Argentina: celebrations and farewells
Christians in Argentina gathered to celebrate mission partners Catherine Le Tissier and Nick Drayson
Photo: leaders from the Diocese of Northern Argentina gather to wish Catherine and Nick a very fond farewell.
After decades of loving service in northern Argentina, mission partners Catherine Le Tissier and Nick Drayson shared poignant farewells at recent celebration events.
On 7 May a farewell service was held at Cristo el Señor church in Salta, northern Argentina, to thank and celebrate Nick Drayson, retiring from his role as Bishop of Northern Argentina and as Primate of the Anglican Church of South America, and his wife Catherine Le Tissier, who has led the AMARE women’s movement in the diocese and wider province.
Friends and colleagues gathered from across the Chaco region, including people from all the indigenous people groups with whom Catherine and Nick have lived and worked.
As well as marking the 14 years that Nick has served as diocesan bishop, the celebration looked further back across the more than 50 years since Nick first responded to God’s call to serve in Latin America. Among the people groups represented were the Chorote, among whom Nick worked as a linguist back in 1976 (playing a key role in the publication of the New Testament in Chorote in 1997).
Nick’s sermon on “Glory, Gratitude and Service” from 2 Corinthians 4 was greatly appreciated. And after singing together old songs and hymns, the event was rounded off by singing “Happy Birthday” to Nick (who was also turning 70) in the different languages represented, as well as presenting him with a cake.
Those present prayed for Catherine and Nick, as well as sharing food, fond memories and farewells.
Catherine commented: “It was a marvellous occasion – love and gifts and kind words just showered on us! We felt very humbled and so blessed.”
