Across Northern Argentina, more than 170 Wichí Anglican communities gather regularly for worship and fellowship. An important resource that has served generations of Wichí Christians is the Wichí Hymnal. Despite its name, this is much more than a collection of hymns. Written in the Wichí language, it contains resources used throughout the life of the Church; for Sunday worship and prayer gatherings, Holy Communion, Baptism and Confirmation, Ordinations and wider pastoral ministry. It enables Wichí Christians to worship God, hear and respond to His Word, and participate in the sacramental life of the Church in their own language. It is also an important resource for pastors and emerging leaders as they serve congregations across the provinces of Salta, Formosa and Chaco. Years of faithful use have taken their toll. Many existing copies are now worn out, while growing congregations mean that more are needed. The Anglican Diocese of Northern Argentina would therefore like to print and distribute 2,000 new copies.
The total cost of printing 2,000 hymnals is approximately £4,000.
The Diocese is also building sustainability into the project. Each hymnal will be made available locally for an affordable contribution of approximately one third of its cost. Money received will be set aside specifically to help fund future reprints, enabling Wichí churches and families to share responsibility for sustaining this important resource. A gift towards this project is therefore more than helping to print a book. It is an investment in the worship and witness of the Wichí Church; supporting biblical teaching, strengthening local leadership, sustaining the Wichí language within church life and placing a valuable ministry resource into the hands of pastors, congregations and families for years to come.
Revd. Daniel Lescano, Vicar General of the Anglican Diocese of Northern Argentina, writes: “It is not simply about producing a book, but about placing in the hands of hundreds of believers a resource that supports worship, biblical teaching, the celebration of the sacraments and the spiritual life of their communities.”
If you would like to share in this work, gifts can be made through SAMS Ireland, helping Wichí churches worship in their own language, grow in faith and bear witness to Christ.
