Men in the Mirror, Int.

a 13-week curriculum that challenges men to improve their relationship skills by following the example of Jesus in his intereactions with men, women and children.

Orienting Lives Toward Christ-Centered Masculinity

Important News from Guatemala

Couples in the Mirror Classes Begin in Morelia

Last year, Men in the Mirror (MIM) classes were offered at El Arca de Noe Church in Morelia. While women in the church and community were given the opportunity to participate in the Guatemala Microloan Project, their teenage sons, husbands, and other men were invited to simultaneously participate in Men in the Mirror classes. A group of 10 men completed these classes last April. The teaching was well received, but the feedback from ADEHGUA, the NGO that administers the microloan project and assisted with the MIM classes, was that more follow up was needed.

As a result, Kevin Frederick wrote new material for couples entitled Couples in the Mirror, a series of devotionals and case studies based on the same concepts as MIM. As couples do these together, the goal is to deepen the concepts learned and to develop relationships between spouses. Weekly Couples in a Mirror classes began in Morelia in March 2024 to provide support as couples use this material. Ten couples are participating with a wide range of ages and experience; one couple had only been married 15 days while another couple has been married 32 years. ADEHGUA has also hired a part time social worker and psychologist to assist in the training and in community building. The hope is that this multidisciplinary approach will be transformative for the families, congregation, and community.

Guatemala National Police Force Training

Men in the Mirror Guatemala Coordinator, Rev. Mateo Gonzalez, has been concentrating his efforts on working with the Guatemala National Police Chaplains, 100 chaplains who serve with police units across the nation. Using a resource written by Kevin Frederick entitled “Chaplains in the Mirror,” a variety of crises that chaplains might face are presented in 13 case studies. Funded by a Synod of the Mid-Atlantic Peacemaking grant of $5,000, the initial training of 50 chaplains occurred in August 2023, days before the nation entered a serious political crisis surrounding the election of the new president. This impacted the availability of the chaplains as they focused on the ensuing nationwide strikes. Now that the political situation is more stable, in April 2024 the training of the remaining 50 chaplains took place. Though the training has required more time and funding than originally planned, the chaplains have indicated they value the material and want to see it through to completion. A series of reports will track the progress and impact of this work.

Exciting Updates from Malawi

Ten new pastors, including 8 who will graduate from seminary this year, are being trained in the use of the Men in the Mirror and Couples in the Mirror curriculum.
Currently more than 50 congregations have offered Men in the Mirror classes.
One church has trained 440 couples in the use of Couples in the Mirror, and early reports are that it is transforming the relational dynamics in this church.
One church has ordained nine women as elders and deacons and has shared how the governing leadership is more open and discusses more the issues facing the church.
Another pastor is incorporating Couples in the Mirror into a daily radio broadcast that he leads.
While the Presbytery of WNC delegation visited Malawi in April, they met with 15 pastors who used the materials in their congregations to secure additional feedback.
MIM sent NIV study Bibles with the delegation that will be given to pastors who teach the MIM curriculum. Funds are being raised for Chichewa Bibles that students taking the course will have the option to purchase at a reduced cost.

The level of impact of this program and its resources on the Malawian churches and culture in just one year is truly remarkable.

Ways You Can Provide Support

Father’s Day Funding

As we celebrate and give thanks for Father’s on June 16, 2024, please consider taking a Father’s Day offering to benefit Men in the Mirror. Proceeds, designated for MIM, can be sent to: Presbytery of Western North Carolina, 114 Silver Creek Rd, Morganton NC 28655.

Another option is to purchase Alternative Giving cards for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. These make meaningful gifts while also strengthening families in Guatemala and Malawi. To order cards contact Mimi Michael at mimimichael@charter.net.

God continues to be at work in both Malawi and Guatemala and we are committed to continuing the ministry in both places.

For more information, to schedule a program, or to add someone to the Men in the Mirror newsletter list, please contact Kevin Frederick at kmjfred13@gmail.com.