties to our mission congregations in the Caribbean. We hope to reach out to their family members who continue to reside in the Latin American countries where we serve.

We thank each dear member of LWMS. May God continue to bless their efforts as they continue to support home and world mission work and prepare for the upcoming 50th Annual LWMS Convention in La Crosse, Wisconsin... where it all began. 

Click here  for additional details about our convention experience.

LATTE Students are Teachers Too

LATTE professors teach seminary students of confessional Lutheran churches in Latin America. Many of these students are already pastors of congregations and their national churches have asked us to give these pastors more training. Others are seminary students who are starting mission congregations in cities where there is no confessional Lutheran congregation. 

Adolfo

 Eduardo

Pictured here are two LATTE students, Adolfo and Eduardo, who live in Santa Marta, Colombia. They are starting a mission congregation in Santa Marta under the name Iglesia Luz de Cristo (Light of Christ Lutheran Church). You can read more about their work by going to http://luteranosconfesionalescolombiawels.blogspot.com/2012/06/iglesia-luz-de-cristo-santa-marta.html

Please add these two LATTE students and their new mission to your prayer list, asking the Lord of the Church to bless their studies and their preaching of the Gospel so that the light of Christ may shine brightly in Santa Marta.

Learning How To Disagree

Pastor Robert Smith serves as the liaison for LATTE and as the chairman for the WELS Administrative Committee for Latin America. He comments on making decisions for upcoming budgets.

 

I suppose it’s no surprise to the reader that at times there can be disagreement among the Lord’s people about how mission work should be done and how best to use the resources we have. Right now we are at budget time, the time when we have to submit our budget for Latin America for the two fiscal years of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 (WELS fiscal years run from July 1 through June 30). 

 

So the committee has the responsibility of dividing up limited resources among the various fields we have in Latin America - Brazil, Colombia, Haiti, LATTE, Mexico, and the Caribbean. We have limited manpower, 7 full-time missionaries, and limited finances. Of course we should thank the Lord for what we have. To be frank, as we have discussed resource allocation in the last 2-3 months, strong opinions and even differences have emerged as to the optimum allocation of missionaries and financial resources.

Yet I have learned to try not to think of these differences in terms of who’s right and who’s wrong. If one person thinks that these two positions could be best used in this country, and another one thinks that the same positions could be best used in another field or another country, they are both right in a way. Each person wants the gospel of Jesus Christ to reach throughout the world. So even when we disagree on how best to do the work, we are united in the forgiveness won by Jesus and our eagerness to share this good news.

And now decisions must be made. The committee has to decide - so much here, so much there. I’m not sure that we can do this in a way that makes everyone happy because each field might not receive all it’s asking for. Yet I’m not sure that there are “right” or “wrong” decisions here. The Lord’s work advances, and he blesses it.

So it’s OK to have different opinions, as long as we remember what we agree on. We have eternal life in Jesus, and together we serve him to bring that good news to others.

Plato Paceño

This a typical meal in La Paz, Bolivia.  It is usually served with soup and a light dessert like jello or fruit.

Ingredients

• Corn on the cob
• Horse beans (broad or fava beans)
• Potatoes
• “Kollana” cheese
• Steak -- thinly sliced

Directions

1. Fry steak in oil or butter
2. Boil corn, beans, & potatoes (with skin left on)
3. Fry cheese slices in oil
4. Serve with locoto sauce (see below)

Locoto Sauce

Instructions

• 2 locotos (hot peppers)
• 1 large tomato
• 1 t onion -- minced
• Salt -- to taste
• 1 t oil

Directions

1. Halve the locotos
2. Remove seeds 
3. Wash thoroughly several times to reduce their hotness 
4. Cut locoto and tomato into small pieces
5. Grind very fine with a mortar
6. Add salt, onion, & oil
7. Mix well

 

LATTE Tour Wrap-Up

 My husband Natán and I just completed an amazing two-week tour of presentations in Arizona, USA. Our tour sites included congregations, elementary schools, a high school, a retirement center, and various group Bible studies.  

All of our hosts welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts. We enjoyed sharing how the Lord is richly blessing seminary training in Latin America by sharing personal greetings from our students, telling life stories from the students' lives, and sharing the cultural challenges we face.

We spent a few days at the White Mountain Reservation with the mission team working with the Apache Nation. Both my husband and I were surprised at all the similarities between Latin American and Native American cultures.

In addition to worship services and presentations, we set up a LATTE mission kit display at the majority of our tour locations. This display features flags and a large variety of  hand crafted items from the 10 different countries LATTE serves.  It also includes a photo album offering descriptions of the places and people our team of seminary professors serve and literature provided by Multi-Language Publications that our seminary students use in their own countries. WELS Missions Promotions has three (3) of these kits available for schools, congregations, and other groups. Contact missionspromotions@wels.net or (414) 256-3293 to request a LATTE mission kit to learn more about seminary training across borders and get a taste of life in Latin America.

We thank each of you for your support of the work of seminary training in Latin America through your prayers, offerings, and service.  God be with you until we meet again.

“I thank my God every time I remember you. 

In all my prayers for all of you, 

I always pray with joy because of 

your partnership in the gospel.” 

- Philippians 1:3-5

Serving as a Missionary

Pastor Roberto completed his seminary training in 2009 and serves as a home missionary for the Igreja Luterana Brasileira - Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) to start a new congregation in the city of Presidente Prudente in Southeastern Brazil.

 LATTE Professor Natán & Pastor Roberto

How are you using your seminary training now?

At this moment, I am giving Bible Studies in the houses of the people, that is to say, I have different studies in some houses on different days of the week. On Sundays, I gather with my family for Bible studies, or sometimes we listen to a sermon that was recorded in Dourados, or other times I myself preach.

What are some of your joys in the ministry?

I am happy to be able to share my joy in knowing that Christ died for all of my sins, and to share salvation in Christ with other people.

Pastor Roberto Teaching a Bible Study

What are some of the challenges in your ministry?

There is always a challenge when one handles God's Word. First, our challenge is to study the Word carefully in order to be as faithful as possible. Then the challenge is to share these truths from the Word with other people.

What is your favorite Bible passage?

 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

Professor Natán, Pastor Roberto, Pastor Elcy, & Pastor Charlie

News from the Caribbean

Although the work is slow, the Lord continues to provide believers and to bless the work being done in various countries of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean through the efforts of national pastors and visiting teachers.

In the Dominican Republic (DR), a key component to the strategy is to involve national Lutherans in the formation and development of a national church body. A congregation in Santiago, DR is leading the efforts in that direction.

 Children of the Congregation

In many ways, the country of Haiti is worse off now than it was two years ago.  Over 350,000 more Haitians live in Port au Prince than before the earthquake.  Vodou permeates the entire culture.  Our missionary works with a Haitian national pastor who graduated from the LATTE program to do outreach to a small congregation in Cap Haitian and with almost 20 orphanages in Leogane not far from Port Au Prince.  A third pastor/trainer position is being considered for work in this country.

The Joy to Teach

 Seminarian Jairo lives in Medellín, Colombia. He serves as the president of La Santísima Trinidad congregation. Currently, he receives his seminary training by visiting LATTE professors along with online education while continuing to serve in his congregation.

Tell us about your congregation:

My congregation is Most Holy Trinity, located in downtown Medellin, Colombia.  At Sunday worship we have an average attendance of 95 to 100 people.  On Mondays, eight (8) men attend a men's Bible Study; and on Wednesdays, 25 attend the study on the Old and New Testaments and devotion.  We have two (2) pastors, two (2) Bible study teachers, five (5) female teachers, one (1) student in the Bible Institute, fifteen (15) in the youth group, fifteen (15) children, and fifteen (15) women in the ladies' group.  We have a church council and participate in the national church council.  One of our pastors, Henry, also serves as a missionary.  Our other pastor, Tonny, works as an industrial mechanic at a business.

What are some of the joys of your studies or ministry?

Knowing that GOD is always with his children, sustaining us.  I have professors who teach me the correct doctrine.  There is unity among the brothers.  But my greatest joy is being able to teach.  I teach a class on the New Testament, and I am studying to become a pastor -- all by the mercy of God.

What is your favorite Bible passage?  And why?

Because it tells me that I am saved by grace, that I cannot do anything to gain my own salvation.  Because Christ died for my sins.  -Ephesians 2:8, 9 

What great joy it is!

LATTE - Taking Seminary Training Across Borders

Professor Natán and I have been tweaking our mission presentation: LATTE-Taking Seminary Training Across Borders for the past two weeks. We are endlessly thankful for the technology to be able to communicate and collaborate our efforts while we are currently in separate countries. We are organizing our content into several presentations to tailor them for each of our different audiences-elementary students, high school students, congregation members, ladies’ groups, men’s groups, and retirees.

If you happen to be in Arizona this month, or planning to attend the LWMS Convention in North Carolina in June, we would love to meet you and share the details about our life and ministry in Latin America in person!

MAY TOUR SCHEDULE – ARIZONA

Sunday, 5/13

• 9:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH-SURPRISE, AZ
• 10:45 AM PRESENTATION @ SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY LUTHERAN CHURCH-SURPRISE, AZ

Monday, 5/14

• 2:30 PM PRESENTATION @ PILGRIM LUTHERAN SCHOOL-MESA, AZ

Tuesday, 5/15

• 9:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ ARIZONA LUTHERAN ACADEMY-PHOENIX, AZ

Wednesday, 5/16

• 8:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ CROSS OF GLORY LUTHERAN SCHOOL-PEORIA, AZ

Thursday, 5/17

• 6:00 AM PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ

Friday, 5/18

• 8:30 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL-TEMPE, AZ

Saturday, 5/19

• 5:00 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ ARIZONA LUTHERAN RETIREMENT CENTER-PHOENIX, AZ

Sunday, 5/20

• 8:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 9:15 AM PRESENTATION @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 10:30 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH-GLENDALE, AZ
• 3:00 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH-CHANDLER, AZ

Monday, 5/21

• 9:00 AM CHAPEL & PRESENTATION @ GRACE LUTHERAN SCHOOL-GLENDALE, AZ
• 6:30 PM WORSHIP SERVICE @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ
• 7:45 PM PRESENTATION @ EMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH-TEMPE, AZ

Wednesday, 5/23

• AM PRESENTATION @ EAST FORK LUTHERAN SCHOOL-WHITERIVER, AZ
• 5:30 PM POTLUCK & PRESENTATION @ OPEN BIBLE LUTHERAN CHURCH-WHITERIVER, AZ

Thursday, 5/24

• TBD ACTS STUDENTS-WHITERIVER, AZ

Sunday, 5/27

• 11:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE @ SANTO TOMÁS LUTHERAN CHURCH-PHOENIX, AZ
• 12:30 PM PRESENTATION @ SANTO TOMÁS LUTHERAN CHURCH-PHOENIX, AZ

JUNE TOUR SCHEDULE – NORTH CAROLINA

Saturday, 6/23

• 2:45 PM PRESENTATION @ LWMS CONVENTION-WINSTON-SALEM, NC

We hope to see you soon! ;) 

Damas Luteranas

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.”

 -- Psalm 133:1

What a joy it was for my husband and me to attend the 2nd Mexican Lutheran Women's convention. Forty-six women from 8 different congregations and 5 states as well as visitors from Chile and the United States joined together for 3 days of Bible study, finalizing and adopting a constitution, worship and fellowship. 

  Business Meeting

Larry and I have been living in Mexico for 19 years and have been a part of almost all the congregations represented so all these women leaders are dear friends.

Noche Mexicana (Mexican Night)

Missionary and Mexican field counselor Mike gave a sermon in our closing service that included the Psalm verse with which I titled this story. It has special meaning to us all as Señora Ibarra, 96 year [old] widow of one of the founding pastors of the Mexican Lutheran church, crocheted these [crosses] as a momento for all of the attendees at the convention, even though she was unable to attend. She sent them with her daughter and grand daughter, who are a continuing legacy to the importance of the Word in this faithful family.

Sra. Ibarra's Handmade Cross

May God continue to strengthen and bless this group of very special women in their efforts to support the work of His Kingdom.

Damas Luteranas is officially recognized as Sociedad Nacional de Damas Luteranas de Mexico -- National Society of Lutheran Women in Mexico.

Mining the Gospel's Gems in Greek

Back in January as we were starting new classes in a new year, I shared that I was going to teach a Church History course from Mexico over Skype with three students in Colombia.  Recently I also began teaching Greek to two of those students.  I remain in Mexico; they remain in Colombia.  As long as all three of us have power and Internet, we should be ok.

The Holy Spirit in his divine wisdom chose to inspire the evangelists and apostles to write the New Testament using the Greek language of their time.  Pastors who are called to preach and teach the gospel faithfully will want to be able to mine the gospel's treasures in its original language as much as possible.

My prayer is that as Jairo and Raúl learn Greek grammar, analyze and understand its forms, and grow their Greek vocabulary, they will come to appreciate why the Holy Spirit chose this language, which tends to be quite exact and at the same time colorful, to reveal his gospel in the New Testament.  May it lead to a lifetime of mining the gospel's gems together with faithful translation and interpretation of gospel truth.

Brazil - Update

In the southern city of Gravataí, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Pastor Elcy serves the congregation Jesus Salvador. 

About 18 hours northwest, Pastor Roberto serves as a missionary, working with a small group in President Prudente, São Paulo (SP). 

Evangelist Gilberto actively assists Pastor Charlie of Estrela de Belén in serving the congregation's needs with zeal in the town of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS).

LATTE Professor Natán serves as the WELS Friendly Counselor for the Brazilian Lutheran Church. He provides theological training for Evangelist Gilberto and offers continued education courses to Pastor Elcy and Pastor Roberto.

The Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) is planning its biennial convention this spring.  At the convention, delegates will ask for the Spirit's guidance as they discuss how to combat the increasing temptation of materialism and its effects on Christian stewardship in Brazil's improved economy.  They will also seek the Lord's favor to provide additional servant-leaders for the church, both among the laity and in the public ministry.  

 The ILB is a relatively small church body and growth is slow, but the recent confirmation of three teenagers and return of some delinquent members shows God is still blessing the preaching of his Word.

Retired Missionary Charlie and Beth continue to serve the ILB as active volunteers.

Long Time Friends

One of the privileges of traveling with my husband as he teaches is that I get back to see dear friends, many of whom I have friendships for more than 30 years. One of the dear friends from Colombia who I will only see when I get to heaven is Bertha, who was my helper-maid when I lived in Medellin from 1977 to 1983.  Through Bertha, we were able to reach her family and her best friend's (Blanca) family with the gospel.   

 Marlene and Blanca

Not only are these faithful families, but leaders in the congregation in Medellin.  Bertha's daughter Lilliana is currently president of the ladies group while Blanca's son, Carlos, is president of the the national church.   

 Bertha's granddaughter, daughter Lilliana, and daughter-in-law 

visiting with Marlene

Blanca's son Carlos, Pastor Tonny, and Pastor Henry

These families have suffered, like many of the congregation, from terrible personal loss of loved ones during the violence that has plagued this city and country in the not too distant past.  In each of these cases their consolation has been that these departed loved ones died  in the faith and they will be reunited in heaven.  We are able to comfort each other in this knowledge.

News from Colombia

The mission field of Colombia is expanding in the north-east regions of Antioquia and Quibdó, where there are projects for growth and training of two ministers for future mission development.

Congregation in Quibdó

The northeast region has expanded its outreach to the northern coast of Colombia initiating a new congregation in Santa Marta. The national church, besides this, also is supporting a church in Quibdó with pastoral training, educational materials, teaching visits and Bible studies via Skype. 

Other areas where the national church is exploring and obtaining positive responses are Manizales, Pereira, Cartago and lately Ibagué. Educational materials have been sent to propagate Christian education in those areas. 

The International Church has embraced some of those prospects in the Sunday worship and is planning to offer them Bible studies via Skype beginning this year.

This spring, student-pastor Henry from Medellín attended a LATTE workshop in Mexico focused on preparing pastors to serve as seminary professors.

  Student-Pastor Henry

 Student-Pastor Henry

Please keep this growing church in your prayers that others may hear God's Word and keep Jesus in their hearts!

Christ is Risen!

On this most holy day our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life. This is the Passover of the Lord in which, by hearing his Word and celebrating his Sacraments, we share in his victory over death.

Christ Jesus, the same yesterday, today, and forever, the beginning and the ending, the Alpha and the Omega. His are time and eternity; his are the glory and dominion, now and forever. By his wounds we are healed now and forever.

May the light of Christ, who is risen in glory from the dead, scatter all the darkness of our hearts and minds.

Almighty and most merciful Father, once we were darkness, but now we are light in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Bless abundantly all who joyfully celebrate this day in faith in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Fill them with your heavenly blessing in him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.

Rejoice now, all you heavenly choirs of angels; rejoice now, all creation; sound forth, trumpet of salvation, and proclaim the triumph of our King.

Rejoice, too, all the earth, in the radiance of the light now poured upon you and made brilliant by the brightness of the everlasting King; know that the ancient darkness has been forever banished.

Rejoice, O Bride of Christ, clothed in the brightness of this light; let all the Church of God ring out with rejoicing, with the praises of all God's faithful people.

Image provided by www.christ-pictures-images.blogspot.mx.

Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted

Verdadeiramente ele tomou sobre si as nossas enfermidades, e carregou com as nossas dores; e nós o reputávamos por aflito, ferido de Deus, e oprimido. Mas ele foi ferido por causa das nossas transgressões, e esmagado por causa das nossas iniqüidades; o castigo que nos traz a paz estava sobre ele, e pelas suas pisaduras fomos sarados. 

-- Isaías 53:4-6 (João Ferreira de Almeida Atualizada)

Todos nós andávamos desgarrados como ovelhas, cada um se desviava pelo seu caminho; mas o Senhor fez cair sobre ele a iniqüidade de todos nós. Ciertamente llevó él nuestras enfermedades, y sufrió nuestros dolores; y nosotros le tuvimos por azotado, por herido de Dios y abatido. Mas él herido fue por nuestras rebeliones, molido por nuestros pecados; el castigo de nuestra paz fue sobre él, y por su llaga fuimos nosotros curados.Todos nosotros nos descarriamos como ovejas, cada cual se apartó por su camino; mas Jehová cargó en él el pecado de todos nosotros.

-- Isaías 53:4-6 (RVR1960)

Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

-- Isaiah 53:4-6 (NIV84)

Image provided by www.homeandgardenideas.com.

Workshop Wrap-Up

The recent LATTE workshop on seminary training in México concluded with a closing worship service with Lord's Supper on Friday. Afterwards, special moments of farewells and contact information were exchanged. One of the Mexican pastors left a day early. A long-time member of his congregation passed onto glory so he needed to return for service preparations.

The pastors are returning home with five days of devotions, cultural experiences, and fellowship in addition to their studies on adult education, seminary curriculum development, online resources, and many hours of homework.

What a blessing to have the opportunity to come together and focus on preparing future pastors!

Pastor Appreciation

 

Isabela & Lulu

Last Sunday after the worship service, two ladies, Isabela and Lulu, asked if they could prepare and serve a meal for the visiting pastors who were participating in the seminary training workshop led by LATTE.  All the participants welcomed the offer.

On Wednesday, Isabela and Lulu arrived a couple hours before lunch time to prepare Pozole (recipe coming soon) - a typical Mexican soup with different ingredients varying from region to region.  Lots of work was put into this homemade meal, which was evident in the taste.  Everyone agreed that it was a delicious meal with many requests for another bowl.   

The ladies wanted to express their appreciation to those who teach and preach God's Word, as they are continually thankful for hearing and knowing the truth, hope, and peace found in the Bible.

It is pure joy to watch these ladies grow in faith and see their love in action and excitement to serve.  Pray that it be contagious!

Isabela and Lulu are taking weekly instruction classes with Pastor Brad to become members of Cristo Resucitado in México.  Both ladies are active with the local ministry and already receive this mission as their church home.

Seminary Training

Professor Larry, Student-Pastor Henry, Professor Natán, Pastor Israel, 

Pastor Juan, & Pastor Alejandro

This week LATTE is hosting a 5-day workshop in México; providing training to four pastors to teach seminary courses. Three pastors are from different parts of México and one student-pastor is from Colombia. 

The workshop began Monday morning at the ministry center with a joint breakfast, because two of the pastors arrived directly from the local bus station after overnight bus trips.  A devotion led by one of the pastors followed the meal. 

They begin each day after breakfast and continue until 2:00 pm.  Then the group breaks for lunch and spends the remainder of the day doing homework to present the following day.

Professors Larry and Natán are leading the workshop with emphasis on curriculum development, adult education, and online learning.

It is a great opportunity to review the basics, learn new methods, and grow in fellowship.

Sancocho (Dominican Style)

This traditional hearty stew type dish is usually made with 5-7 different meats (or whatever is on-hand in the kitchen).  It is a special meal usually served for Christmas or New Years. There are many versions.

Ingredients

• 3 lbs chicken
• 2 lbs pork chops or ham -include bones
• 2 lbs beef -- include bones
• 1 lb  goat meat
• 2 lbs of assorted sausages
• 4 large unripe platanos -- cut into large pieces
• 1 lb potatoes
• 2 lbs yucca -- cut in pieces
• 2 lbs  malanga -- cut in pieces
• 2 lbs  auyama
• 5 ears of corn on the cob -- cut in chunks
• 1 lb yams -- cut into pieces
• 6 liters water
• 4 TBSP oil
• 1 1/2 TBSP oregano
• 5 tsp salt
• 2  sour oranges or 4 lemons
• 2 TBSP celery
• 2 green bell pepper -- cut in large pieces
• 3 onions -- medium size
• 1 TBSP garlic -- smashed
• Thyme -- to taste
• Cilantro -- to taste
• 2 cubes of chicken or beef bouillon
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 2 TBSP Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce

Directions

1. Cut chicken into pieces
2. Wash meat (except the sausages) & rub with sour oranges (lemons)
3. Cut into small pieces
4. Brown beef in the oil with oregano, cilantro, thyme, onions, garlic, pepper, Worcestershire sauce (Soy), & salt for 20 minutes
5. Add pork & simmer 15 minutes
6. Add water as necessary to avoid sticking to pan
7. Add chicken with stock & simmer another 10 minutes
8. Bring the water to a boil & add veggies
9. Simmer for about 10 minutes
10. Add meat & simmer until the veggies are soft
11. Mash some of these veggies & place back into pot to thicken broth
12. Serve with white rice and avocado on the side & add some hot sauce (optional) 

Serves a large gathering of family and friends.

 

 

If you are up to the challenge, try cooking up a smaller batch.  I have made this recipe with my English students and congregation members in the Dominican Republic. Each time the ingredients and directions were different, according to the chef, but every time it was absolutely delicious.