fall 2011
Los Amigos Announces
Name Change to
Friends of Chimbote Father Jack’s Mission
Friends of Chimbote
P.O. Box 717
West Fargo, ND 58078
Transforming the lives of the poor through education.
Effective October 1, 2011, in accordance with our legal name change,
please make all contributions for Father Jack, Sister Peggy and the mission
payable to “Friends of Chimbote” and mail to:
Friends of Chimbote | P.O. Box 717 | West Fargo, ND 58078
If you currently make contributions using our EFT process, this will continue without
interruption and there is nothing that you need to do. Thank you!
Have Questions? Contact Susan Trnka, Executive Director | Telephone: (701) 364-0162
E-mail: [email protected]
If you would like to receive periodic mission updates and Fr. Jack and Sr. Peggy’s event
schedule by email, simply send your email address to [email protected].
Friends of Chimbote would like to thank and acknowledge the following people who have
assisted us in our recent planning and transitional phase:
Linden Boyd, Moorhead, MN for leading our board of directors in the United States and Peru
in an energizing strategic planning process. Bill Kelley, St. Paul, MN for donating his amazing
photography skills and capturing the story of the poor of Chimbote through pictures.
Shannon Charpentier, Fargo, ND for leading our marketing process and challenging us to
be more than we thought possible. Michelle Kraft, West Fargo, ND for providing exceptional
and creative writing skills to help us tell our story.
It is with “Friends” like these that all things become possible.
Chimbote_SeptNewsletter.indd 2-3
Recently, Father Jack and Sister Peggy, in preparing their legacy statements, challenged the board
of directors to concentrate the organization’s efforts toward developing a transition plan that would
allow them the freedom to focus their energies on the day-to-day work at the mission in Chimbote.
This means it is the responsibility of the organization to assume the duties of fund-raising, event
coordination and business management.
In answer to that request, we’ve dedicated countless hours assessing our organization’s strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities and challenges; reaffirming our mission and vision, and revealing our
hopes and dreams for the organization. This in-depth self-examination has led to the adoption
of a new name and the development of a core marketing message.
Why the name change?
There’s been confusion about who we are because of all the names people use to refer to us
(Los Amigos, The Mission, Father Jack’s Mission, Sister Peggy’s Mission). When we dig deeper
into who we are, the core of our existence and how the majority of people connect with our
organization, it comes down to this … Chimbote and Father Jack.
Friends of Chimbote - Father Jack’s Mission
This name is concise, clear and eliminates confusion. It provides longevity by focusing first on the
Chimbote mission, while honoring the legacy of our founder, Father Jack. Friends of Chimbote
exemplifies our mission to develop a relationship with the people of Chimbote.
It also implies unification, encompassing everyone who supports the mission; board members,
staff, donors, volunteers, sister parishes, civic organizations and clergy. All people—regardless
of denomination—are called to befriend the poor.
friend: a person whom one knows well and is fond of; an ally, supporter or sympathizer;
friendship, attachment from mutual esteem; friendly assistance. ~Webster’s Dictionary
9/22/11 9:18 AM
letter from father Jack
Dear Friends,
What about Sister Peggy?
Sister Peggy’s indispensable role in the mission is not to be eclipsed. When anyone associated
with our organization thinks of Sister Peggy, education immediately springs to mind. Sister Peggy
IS education and it is this core competency that represents the essence of our mission and vision.
Without education we cannot transform the lives of the poor in Chimbote.
We need to stand for something … ONE thing.
As part of the name change, we’re also adding a positioning line to define who we are.
A positioning line explains who we are and what we do. It is a simple statement that defines us.
When people think of our group, what will immediately pop into their head?
When asked about which programs should be prioritized if resources are ever scarce, both Father
Jack and Sister Peggy agreed that the educational programs should be put first. With that in mind,
our new positioning line is … Transforming the lives of the poor through education.
Transitioning Toward a Bright Future
The overall mission, vision and leadership of our organization is as vibrant as ever. With our updated
name, defined positioning line and renewed organizational focus, Father Jack and Sister Peggy
will have the freedom to spend more time at the mission in Chimbote doing what they do best
—ministering to Chimbote’s poorest residents. Our job is to judiciously provide the foundational
structure, financial support and advocacy they need to continue this inspirational work. Together,
as friends, we can and will do God’s will.
Transforming the lives of the poor through education.
BOB CIKANEK
Prior Lake, MN
16-year Mission Advocate & Founding Member of Los Amigos
The initial naming of the organization Los Amigos del Padre Juan (the friends
of Father Jack) in 1998 was meant to be descriptive of our relationship with
Father Jack. We are now at a point in time when Father Jack and Sister
Peggy want and need to spend less of their precious energy on travel and
fund-raising, therefore creating the need for the board and staff to assume a strong role as fundraising advocates. It is imperative that we identify ourselves unmistakably, truthfully and completely
to our donors and potential donors as Friends of Chimbote - Father Jack’s Mission. I endorse the
name change and believe it will enhance our image.
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Chimbote_SeptNewsletter.indd 4-5
At the time of
this letter, we are
celebrating the
Feast of Santa Rosa
de Lima, patron
of the Americas.
Our celebrations
will continue for
the next eight days
and on September
th
8 , Bishop Angel Francisco Simón will end the
novena by commemorating the 45th anniversary
mass of the founding of our mission.
Twenty years ago I was not able to be present
for the same 25th anniversary celebration
because my name had appeared on the Shining
Path terrorist group´s death list. This occurred
two days after they had killed my friend, Padre
Sandro Dordi from Italy, and 17 days after the
murder of the two young polish Franciscans,
Padre Miguel and Padre Zbigniew. I recalled
the fear and uncertainty we all experienced in
the Diocese of Chimbote those fateful weeks.
I left my parish August 27th, 1991 and returned
on December 9th spending most of the time in
Ecuador.
Ultimately, I returned to Chimbote and have
continued to serve alongside Sister Peggy Byrne
despite the risks and difficulties. Your prayers
and support made this possible and we are most
grateful. You have helped fulfill our service to the
people and this year Peggy and I are honored
to receive the Caritas Award from North Dakota
Catholic Charities. We are very grateful for being
considered to be among those who provide
service to the needy, do advocacy for justice and
encourage others to do the same.
In July, I attended my 50th high school class
reunion in Devils Lake. This was a wonderful time
of reminiscence and renewing friendships; some
classmates I had not seen in 50 years. Moreover,
MARLENE CHRISTENSON, Fargo, ND
Treasurer for 28 years, Founding Board
Member
As the goals, functions and design of
Father Jack's mission and the supporters
of the mission have evolved and expanded
over the past 35 years, I think a new name
is appropriate. Friends of Chimbote is
simpler, yet broader, than previous titles
and encompasses the relationship involving
Father Jack, contributors, volunteers and the
people of Chimbote.
it was filled with powerful memories because it
was during my senior year of high school that I
felt the call to be a missionary priest.
Before the trip came to an end, I was able to
participate in a Los Amigos del Padre Juan
board meeting. As well, it was a time of seeing
old friends and important people in my life.
We talked about where we have come from as
an organization and where to go in the future.
Just like my class reunion, relationships are an
integral part in what we do. This is something
we want to promote further. In light of this,
one decision we agreed on is that it would
be beneficial to change our name to “Friends
of Chimbote - Father Jack´s Mission.” We are
making this change for various practical reasons,
but who we are as an organization will not
change.
May the Lord bless you for your support. Please
continue to pray for us.
Father Jack Davis
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9/22/11 9:18 AM
What’s in a name?
by Sister Peggy Byrne
When invited to write a story for this newsletter, a quote
from Romeo and Juliet came to mind: “What’s in a name?
That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as
sweet.” For some time now there has been confusion over
the names given to our mission in Chimbote, Peru. Even
before I came to Peru in 1982, we always called it “Father
Jack Davis’ Mission in Chimbote, Peru.”
In 1998, thanks to Gary Zespy, a corporation was formed which became known as “Los Amigos
del Padre Juan”, the Spanish translation of friends of Father Jack. This was important because it
succeeded in getting a 501c3 tax exemption for our donors. Over the years, a shortened version,
Los Amigos, was often used, as we added new programs to help our Chimbote friends and other
changes were necessary.
Soon the whole thing became a cake mix with ingredients being thrown in from all sides without
any baker having a handle on all the ingredients. To answer these problems, clarify the confusion
and create the best cake possible, the board decided to change the name. It will now be called
Friends of Chimbote - Father Jack’s Mission.
I believe this is a good name. I like the focus on the word friends because friends become close
enough to recognize the “real” needs of one another. With friendships, both parties must remain
active—both benefactors as well as recipients—becoming partners in one another’s lives. This is
what our mission is all about.
We must develop an evangelizing presence that is guided by a Preferential Option for the Poor.
All Christians are called to opt for poor and fight against poverty, because that is God’s will.
~excerpt from Father Jack & Sister Peggy’s Legacy Statement
a Message from executive director, susan trnka
Recently, when I returned to the office after vacation, I had to chuckle
when a message on the Los Amigos phone related to an organization
asking for a quote on 300 burritos for a meeting that was going to be
taking place. Often people have appeared confused when I tell them
I work for Los Amigos del Padre Juan, however, if I tell them I work for
Father Jack Davis, Sister Peggy and the poor of Chimbote, Peru they
understand immediately. Therefore I am delighted that our board of
directors unanimously approved our new name.
a Message from ron stensgard,
Board chairman
There comes a time when a person or
organization realizes that at some point they
may no longer exist, but the poverty and the
root causes of it will. Los Amigos has taken on a
huge strategic planning effort both in Peru and
the United States. The Mission has made great
strides in putting things in place, but still has a
little way to go. The question becomes, how can
we sustain something that Father Jack and Sister
Peggy have championed through tireless service
over a thirty-plus year period?
Father Jack and Sister Peggy consider our
generous donors and our “Friends of Chimbote”
to be their family. Los Amigos in the past has
basically been a volunteer organization, in
recent years we have added long-time member
Susan Trnka as our full-time executive director.
Father Jack and Sister Peggy cannot maintain
their frantic schedule, so a responsive plan was
drafted by our development committee, which
is headed up by Pat Klein.
We now need that Holy Spirit effort from our
friends and donors to make a lasting legacy
for both Father Jack and Sister Peggy. By your
donations and through your circle of influence
we can bring the people of Chimbote out of
misery to a more humane condition.
Gandhi once said that “Jesus is on the side
of the poor, and we serve best by elevating
the downtrodden to the place of Jesus. The
direction of charity is not condescending, but
rather ascending. In serving the weak and the
poor, we are privileged to serve God himself."
I look forward to the journey with you.
Take care and God bless.
Over the past 13 years I have been blessed to be part of an amazing circle of friends, all whom
come together at God’s table as one in service to our brothers and sisters in Chimbote. It did not
take long for me to realize that the very people that we serve, are also our friends, and in fact, the
friendship, joy and love that the poor of Chimbote so freely extend to us all, is what sustains us in
our work and inspires us to share with them the many gifts that we have been given.
I am honored that Father Jack and Sister Peggy as well as our board, have placed their trust in me
and asked me to spend more time with you, our benefactors, to assist with fund-raising efforts,
thereby freeing up Father Jack and Sister Peggy to spend less time on travel and more time at
the mission. I look forward to expanding this circle of friendship and hope that you and I may join
together to continue to support our friends in Chimbote.
Coming soon - Friends of Chimbote website!
Chimbote_SeptNewsletter.indd 6-7
The plan is to utilize professional staff to help
with fund-raising, which is needed now and
especially in the future. Susan Trnka will take on
more of a development role and she has hired
an executive assistant, Kim Malakowsky to help
with the day-to-day details.
5
9/22/11 9:19 AM
BILL & PAT SEILER
Fairfax, WA
Schoolmate & Friend of Father Jack’s Since 1963
We are pleased that there has been a name change to the
organization. As avid supporters of the legacy that Father
Jack and Sister Peggy have built in Chimbote, we think
that the new name will help everyone focus on the most
important aspects of their legacy: namely, recognizing
the God-given dignity (Gen. 1:26) of the poor people of
Chimbote so that they receive preferential attention and are given opportunities to transform
their lives from extreme poverty to independence.
CECILIA HINES
Gulf Breeze, FL
Dentist who volunteers time at Medical Post at
Mission, numerous Mission visits
I believe the revised name "Friends of Chimbote
- Father Jack's Mission" does a good job of
reflecting the mission of our group. Father Jack is an
energetic, charismatic, holy priest who has attracted
many (if not most!) of the donors and volunteers
by his personal example, humility and leadership.
However, it’s recognized that no organization is sustainable if it relies on only one or two
individuals. Friends of Chimbote is different because the love flows both ways as in any true
friendship. That love also flows among the U.S. supporters who work together to improve
the conditions of Father Jack's (and now OUR) friends.
BOB CAVILL
Spokane, WA
18-year Mission supporter
Eighteen years ago, after assisting in placing drilling equipment
in Chimbote to produce wells, I became interested in the longterm continuation of the many programs provided for the people
of Chimbote. I am very aware of the stress Father Jack and Sister
Peggy are under to continue to provide for the poor each day and
into the future after they are no longer able to do this demanding
work. A key issue to initiate change for the future survival is a name
change that is more inclusive and I like “Friends of Chimbote.”
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Chimbote_SeptNewsletter.indd 8-9
PASTOR BECKY LEE
Fargo, ND
Atonement Lutheran Church
My first journey to Chimbote took place five years ago and
upon return members of my congregation, family and friends
all asked, "Did you have fun?" to which my answer was, "My
heart is broken." Now, with four visits to Chimbote behind me,
I still give the same answer, but for different reasons. My heart
is still broken for the poorest of God's children, but it breaks
more each time I have to leave because I’m saying goodbye to
a whole new family and friends that have graciously welcomed
me into their homes and hearts. The best part of having this condition of the heart, is that the
brokenness allows God's love to flow more freely to and from our hearts as our lives become
irreversibly connected with our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the world.
goodbye & Hello
Friends of Chimbote would like to acknowledge Peter Jensen,
who for the past 20 months has served as volunteer coordinator in
Chimbote. Many of you have met Peter on mission trips and have
been the recipient of his wonderful coordination, assistance and
support. We will forever be grateful for Pete’s commitment to the
role where he exhibited creativity, leadership, organization and,
most of all, true compassion for all whom he served. Peter returns
to his home in Owatonna, MN in October.
We are pleased to introduce Katie Jorgenson, who will be assuming
the position of volunteer coordinator in Chimbote. Katie volunteered
in Chimbote from January to May 2011 and is eager to return in this
new role. Katie hails from Chaska, MN and graduated from Gustavus
Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN in 2010. She has been accepted at
Lutheran Seminary College in St. Paul, MN but has deferred her start
date so that she may be of service to Friends of Chimbote. Katie can
be contacted at: [email protected]
Please join us in thanking Peter for his tremendous service and welcoming Katie to our circle
of friends.
Transforming the lives of the poor through education.
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9/22/11 9:19 AM