CHICAGO, IL (May 14, 2008) \u2013 Walter Contreras will conclude his current role with the Department of World Mission of the Evangelical Covenant Church at the end of July as part of a ministry transition that he hopes will more fully integrate his passions for global mission, Hispanic ministries, and compassion initiatives.
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\nContreras serves as director of mission mobilization and connection, a position he has held for about a year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have had the opportunity to see how God is working in this world in amazing ways,\u201d Contreras says of his current work. \u201cAlthough I had experience and a vision for global mission in the past, I now have an even greater passion for being part of God\u2019s gospel mission to all nations.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Contreras\"](\"http:\/\/www.covchurch.org\/uploads\/ZT\/aR\/ZTaRlbkkS5DU8ayXXrFYIA\/Contreras.jpg\")
Contreras also has a rich history in working with Hispanic churches and ministries, and especially in initiatives of compassion and justice, often serving as a voice of advocacy on behalf of those less fortunate in areas of reconciliation and justice.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod has been working in my heart and life in a powerful way during the past year,\u201d he explains. \u201cI now believe that God is calling me to integrate this global vision and passion with my continuing heart for church planting, Hispanic ministries, and ministries of compassion, mercy and justice in the Covenant.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deeply grateful to Curt Peterson . . . and the entire staff of the department for the way they welcomed me and gave me the opportunity to bring a new perspective to world mission,\u201d Contreras says. \u201cI feel fulfilled in the ways that I was able to contribute during this year and look forward to a continuing partnership with world mission in some way in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI appreciate the energy and leadership that Walter brought to the Department of World Mission during this past year,\u201d says Peterson, executive minister of Covenant World Mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe brought a unique perspective and insight to our leadership team based on his upbringing in a missionary family in Argentina, a missionary leadership role in Paraguay, and leadership in church planting in the Pacific Southwest Conference and with Hispanic church planting,\u201d Peterson notes.<\/p>\n
This past year was the first year of a departmental reorganization and staffing initiative, Peterson observes. \u201cWalter challenged us, advised us, taught us, and also learned more about God’s great mission in this world. Sometimes God calls people to be part of transitions in ministry to help shape the vision and values of the future of that ministry. Walter was that person for us during the past year in Covenant World Mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe know that Walter will always be a strong advocate and partner in world mission in whatever capacity he serves in the future,\u201d Peterson adds. \u201cWe pray for God’s continued leading . . . as he seeks to serve in the Covenant in ways that best integrate his interests, passions, and gifts.\u201d<\/p>\n