As we approach the season of Advent our focus is once again drawn to the message of the prophet Isaiah:
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those that dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” Isaiah 9: 2.
These words serve as a prelude to the announcement of the coming Messiah. They have been widely recognized down through the ages as being applicable to numerous eras of history. And they are relevant today. In a year when we have seen a sharp rise in attempts at political assassinations in the US, continued suffering in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Afghanistan, sharp cutbacks in the life saving US AID program monies, and numerous other examples of the shadows of darkness across our world, we pause to sing “O Come O Come Emmanuel” with prayerful reflection and a longing for deliverance for all who live in a land of deep darkness.
In modern times, the Waldensian faith community has entered the dark places of humanity, not merely to lament the hardships, but more importantly, to direct those who live in deep darkness to a life of hope and the light of Christ. Those African and Middle Eastern peoples who have faced desperate loss of well-being or political persecution: those who are refugees within their own homelands have found the Waldensians pointing the way to a better life through the Mediterranean Hope program, those who are in the twilight of their years in Waldensian run care facilities, or who are handicapped and in need of special services have all found the Waldensian Diakonia programs to be sources of light, hope and comfort.
The American Waldensian Society exists to support, partner with, and empower these ministries and others. Through our weekly newsletter articles, we tell stories of Waldensian witness in Europe, South America, and the USA, and we offer financial assistance where possible to particular outreach efforts the Waldensian Church is engaged in.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of AWS during this past year:
Early in 2025 we launched the long-awaited redevelopment of our website at www.waldensian.org. The new version is comprehensive in telling the long history of the Waldensian faith community, and also in communicating current ministries of Waldensians worldwide. The website also provides connections to a number of our affiliations and partnerships.
In May, the AWS board met in Nogales, Arizona, hosted by the Rev. Randy Mayer, pastor of the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Green Valley, Arizona, to learn of the impact of a new US Administration on the border ministries, and to gain insight into the increased militarization and security initiatives at the US/Mexico border.
Zoom meetings during June between the executive director and the board president, along with representatives from the Evangelical Waldensian Church in the Rio de la Plata Synod (in Uruguay and Argentina) were held to support access to a theological educational fund established decades ago with the Presbyterian Foundation. Those monies can now be easily accessed to fund theological education for students from both the Waldensian Church in South America and the Waldensian Church of Italy.
AWS Executive Director Carol Bechtel represented AWS at the Italian Waldensian Synod meeting held in Torre Pellice, Italy, in late August. She also explored efforts to continue coordination between AWS and the Italian Waldensian/Methodist Church.
In October, the AWS board met in Valdese, North Carolina, for its fall business meeting, addressing issues of support for our global Waldensian partners. We also addressed board operations and membership.
The American Waldensian Society under the oversight of Duncan Hanson continues its weekly publication of articles of interest and encourages the expansion of its readership with interested organizations and individuals. Duncan is a retired PC (USA) and RCA global mission staff member who had special responsibilities for Europe and the Middle East.
As we conclude another year, I encourage you to remember the American Waldensian Society with a gift of support as we continue to accompany and participate in the Waldensian witness worldwide.
If you know of someone who would like to be on our mailing list, please share their contact information with us by sending an email to duncanehanson@gmail.com
May God richly bless you with health and well-being in the coming year.
Blessings and peace,
Rev. Dr. Kevin Frederick AWS Board President
Rev. Dr Carol Bechtel AWS Executive Director
