M M Missionary Messenger
SUMMER 2015
EXPLORING
NEW
INITIATIVES
PAGE 17
BUILDING A PROMISING
FUTURE PAGES 18-19
INSIDE
FEEDING POSTER: GOD’S CHILDREN IN GRACE THE PHILIPPINES STEP-OUT
PAGES 9-11
Stepping Out
GOD’S GRACE
by T.J. Malinoski
GOD’S GRACE IS TOO GOOD TO KEEP TO OURSELVES!
The word “evangelism” makes some Cumberland Presbyterians nervous. Perhaps the term has become vilified and tainted in misconception. Perhaps it has a reputation for zealous rudeness. Perhaps it does not fit into our rational thinking and conversations. Perhaps the criticisms against evangelism have merit. Perhaps, as Cumberland Presbyterians, we are nervous about evangelism for good reason. If all we offer to others is an activity to do on a Sunday morning and they see no passion for the transforming love God offered in Jesus Christ, then the grace we attempt to convey becomes a debatable program and the church becomes a charitable organization among many, trying to respond to the needs of the world. We also have a tendency to dwell on the methodology of evangelism as membership recruitment and church revitalization, while missing the intrinsic cries of a people looking for inner healing and understanding. People have a deep need to find healing in the agonizing brokenness felt inside and the loneliness felt in alienation. As rational beings, we try with great difficulty to address these ailments by any means necessary. I believe that the deepest needs of humanity are met with God’s grace. A grace that is all-inclusive, forgiving, rooted in love, filled with compassion and provides the healing and freedom we need to be the people God created us to be. This grace is best described and lived out by and in Jesus Christ. As Christians, we look to the writings about Jesus who is the supreme and most significant expression of grace. God’s grace is something that we receive and enter into. Receiving God’s grace is to be in a relationship of love and trust. What better way to dress the wounds of brokenness and alienation than with the soothing ointment of love and the security of trust. And God’s grace is ongoing; welcoming us to embrace it again and again. By receiving God’s grace, our lives are transformed – this transformation can be like Paul’s experience on the Damascus Road with an immediate change in life or it can be a gradual revealing and growing into a relationship over the course of time. Where there is God’s grace, there is also passion among people. A passion that is concerned about the love and well-being of others. A passion where joy and exhilaration is present. A passion that is almost a speechless excitement about God’s grace in Jesus. When we are passionate about God’s grace, the nervousness over the word “evangelism” may not completely dissipate but it is no longer a crippling fear. God’s grace is too good to keep to ourselves. By telling, doing and being an extension of God’s grace we become advocates for addressing the intrinsic cries of a people looking for healing and understanding today. MM
T
here is an exciting story to tell from Southeast Asia! A story of God’s grace, which is just too good to keep to ourselves! Early in 2015 the Missions Ministry Team initiated a new church development in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The Glory Mission started with a core group of 30 people. After only a few months they have doubled in size. Missionaries David and Sarah Lee are overseeing this new church development. A seminary student works directly with this new church plant. Currently there is one organized CP Church in Phnom Penh, the Samaki CPC, which was the Gift to the King Offering recipient in 2012 and 2013. Thanks to Our United Outreach (OUO) this NCD is funded from OUO New Church Development funds. Thanks be to God! S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 1
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Missionary Messenger
Contents
20
16 Feature Stories 6
9
A MATTER OF LANGUAGE One focus of Step−Out is to start new churches among different cultures and languages in the United States. FEEDING CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES Very soon the Child Development Program will be up and running in all of the Cumberland Presbyterian churches in the Philippines.
12
WHY START NEW CHURCHES? Starting new churches is a joyous adventure that we have historically and unquestionably seen as part of our identity.
2 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
14
17
18
SPEAKING ABOUT GOD IN THE PRESENT TENSE Challenge yourself to find expressive ways to communicate the most important relationship in your life. NEW EXPLORATION INITIATIVE We believe that for our denomination to continue to thrive it must start new churches.
BUILDING A PROMISING FUTURE A ministry of reconciliation for domestic violence in Guatemala.
12-13
9-11
M
M
SU M MER 2015
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L.4, N O.2
}
Columns ON THE COVER:
4
PERSPECTIVES / Sharing the Gospel
FEEDING CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES Photo Credit: Ly nn T homas
VISIT US ON THE WEB
5
A Step−Out Litany
ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/currentissue To read the previous issues of the Missionary Messenger visit us at
ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/mmarchives
20
BIBLE STUDY / Whosoever Will S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 3
PERSPECTIVES by Milton L. Ortiz
M
Sharing the Gospel
“I believe that
as Christians we
have a tremendous responsibility to share
the gospel.”
4 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
M
S
ince I was a teenager, I was taught in my home church to be clear about what I was going to say when I had the opportunity to share my faith story. My personal life story is not supposed to be the main focus of my conversation; it is just to be a bridge to the gospel. Over the years I have used different methods to share the gospel, but I always go back to the seven principles from the letter of Romans. I usually start by saying, “I would like to explain to you what I understand to be the meaning of the gospel.” Then I say, According to Scriptures… People everywhere, are living under the power of sin. No one is righteous-not even one. (Romans 3:9-10) This happened because sin entered our world through one man, Adam; and through sin, death followed in hot pursuit. Death spread rapidly to infect all people on the earth as they engaged in sin. (Romans 5:12) All have sinned, and all their futile attempts to reach God in His glory fail. (Romans 3:22) The payoff for a life of sin is death, but God is offering us a free gift - eternal life through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King. (Romans 6:23) But think about this: while we were wasting our lives in sin, God revealed His powerful love to us in a tangible display - the Anointed One died for us. (Romans 5:8) So if you believe deep in your heart that God raised Jesus from the pit of death and with your voice you give allegiance by confessing the truth that “Jesus is Lord,” then you will be saved! Belief begins in the heart and leads to a life that’s right with God; Confession departs from our lips and brings eternal salvation. (Romans 10:9-10) This is true because as Scripture says, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Romans 10:13)” I always ask the person I’m sharing with if she/he has ever made a real commitment to God through Christ. I also offer an example of a prayer they can follow in order to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Our Confession of Faith says that “through the Holy Spirit, people are able to acknowledge and repent of their sin, believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, and follow Christ as Lord. Believers experience Christ’s presence and guidance, which helps them to overcome the powers of evil in ways consistent with God’s nature and will” (COF 3.10). I believe that as Christians we have a tremendous responsibility to share the gospel with people. Our Constitution says that we have to help baptized persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, in the hope that they personally will own their faith. Our Constitution also emphasizes our responsibility regarding unbaptized persons who have not confessed Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. There is the hope that they may be led to repentance and to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior (Constitution 2.14-2.15). Also our Constitution says that “…children are to receive oversight, instruction, and the care of the church, with a view that they repent of sin, personally confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and assume the full responsibilities of church membership” (Constitution 2.14). So, the issue here is not just what our faith story is but to be clear about what we need to say when an opportunity opens to us to share Jesus Christ to a person. MM
SUMMER
2 01 5
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L.4, N O.2
}
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Of The CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211
EDITORS Milton Ortiz: ext. 234
Pam Phillips-Burk: ext. 203
Lynn Thomas: ext. 261
T.J. Malinoski: ext. 232
Johan Daza: 202
COPY EDITOR Jinger Ellis: ext. 230 8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 fax 901.276.4578
messenger@cumberland.org PRINTER A1 Printing Memphis, Tennessee MEMBER Associated Church Press
WE ARE READY, YOU ARE SENDING /
by Pam Phillips-Burk
A Step-Out litany used at the close of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry Convention, June 2014.
Leader: We are ready to Step-Out and return to our day-today lives. People: “Show me your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths.” (Psalm 25:4) Leader: You are sending us out to share and live the good news of Jesus Christ. People: “Direct me in the paths of your commands, for there I find delight.” (Psalm 119:35) Leader: Give us boldness and courage to go where you send us.
WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
COME TO THE WATER July 16-18, 2015 Bowling Green, KY
Do you feel dry and thirsty? Tired? Parched? Drained? Come to the Water in Bowling Green to spend time with God and your friends – quenching the thirst in your life.
Cost :
People: “When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who knows my ways;” (Psalm 142: 3a)
$85 on or before May 31 ($125 after)
Leader: Guide us whenever we are unsure about the direction you are sending us.
Groups of 8 or more from the SAME church get a $10 discount per person.
People: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105) Leader: Make our feet beautiful in service to you. People: “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.” (Psalm 16: 11a) Leader: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News!” (Romans 10:15) People: “My steps have held to your paths; my feet have not slipped, I call on you, O God, for you will answer me.” (Psalm 17: 5-6a)
Young women under the age of 35 get a $10 discount! The Women’s Conference begins with worship on Thursday evening and concludes before lunch Saturday. Plans are to spend time on a creek bank soaking up God’s refreshing spirit.
Register online at http : // ministrycouncil.cumberland.org / onlineregcometothewater2015 or download a brochure and registration form at http : // ministrycouncil.cumberland.org / assets /1612 / come _to _the _water_ brochure.pdf
LIST OF MISSIONARIES IN COLOMBIA
V
irginia Walker Watkins was a missionary with her husband Bob Watkins in Colombia for seven years, from 1976 to 1983. In the List of Missionaries in Colombia in the Spring 2015 issue of the Missionary Messenger we failed to include her name. We did not realize it until the magazine was already in print. It was certainly unintentional. Virginia was a dedicated servant who labored faithfully in the mission field. She was loved and is remembered in Colombia. People still have beautiful memories of her. Virginia influenced many Colombians in their life as Christians and as Cumberland Presbyterians. Also, Rev. Edward & Mrs. Beth Clyne stayed in Colombia not only 2 years but 25, from 1945 to 1970. S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 5
Left: Members of the Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery. Below: Eddie Jenkins and Sue Rice, liaisons for Naples Latino NCD.
A Matter of Cross- Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program by Johan Daza
LANGUAGE
Language matters! This is true due to the reality that language is contextual and constantly transforms. If somebody asks you, “What does the Cross-Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program mean?” what would be your answer? The issue of language, connotations, denotations, contexts and meanings can sometimes cause confusion. Allow me to expand a little bit more. In missions work, the word “cross-culture” can
function as both a verb and noun. In our context, cross-culture can be understood in terms of missionaries literally crossing cultures to share the good news of Christ in specific mission fields where culture and language are often different from their original context. 6 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
Left: Rev. Luciano and Athala Jaramillo, El Camino CPC, Miami. Below: Members of the Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery Far left: Rev. Ko, Jae-Chung, Sharing Presbyterian Church of New York.
O
ne focus of Step-Out is to start new
from Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Liberian,
the Japanese community. That is why Grace
churches among different cultures
Sudanese, Kenyan, Mexican, Guatemalan,
Presbytery has five Latino congregations in
and languages in the United
Nicaraguan, Dominican, Puerto Rican, Cuban,
different locations including Birmingham,
States. The Missions Ministry
Salvadoran and Colombian backgrounds.
Decatur, and Cullman, Alabama, and in Naples
Team helps implement this through the Cross-
Eighteen out of nineteen presbyteries in the
and Miami, Florida. These are a few examples
Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program. In
United States are primarily Anglo-American and
of ways to recognize that language, nationality,
this context, it means that the cross-culture
the English language is the primary language
and culture differences are not obstacles as we
program becomes a resource to accompany
for all presbytery, committee, and board
join together as the diverse Body of Christ.
the presbyteries in the United States as they
meetings. The Cumberland East Coast Korean
cross cultures, languages and nationalities.
Presbytery is the only cross-culture presbytery
covenant community, governed by the Lord
Our presbyteries are doing so with the main
in the United States that holds their meetings
Jesus Christ, opposes, resists, and seeks
purpose of starting new churches among our
in a language other than English. This is one of
to change all circumstances of oppression:
brothers and sisters who are immigrants from
the reasons why the Cross-Culture Immigrant
political, economic, cultural, and racial—by
different countries around the world living in the
Ministries USA Program has the primary goal
which persons are denied the essential
United States.
of accompanying presbyteries. The program
dignity God intends for them in the work of
assists presbyteries as they look for pastors,
creation” (COF 6.30). Every culture has its
made up of immigrants from many countries
probationers, and lay leaders who can fulfill
own system of symbols, attitudes, behaviors,
around the world and our Cumberland
this call to start new churches among different
relationships, and responses to its environment.
Presbyterian churches are a reflection of
immigrant cultural groups. It also assists the
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a
that reality. The word “cross-culture” is
presbyteries in the process of assimilation
multi-cultural Church with a lot of room for
also understood as an exercise when our
of existing immigrant congregations or new
many other cultures. When the word “cross-
presbyteries consciously and intentionally
church developments that are willing to
culture” becomes an action in terms of loving
welcome our brothers and sisters to make them
become Cumberland Presbyterian.
and welcoming our foreign brothers and
The United States historically has been
feel loved as they transition into the complex
Crossing cultures in the United States
According to our Confession of Faith, “The
sisters, is when the Cross-Culture Immigrant
North American culture. All the presbyteries
is relevant to our call as Christians. This
Ministries USA Program becomes pertinent for
with cross-culture ministries are expressing
opportunity to experience different expressions
all Cumberland Presbyterians in the United
sensitivity and appreciation regarding the
of life and faith helps us to reshape our
States.
primary needs of all immigrants. Through this
relationships, our faith, our cultures, and our
program, presbyteries are finding creative ways
lives. It is in this context that the word “cross-
to overcome language and cultural differences.
culture” makes sense among Cumberland
We are proud to say that this has already
Presbyterians. That is why Cumberland
begun among pastors, probationers, and lay
Presbytery, Japan Presbytery and the Missions
leaders who serve as liaisons for new church
Ministry Team decided to start a new church
developments and their home presbyteries with
development in Louisville, Kentucky, to share
the cross-culture immigrant congregations,
the good news of the Kingdom of God to
MM Definition Of Culture: A system of symbols, attitudes, behaviors, relationships, beliefs, and responses to the environment shared by a particular human group in contrast to others. E s s e n t i a l Th e o l o g i c a l Te rm s B y J u s t o G o nz á l e z .
S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 7
{SECOND MILE PROJECTS}
Leadership Training For Southeast Asia The Missions Ministry Team has been involved in a Christian leadership training program with the help of Bethel University. Each week, at 6:00 a.m. CT, Dr. David Lancaster, Associate Professor of Religion at Bethel University, connects by video conference to both Cambodia and Laos to teach a Bible class. Each side of the world is connected by a computer screen and webcam. The bilingual students in these countries translate for those whose primary language is not English. Bethel University has a Certificate of Christian Studies Program offered to those wanting to learn more about the Christian faith in the United States. They never imagined it would be used on our Southeast Asia mission field. We are asking donors to give a Second Mile gift to “Leadership Training in Southeast Asia” to help the Missions Ministry Team pay for these classes. There are 6 students taking the classes, and several others that are auditing the course. Please help us provide Christian leadership training in Southeast Asia. MM
FINANCIAL DATA:
Total Amount Needed for the Project: $8,000.00 Amount Contributed to Date: $ 0.00 Total Amount Needed for the Project: $8,000.00
DURATION:
May 2015 – December 2016 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com or (901) 276-4572 ext. 261
The following Second Mile Projects are current CP Women’s Ministry projects. Contributions should be sent to the Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414 indicating on the check the project number: Montgomery Bell Chaplain – Project #34026 Amount Needed: $8,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $4,635.99 For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572 ext. 203 DMT Roadshow – Project #34027 Amount Needed: $15,100; Amount Contributed to Date: $2,723.71 For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572 ext. 203
The following are Discipleship Ministry Team projects. Contributions should be sent to the Discipleship Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414 indicating on the check the project number: Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference (CPYC) Scholarships – Project #33019 Funding to give scholarships to youth participants. Amount Needed: $6,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $784.04 For more information contact: Nathan Wheeler at nwheeler@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572 ext. 218 Children’s Fest – Project #33020 Two one day events for children (K-6th grade) in the CPC and CPCA full of fun and fellowship – one on June 13, 2015 at CP Children’s Home in Denton, TX and the other on July 18, 2015 at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. Your second mile gifts will help fund scholarships for children who participate. Amount needed: $1,800; Amount Contributed to Date: $100.00 For more information contact: Jodi Rush at jhr@cumberland.org, 615-415-9735
CONTRIBUTIONS:
Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating project #34400 and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414. 8 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
For more information about all of these projects go to www.ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/secondmileprojects.
Loaves & Fishes Update
FEEDING CHILDREN IN THE PHILIPPINES by Lynn Thomas
S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 9
DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE FOUR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTEARIAN CHURCHES AND MISSIONS IN THE PHILIPPINES?
Above: The Child Development Program (CDP) Bible Study.
Above: The Pavia Mission - Pastor Job Baldevia Left: The Oton Mission - Rev. Alex Duyac Jr.
Above: The Mostro Mission - Pastor Romeo Agana. 10 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
Loaves & Fishes Update
T
he Missions Ministry Team has discussed for years the singular or plural usage of the word “fishes” in the annual Loaves & Fishes Offering. John’s Gospel does not convey if the two fish the boy had were of the same species. Grammatically correct or not, we have never questioned the importance and significance of The Loaves & Fishes Offering. This is the offering our churches take up each year using the little Loaves and Fishes box. It sits on kitchen tables and over a few weeks collects coins and bills, and when all those boxes come together, they change lives.
program lead a Bible study, work as tutors to help the children with school work, and give classes on hygiene.
The 2014 Loaves & Fishes Offering is to support the Child Development Program (CDP) in the Philippines. Daniel and Kay Jang, Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries in the Philippines, started the CDP program several years ago with their own money. Daniel recalls as a child in South Korea getting a free meal from missionaries. He said that the meal had a big impact on him and he wanted to know more about who those people were and why they wanted to feed children like him. He discovered the answer, accepted Christ, became a pastor, and now is a missionary to the Philippines. The CDP program was born out of that childhood experience.
The Pavia CP Mission has already started a CDP program. Their program is conducted in a poor neighborhood on the outskirts of Iloilo City. The children arrive mid-morning to a spot in the village. Volunteers sing with them, teach them Bible stories and then a hot lunch is served. The lunch for the children is prepared in a grass hut, in an iron pot over an open fire. The children line up with their bowls and are grateful for their meal. Following the meal, there are more classes and games.
Every Saturday Daniel and Kay feed almost 100 children, with the help from other Cumberland Presbyterians that attend their church. Volunteers cook a nice lunch for all the children, but providing a meal is only part of the CDP program. Other volunteers in the
Did you know we have four Cumberland Presbyterian churches and missions in the Philippines? They are located on an island called Iloilo. These four congregations formed a council of CP Churches to help them plan programs and minister together. This year staff from the Missions Ministry Team met with the Council and shared some very good news. The Loaves & Fishes Offering is going to be given to the Council to start more CDP programs. The plan is to use Daniel and Kay’s program as a model for all of the Cumberland Presbyterian churches.
Very soon the CDP program will be up and running in all of the Cumberland Presbyterian churches in the Philippines. What if the little boy in the Bible offered a selection of different fish to share with the disciples, wouldn’t that be a great miracle? We may never know which is more correct, “fish” or “fishes”, but we all agree this is a great program; a miracle for some that is touching their lives. MM
S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 11
Illustration By Larry Ahokas
Why Start N ew Ch u rch es?
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Co n fessio n o f Fa ith Fo r Cu m b erl an d Presby teri an s 5.29 Grow th is natu ral to th e ch u rch ❜ s life • Th e ch u rch is called into b ein g an d exists to re ach o ut to th ose wh o have n ot experien ced Go d ❜ s g race in Ch rist❜ an d to n o u rish th em w ith all th e m e an s o f g race • by T.J. Ma l i nosk i A few common responses to the question why start new churches often read like these below: • • “We have plenty of churches that have plenty of space for new people. Let’s get them filled first before we go and build new ones.” • • “We should help our existing churches first. We need stronger churches not more churches.” • • “We do not have the money to start new churches.” • • “We have tried to start a new church and it failed.” • • “Why start something that people are not interested in?” While the responses are worthy of conversation, none really acknowledge Jesus’ imperative to make disciples. There are numerous reasons for starting new churches. Here are just a few to focus on: Starting new churches reaches new people and new generations. Within a new church, everyone has an equal opportunity to have a leadership role in its ministry and growth. Within an established congregation, younger generations and residents new to a community have little space and opportunity to influence change and to share new ideas where routines and expectations have already been established. New churches foster space for emerging leadership who will provide fresh perspectives on ministry and mission. Starting new churches reaches those who
❝ Startin g n ew
ch u rch es h elp a ma in lin e deno minatio n co ntin u e to th rive. ❞
are looking to give church another try. A new church tends to break down barriers and alleviate anxieties of those who have previously been turned off or hurt by the church. There is an incentive of inviting people to be a part of something new and to help shape the church environment. A new church gives those who are familiar to church life a fresh start and a new beginning. Starting new churches reaches different cultural groups. Many existing congregations find themselves in communities that are changing culturally and demographically. While it may take years for an existing congregation to reach the changing community, a new church finds it is easier to adapt and make adjustments to minister to the community. Starting new churches helps a mainline denomination like ours to continue to thrive. Denominational survival may be a questionable motive, however, there is not a Cumberland Presbyterian who wants to see this denomination cease to exist. Starting new churches reaches those who have yet to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Statistics in the United States indicate that a new church gains more than 60 to 80 percent of its membership from those who are new Christians while a congregation that has existed ten years or more gains 80 to 90 percent of its membership from transfers. Starting new churches is a joyous adventure that we, as Cumberland Presbyterians, have historically and unquestionably seen as part of our identity. Let us embrace the enthusiasm of the early Christians and early Cumberland Presbyterians who felt compelled to establish churches wherever they went. MM
S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 13
Open Your Mouth:
SPEAKING ABOUT GOD IN THE PRESENT TENSE by T.J. Malinoski
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How do I talk to others about God?
P
eople are hurting now and we have to find ways to communicate the gospel in a way that will connect with others. We can do this by bringing our language
about God into the present. This requires
I I
a reshaping of our vocabulary because our ways of communicating the gospel to
often get asked during speaking
others is important. We can describe our
engagements, trainings and other various
relationship with God using present tense
events, “How do I talk to others about
verbs, which describes our relationship in the
God?” Depending on the context, I might
here and now. We can describe what God
turn the question around to hear how we
means to us and how we interact with God on
may articulate God to others. The past few
a daily basis. In doing so, we are describing
years, I have noticed a common thread in our language. What often occurs is that we speak of the past when describing our relationship with God. n comparison, I never hear anyone pine for the days of old computers. When it comes to technology we always talk about the latest and greatest of what is available today and what is coming soon. No one and I mean no one ever says,
a real and present relationship.
W
e can use words like: seeking, finding, losing, serving, hearing, following, ignoring, opposing, betraying, returning and loving
God all the more for receiving the gift of grace. We can use words that describe God and how we interact with God. Our
“Oh, how I miss the days of the green screen
language is to be expressive, specific and
of computer monitors. I couldn’t get enough
authentic. In doing so, we get to help people
of their image quality.” “I wish my dot matrix
decide for Christ by living the gospel and
printer still worked. I loved the sound it made.”
articulating it in ways that address people’s
“I want to go back to the loading times of the
hurts, deepest needs and questions they are
floppy disk and its blazing speed.” But when
facing now. Think about the words you would
we talk about God, our language often takes
use to describe your relationship with God.
a step back into time. We reference the days
Challenge yourself to find expressive ways to
of holding revivals, summer youth camps of
communicate the most important relationship
past decades, the way worship used to be,
in your life. You will feel a smile widen across
a previous pastor, a stellar choir. These are
your face as you describe what God means
important stories though I would argue they
to you. Well, what are you waiting for? Go and
are not necessarily about a relationship with
share the good news! MM
God.
S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 15
I am about to do a NEW thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 NRSV
A New
I
“SOMETHING” for Younger Women by Pam Phillips-Burk
t is difficult sometimes to perceive the “new thing” God is doing! On two different weekends in February a small group of young women gathered in Nashville for conversation and prayer concerning a “new thing.” The prevailing question was, “Is there a need today for a women-specific ministry in the church?” This is a difficult question to answer, but an important one. The women in those conversations were all over the map in their awareness of Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry. Most knew “something.” They considered Women’s Ministry to be something for their mothers, grandmothers, and the older women of the church. They knew Women’s Ministry to be busy and active, but not something that would be appropriate for them to participate in.
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Another conversation centered around storytelling, telling the remarkable stories of Cumberland Presbyterian women throughout history – how it was born, some of the early women missionaries, and of the early work of women in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The young women were shocked, surprised, inspired, proud, and excited. This is what they want for a women-specific ministry. They want to be part of something life-changing like those early women pioneers in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Another interesting conversation included a visit to Thistle Stop Café, a social enterprise of Magdalene Community; a ministry that helps to restore women to life and wholeness who have been trafficked, abused and addicted to drugs. When they heard the stories of Magdalene survivors, the young Cumberland Presbyterian women were shocked, surprised, inspired, proud, and excited. There was a connection. They were especially impressed when they learned of the close partnership between Magdalene Community and Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry during the past three years through the Set Them Free campaign. Yes, there is most definitely a need for a women-specific ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. But for these young women, the current model of Women’s Ministry does not “fit” them. So, we are thinking, planning, praying about the “new thing” God is doing. ….I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:19b) Where is the conversation now? Where is the new “something”? What does it look like? Who will be involved? We are still trying to discern our path. We are currently planning a retreat in the fall to include women high school age through 35 years. We also are open to including some older women who would like to serve as mentors and supporters of the new ministry – as scholarship sponsors, prayer partners, organizers of conversation and outreach opportunities. If you are interested, give us a call at 901-276-4572 ext. 203. We would like to host a conversation weekend in your presbytery or region. MM
WILL YOU JOIN US IN PRAYER? Prayer of a Young Woman – Loving God, it is my prayer that we find better ways to connect women from all walks of life. That we may come together to learn, teach, serve, and grow in you and from one another. Amen.
by Johan Daza and T.J. Malinoski
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New Exploration Initiative
he Missions Ministry Team is highly motivated to begin new Cumberland Presbyterian churches throughout the United States. We believe that for our denomination to continue to thrive it must start new churches. With the biblical imperative to make disciples, baptize and teach that Jesus gives his followers in Matthew 28, the Missions Ministry Team, our presbyteries and the denomination can take on this task as our ministry. The Missions Ministry Team has organized a New Exploration Initiative to explore geographical areas where a Cumberland Presbyterian presence may be formed. The goal is clear: to see if a group can be gathered to worship and glorify God with the potential to become an organized Cumberland Presbyterian church. Below is a brief description of what the Missions Ministry Team will do in a New Exploration Initiative: • Complete a demographic study of the area in which a Cumberland Presbyterian presence can be formed. • Secure leadership for the purpose of gathering a group with the intention of ultimately becoming an organized church. • Provide a small financial stipend to the leader to offset expenses and to help the leader (the stipend is not intended to create a full-time position but to help supplement one’s income whether in another ministry or secular work)
• Provide financial resources to assist the group to have a worship/study space, worship materials and equipment. • Develop a plan with specific benchmarks and goals that are to be achieved within a twelve month period (the New Exploration Initiative is intended to give the leader one year or less to determine if a group can be formed to become a new church development). • Provide direct supervision of the New Exploration Initiative from the experience of the Missions Ministry Team. • Provide spiritual guidance, support and encouragement for the leader in this new endeavor. • Begin to develop a plan to present and partner with a presbytery for the New Exploration Initiative to become a new church development before/during the twelve month period is over. The Missions Ministry Team has the authority to stop the project during the twelve month period if the New Exploration Initiative is not moving forward, goals are not met or it is determined that there is not a possibility of a having a Cumberland Presbyterian presence at that particular time. The Missions Ministry Team’s goal is clear during this time – to ultimately present to a presbytery the possibility of having a new church development. Expectations of the leader for a New Exploration Initiative are the following:
• Work diligently in forming a group of persons to worship and study the Scriptures. • Provide spiritual leadership for the group with an emphasis of building God’s kingdom through building new churches. • Meet with the group on a regular basis with the goal of having weekly meetings, study, and worship. • Be in consistent contact with the Missions Ministry Team on developments and the obtainment of goals as set before the New Exploration Initiative begins. • Provide invoices and receipts on a monthly basis reflecting purchases of resources and rent, as appropriate. • Assist in developing a mission design to present to the presbytery for a new church development. As a denomination, we need to be open to new methods, models and ideas for new church development. We need to be creative when leadership and financial support at the Missions Ministry Team and presbyterial level has limitations. At the same time, we need to respond to the biblical imperative that is placed before all of us. MM
For more information, please contact Rev. T. J. Malinoski Evangelism and New Church Development Director at 901-276-4572 ext. 232 and Rev. Johan Daza Cross-Culture Immigrant Ministries USA Program Director at 901-276-4572 ext. 202.
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BUILDING A PROMISING FUTURE
A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN GUATEMALA by Pam Phillips-Burk
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-18 NIV
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he reality of domestic violence is troubling. We see it on the news. We read about it in the newspaper. Pop culture sings about it in their music. While famous athletes and entertainers claim the headlines, those most vulnerable to domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) rarely make front page news. Kathleen’s husband stalked her every time she left the house. He even followed her to work, telling her that she was a bad wife and mother for having a career. What started as a barrage of insults soon intensified into pressure to quit her job and move away from her family. One day, Kathleen was brutally attacked by her husband leaving her with a severe concussion. She woke up in a hospital room actually asking for him because she couldn’t recall what had happened to her. There was not a promising future for Kathleen unless she found a way out. Everymorning Olga would wake up wondering if she would live to see the next day. Isolated in her home in Guatemala City, she suffered in silence at the hands of her father’s brutal wrath, trapped in an ever-escalating cycle of abuse. Olga also witnessed her father beating her mother and siblings on a regular basis. When her mother eventually fled, leaving her children behind, Olga focused on protecting her siblings from her father’s rage. Her father continued to beat her and the other children and with her mother no longer present in the home, Olga’s father began raping her. When she refused he would beat her with a television cord. At fifteen, Olga was pregnant and her future was anything but promising.
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shlyn first met her abuser when she was 14 and he was 20. She was in love, ignoring the signs and the disapproval of her family. Troubled from the start, the abuse was intensified with an unplanned pregnancy by another man. Later, Ashlyn and her abuser moved in together and the abusive situation became apparent to everyone but her. She tried to find work where she didn’t have to face the public in order to hide her black eyes and bruises. One day, her three-year old daughter dropped her popsicle on the floor and she looked up at her mother with fear in her eyes and began to cry. Alerted by her cries, Ashlyn’s abuser picked the child up by the back of her neck and threw her face first into the couch, splitting open her eyebrow. Ashlyn reported the incident resulting in even more, severe abuse. After seven long years of pain and suffering, Ashlyn found help to build a promising future for her and her daughter. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality throughout the world. Guatemala is one of the most dangerous places for women in all of Latin America. It has the third highest rate of femicide in the world according to a study conducted by The Center for Gender and Refugee Studies. Femicide is the intentional murder of women because they are women. Building a Promising Future in Guatemala will help to break this cycle of abuse by providing education and training in the public schools while at the same time building strong connections between the schools and the Cumberland Presbyterian churches. This ministry of reconciliation will serve to build up strong, healthy families by building up strong, healthy children. In 2013, the General Assembly approved a recommendation that Central America become a new mission focus for the next decade, with Guatemala being the “doorway” into Central America. Building a Promising Future will serve to build up the infrastructure of family in Guatemala, as well as build up the schools and neighborhoods where there is a program. Building a Promising Future will enable Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry to Step-Out with the love of Jesus Christ to hurting women and children in Guatemala, and ultimately throughout all of Central America with the establishment of a Center for a Promising Future. So yes, Building a Promise Future is very much in Guatemala, but it is also very much at home, wherever home may be for you.
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85% of all victims are women.
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One-fourth of women worldwide will experience domestic/dating violence in their lifetime.
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Women between the ages of 20-24 are at greatest risk.
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One-half of all homeless women and children in the US are fleeing from domestic violence.
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Boys who witness domestic violence are two times as likely to abuse their own partners and children when they become adults making domestic violence cyclical and systemic in nature.
- National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Fact Sheet
Regardless of where you live, domestic violence is a reality. And we are called to partner with God to help build a future of promise and hope for those who suffer from this sin. How can you help?
Step One – LEARN what God’s Word says about violence/ abuse; learn what is happening in Guatemala and in your own neighborhood/church/home. Step Two – PRAY for the women/men and children who are victims of domestic violence. Pray for organizations and ministries that are working to end DV and provide healing and hope to those who’ve suffered injuries. Pray for the abusers that they will be reconciled to God, their family and loved ones. Step Three – GET INVOLVED by sharing the domestic violence hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233), giving money to this project, praying daily, giving an informational program to your women’s group or church, inviting a speaker on the topic to your meeting, take up a collection of clothing and books to donate to a safe shelter, plan now to observe Domestic Violence during the month of October. Join a pilot program already taking place in Guatemala. The Reverend Josefina Sanchez, pastor of Casa De Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Boston, Massachusetts has developed training curriculum and trained six new teachers in the Guatemala Cumberland Presbyterian churches. In addition, she and her team have established the program in four schools in Guatemala City. The plans are to increase the number of public schools participating in the program as trainers become available. Small steps taken by hundreds of faith-filled, caring people who love Jesus can truly help to build a promising future in Guatemala, and in the United States, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, or wherever there is pain and brokenness due to domestic violence. MM S U M M E R 2 015 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 19
Bible Study
by Milton L. Ortiz
Whosoever Will The Whosoever Will Gospel is based on Revelation 22:17. In The Message version of the Bible the last portion of the text reads: “Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink, Drink freely of the Water of Life!” As we read, we can see four statements in this portion of the text: Is anyone thirsty? Come! All who will, come and drink, Drink freely of the Water of Life! The first statement is a question to everyone who is listening. If the answer is “Yes, I am thirsty,” then there is an invitation to come. Second, this invitation is an open one. Meaning, everyone is invited. It is not exclusive but inclusive of all the human family. Third, although this is an open invitation to everyone, there is a requirement to come and drink. There is an expected action. Four, this is a free gift for those who come. The provision is already awaiting. The prophets in the Old Testament related the word “water” with salvation. Isaiah says: “Joyfully you’ ll pull up buckets of water from the wells of salvation” (12:3). And, “Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money—everything’s free!” In the New Testament, Jesus offers this Water of Life freely: “Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life” (John 4:14). Jesus also gave a new meaning to the word water when he said: “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about 2 0 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 015
to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified)” (John 7:37). Jesus also says the Holy Spirit is going to expose the error of the godless world’s view of sin, righteousness, and judgment: “He’ ll show them that their refusal to believe in me is the basic sin” (John 16:8). Our Confession of Faith expresses this concept when it states that “Through the Holy Spirit, people are able to acknowledge and repent of their sin, believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, and follow Christ as Lord” (COF 3.10). It also states that the powers and benefits of God’s work of reconciliation in Jesus Christ “is communicated by the Holy Spirit and through such instruments as God is pleased to employ” (COF 3.11). The Water of Life, Living Water, Salvation and the Holy Spirit is Jesus’ concept of salvation and is related to the action of a person coming to him and drinking from him. This experience is due to the action of the Holy Spirit and the preaching of the gospel of those God is pleased to employ for this purpose. We also believe that the call and work of the Holy Spirit “is solely of God’s grace and is not a response to human merit. The call precedes all desire, purpose, and intention of the sinner to come to Christ. While it is possible for all to be saved with it, none can be saved without it. Whoever will, therefore, may be saved, but not apart from the illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit” (COF 4.03). There is no more clear invitation to receive salvation through Christ as a free gift of endless life than when Jesus says: “From Water-of-Life Will I give freely to the thirsty” (Revelation 21:6). Yes, we believe in the Whosoever Will Gospel. MM
MINISTRY COUNCIL
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Missions Ministry Team
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
For more information and resources visit our website at ministrycouncil.cumberland.org /stepout.
8207 Traditional Place | Cordova | TN | 38016-7414 | 901.276.4572
To Keep To Ourselves
God’s Grace Is Too Good
POLICY:
The Missionary Messenger is published for the Cumberland Presby terian Church by the Missions Ministry Team. Opinions expressed by the individual writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editors. The Missionary Messenger does not accept advertising. ADDRESS CHANGE: send new address and label from a recent newspaper to the Circulation Secretary at the address below.
The Missionary Messenger (ISSN 08868344), (Publication permit number: PE14376) is published quarterly by the Missions Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, Tenn. The magazine is sent free of charge to each household in the denomination. POST MAS TER: Send address changes to: The Missionary Messenger, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
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Missions Ministry Team Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016 Phone: 901.276.4572 Fax: 901.276.4578