Argentina
In a worldwide pandemic, our missionaries care for those on the margins
Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega live amidst some of the poorest people in the world
(This is the full version of a report excerpted in the fall 2020 edition of Seasons of the Spirit.)
Heidi Schmidt and Monica Vega are two Episcopal missionaries whose life and ministry are focused on living among “the least of these,” poor and forgotten people in remote areas of the world. Their work has taken them to South Africa, Brazil, and most recently, to Argentina, where the effects of the global pandemic are being deeply felt.
Heidi reports that Jujuy, where they live, managed to stay free of COVID-19 infections until the end of June; eventually the number of cases increased to the extent that the area is now one of Argentina’s “hotspots.” The province's already fragile medical system has collapsed and the situation has become critical.
With the increasing numbers of people unable to work due to the strict quarantine, families are unable to put bread on the table. Proyecto Guadalupe, one of the ministries with whom our two missionaries work, has been monitoring the families and providing emergency food parcels to those in need, as well as supporting the two main soup kitchens in the area. They check on families affected by COVID-19 and provide kits with personal hygiene and cleaning materials, nutritional support, medications and blankets; we also provide transport and communication assistance as needed.
Heidi reports they have also provided emergency food parcels to eight isolated mountain communities as well as to those living in the streets in neighboring San Pedro. They assist with school support for those who can study at home, though this is a minority of the population they serve—most people are not able to connect virtually.
They support primary health care centers that serve families on the margins, with priority to the pediatric division, with medical equipment and supplies, and transport for families to visit those in hospitals and prepaid phone data to be able to communicate with loved ones and health services.
The workers of the Centro Barrial Palentini care for more than 500 children and their families through phone calls, messaging, and emergency visits with social distancing protocols as needed.
In reference to the young girl Gary Jones wrote about on his blog in August, Heidi reports that Agustina remains in stable condition, and has recently been moved to a regular ward. They hope she will be able to return home soon to her twin sister, family, and community. “The prayers for her have mattered,” Heidi says. “Your prayers, support, company, they matter so very much!”
Heidi and Monica and they people they serve are deeply grateful for the constant prayer support they have received from St. Stephen’s, as well as the material support that makes it possible for our missionaries to be where they are and do what they do. While the people assisted by these expressions of God’s love may be in a forgotten area of the world, Heidi says, “God does not forget.” Neither will the people of St. Stephen’s Church.