Diaconal Journey of Erin Brown: Betty Feature

Diaconal Journey of Erin Brown: Betty Feature

Heidi Michelsen, Erin Brown, and Betty Solórzano in Costa Rica.

Erin Brown (left) and Betty Solórzano (middle), with Mariví Agostino, also featured on this blog.

We look forward to celebrating the Consecration of Saint Peter’s own Erin Brown on April 7, 2024! Erin was approved for consecration last fall by the Lutheran Diaconal Association. In preparation, we have asked key people from Erin’s journey in Christ to reflect on her gifts, kindness, and growth in the weeks leading up to her consecration. Check out Betty Solórzano’s feature below!

¿Cómo conoces a Erin y qué haces ahora?
Soy Betty Solórzano, y desde el 2011 empezé el diaconado por la Iglesia Luterana Confesional de Canadá en Costa Rica. Conocí a Erin a través de Heidi Michelsen, Directora de Praxis, Centro de Estudios en Costa Rica, amiga con quien coordinaba un trabajo en una pequeña comunidad de inmigrantes Nicaragüenses, en un Barrio del Sur de San José. Erin llegó para realizar una pasantía complementaria a su proceso de formación como diácona y, en todo ese año, tuve la fortuna de estar con ella y ser parte de su proceso.

Cómo he experimentado su crecimiento en Cristo?
Puede percibir de muy cerca su respuesta al servicio del Evangelio en su actitud de acogida y gran sensibilidad a la situación de la gente (niños y mujeres, sobretodo) por quienes mostró siempre gran compasión.

Qué recuerdos tienes de Erin en que esté usando sus dones?
Primero que nada, una responsabilidad frente a sí misma, que busca con seriedad adquirir el conocimiento académico-intelectual, político-social y praxis de su fe, necesarios para llevar "Evangelio-Cristo" como mensaje de vida. Es puntual y creativa en la comunidad de fe, en los grupos de estudio, mensajes dominicales de la Palabra, y en su acompañamiento a los jóvenes con charlas y música. Erin para mí representa la amiga, hermanita, la mujer, inquieta ante este mundo que demanda cada vez, más amor y verdadera humanidad, para que el Reinado de Dios en Jesús, nos abrace.

How do you know Erin and what is your role/job now?
I'm Betty Solórzano, and since 2011 I have been the diaconate for the Confessional Lutheran Church of Canada in Costa Rica. I met Erin through Heidi Michelsen, Director of the Praxis Center Study Abroad Program in Costa Rica, a friend with whom she coordinated a job in a small community of Nicaraguan immigrants in Barrio del South of San Jose. Erin came to do a complementary internship to her training process as a deacon and, throughout that year, I was fortunate to be with her and be part of her process.

How have you experienced her growing in Christ?
You can perceive very closely her response to the service of the Gospel in her welcoming attitude and great sensitivity to the situations of many people (children and women, especially) for whom she always shows great compassion.

What memory do you have with Erin, one where she is using her gifts/following in the footsteps of Christ?
First of all, she has a strong sense of responsibility to herself: she seriously seeks to acquire the academic-intellectual, political-social knowledge and praxis of her faith necessary to carry "Gospel-Christ" as a message of life. In her internship, she was punctual and creative in the community of faith, in study groups, in the Sunday messages of the Word, and in her accompaniment to young people through discussions and music. For me, Erin represents the friend, the little sister, the woman, restless before this world that demands more and more love and true humanity, so that the Reign of God in Jesus embraces us.