Word Made Flesh Argentina began its presence in Buenos Aires in 2005, when Walter, Adriana and Cora Forcatto first arrived in Buenos Aires in March to begin a new South America field. The Forcattos previously pioneered the WMF community in Lima, Peru, serving there for six years. Soon after arriving the Forcattos began spending time with youth and young adults who live and/or work in the busiest downtown train station and transportation hub in Buenos Aires. Hundreds of thousands of people pass through the Retiro station every day. Because of this, many youth and young adults living in situations of poverty come to Retiro station to seek out opportunities to make money to live.
Several days a week the Forcattos visited their new friends, Retiro relationships that continue today. Several months after arriving in Buenos Aires, the Forcattos began attending Iglesia Evangelica Bautista de Constitucion. This church community soon became a valued partner in service among the youth. Early on several individuals from the church joined the Forcattos in their visits with the youth at Retiro. In addition to spending time at Retiro, the Forcattos began inviting their friends into their home for meals, fellowship and Bible studies. The church community began to open up their facilities for occasional activities and events with the youth. Amani Forcatto was welcomed into the Forcatto family and community in December, 2006. Throughout those initial years of WMFA, the Forcattos and their partners from their church continued accompanying their friends that they first met in Retiro. The youth were welcomed into church community and included in special celebrations and events, including Christmas, Easter, costume parties and retreats. This partnership and hospitality of Iglesia Evangelica Bautista de Constitucion remain an important part of accompanying the youth today.
In 2008 WMFA welcomed additional North American staff members to the community. Jeremiah, Jennifer, Jordan and Selah Dean arrived in February, while David Bayne arrived a month later in March. Both the Dean family and David moved into the La Boca neighborhood near the Forcattos. Together they began to live into a community rhythm of life and service among their friends living in poverty. In September 2008 WMF staff and partners initiated the bi-monthly Encuentros (gatherings), when several of the youth, along with a couple of staff, spend the night at the church. The next day’s activities include breakfast, lunch, a Bible reflection, special projects, games and movies. The goal of Encuentros is to provide a safe, welcoming environment away from the streets of the city.
Baby Elias Dean was welcomed into the Dean family and community in 2009. As Servant Team Coordinators the Deans coordinated the first Argentina Servant Team in 2009. A second team followed in 2010. In 2009 WMFA initiated an additional partnership with the church in providing an after-school tutoring program for the kids in the Barracas neighborhood. The goal was to provide educational assistance and relational support and accompaniment, a healthy snack and informational meetings for parents. WMFA also desired to deepen relationships and friendships with the children and parents alike. On average 15-20 children attended twice a week.
In 2010 WMFA began the process of registering as a formal Argentine association, El Verbo Entre Nosotros. Seven individuals have committed to serving as founding board members for the new association. The community began renting a small office space from Iglesia Evangelica Bautista de Constitucion in order to meet the association registration requirements. This office serves as a convenient space since many activities and events take place at the church. WMFA ended 2010 with its first Covenant Ceremony to celebrate Walter and Adriana Forcatto and express our commitments to one another in community. In 2011 the community continues a consistent schedule of visits to Retiro, home visits and special community events. In June the Deans concluded their service with WMFA. Their departure included many celebrations of the Dean family, their friendship and service among the community. Today the community continues to live into the following mission and vision.
WMF Argentina, in collaboration with Argentine partners, is called to serve and discover Jesus among vulnerable children and young adults living in poverty. Through mutual friendships based on love and trust, WMFA accompanies those friends who are excluded from society in experiencing and knowing Jesus and a fuller life in God. Intentional hospitality is essential to the community as they create space for intimacy with God and neighbor.