The Baltimore-Kaqchikel Presbyterian Partnership

A Mutual Empowering Relationship Between Presbyterians of Baltimore, Maryland and Chimaltenango, Guatemala

A Short History

While studying Spanish in Antigua, Guatemala in 1988, Rev. Herb Valentine, then Executive Presbyter of the Baltimore Presbytery, met Antonio Otsoy, Secretary of The Brotherhood of Mayan Presbyters. Otsoy shared the dream of 300 families of the Kaqchikel Presbytery – to purchase their own land and farm it cooperatively. In a country where native Mayan have been systematically oppressed since the Spanish Conquest of 1523, this was to “dream the impossible dream”. Through God’s grace, the dream became a reality. Subsequently in 1994, the Baltimore and Kaqchikel Presby- teries pledged a partnership of mutual empowerment based on Christian principles of compassion and community.

Partnership Initiatives

• Basic Health Care
• Education
• Economy Opportunity