M M Missionary Messenger
inside:
GIFT TO THE KING OFFERING Christian Cultivation in
CAMBODIA
WINTER 2014
Jesus Is The Cornerstone by Lynn Thomas You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here— in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. Eph 2:20-22 (The Message)
Mission work that is lasting takes decades of sacrificial service and generosity. It is a brick by brick, stone by stone process, each done in its time and in the correct way. Anyone who has built a house or a church knows each brick we lay must be correctly and patiently placed. The cement must be of the right quality and amount, each brick has to be plumb and level. The Cumberland Presby terian Church is expanding into Central America. It is a process ; step by step, brick
JESUS IS THE CORNER STONE
by brick. The success of the CP Church spreading throughout Central America depends on each brick and each stone patiently and correctly placed. Our Gif t to the King Of fering is an impor tant step in the process of having a Cumberland Presby terian presence in Central America. This of fering will be used to purchase a church facility in Guatemala. This will be our first church facility. Right now, our three churches in Guatemala are all in rented facilities. Our goal of $100,000 for the Gif t to the King Of fering will be used to purchase a worship center that will be our own proper ty. Your contribution to Gif t to the King will bring this goal into reality, it will happen step by step, brick by brick. What connects each brick, each stone, each church, and each nationality? The cornerstone Jesus Christ holds all the par ts together. Pray for the expansion of the CP Church in Central America. Pray for our missionaries that are working there. Pray for the new churches we have planted. Pray that God calls more to serve as CP missionaries. And pray that God will touch the hear ts of many to suppor t this year’s Gif t to the King Of fering. The focus of us all is Jesus Christ, his name being glorified and honored by all the nations.
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2014 GIFT TO THE
KING - BUILDING
CHURCHES IN GUATEMALA
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Missionary Messenger
Contents
9
Feature Stories
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8
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are growing in Southeast Asia.
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Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery: Growing & Sharing
With great sacrifice, Cumberland Presbyterians are sharing the good news along the U.S. East Coast.
A Family Story & It’s Salvation
An inspiration for the Cumberland Presbyterian family at large.
Christian Cultivation In Cambodia Through faithful persistence, seeds of Christianity
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Moving Forward in Central America: Guatemala
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12
Preparing For The Coming Of The Christ Child Repentance During The Season Of Advent
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The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a complex and diverse community of faith.
Halito (Hello) From Choctaw Cumberland Presbyterians
The long-standing relationship with Choctaws and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
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W I N T ER 2014
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L. 3, N O.4
}
Columns
4
PERSPECTIVES / A Christian Gift
7
SECOND MILE PROJECTS / A Promising Future
ON THE COVER: Christmas in South East Asia VISIT US ON THE WEB
ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/currentissue
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CP WOMEN’S MINISTRY / Women Building A Community
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BIBLE STUDY / For Unto Us A Child Is Born
To read the previous issues of the Missionary Messenger visit us at
ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/mmarchives
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PERSPECTIVES by Milton L. Ortiz
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hen I was a child Christmas was the most anticipated time of the year, not because of gifts (we were so poor there were no expectations about receiving toys) but because of food, carols and family. One Christmas Day a neighbor brought toys for my sister and I. They were small and inexpensive, but still today that experience remains a pleasant memory. A person can make a big impact on another’s life through a gift. Sometimes we don’t realize this, when our gift is not going to a specific person, because gifts can be given through a program or organization too.
“A person can make a big impact on another’s life through a gift.”
Growing up in Colombia in the sixties, I can recall food that came from the United States to help the poor. Boxes with milk powder, cheese, oil, oats, crackers, etc. were distributed to families. My family benefited from these gifts. Still today I remember the flavors and the excitement when I was eating not only at home but also at school. It tasted different. All of us have memories of gifts received during Christmas or during a different time of the year. As parents, we have learned that giving has a new meaning and it becomes more important than receiving. We enjoy seeing our children opening their gifts on Christmas Day. Their faces and their laughter are our Christmas gifts as parents. Still there is a different experience when we give a gift and we don’t see the face of the receiver.
What we can do as Cumberland Presbyterians is provide opportunities to our members to give on Christmas in different ways so that others can be impacted and their expressions of excitement be seen not by us but by the Lord Himself. This Christmas you can give through the Gift to the King Offering to support a new church development in Guatemala or through one of the 27 opportunities you will find in the Missions Gift Catalog. Remember that we can change the world “one gift at a time.” MM
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A CHRISTMAS GIFT
W I N T ER 2014
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L. 3, N O.4
}
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM CUMBERL AND PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH
Sowgand Sheikholeslami
Art Director T.J. Malinoski
Editor Jinger Ellis
Copy Editor
8207 Traditional Place Cor dova, T N 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 fa x 901.276.4578 messenger @ cumberland.org
PRINTER A1 Printing Memphis, Tennessee MEMBER • Associated Church Press • Evangelical Press Association SUBSCRIBER • Evangelical Press Service (EP) • News Network International (NNI)
CHRIST CHILD
PREPARING FOR THE COMING OF THE
REPENTANCE DURING THE SEASON OF ADVENT
by T. J. MALINOSKI
he central purpose of the season of Advent, the four Sundays and weeks before Christmas, is to prepare for the “coming” of the Christ Child. It is a season of past and present, preparation and anticipation, as well as a season of repentance; a word and practice that we often do not associate with Advent. “A focus on repentance would be more appropriate during the season Lent,” we might say. “Confession of sins is more favorable in an order of worship,” we might conclude. The act of repentance during Advent sounds like a peculiar idea since we tend to let the discipline of preparing for the Christ Child manifest through Christmas pageant practices, hanging decorations, baking, cooking and gift wrapping. We have a tendency to prepare “things” but neglect the preparing of ourselves. As a result, we often feel frazzled and exhausted by the time the Christmas season arrives. The word repentance is synonymous with the word confession in our Confession of Faith. “Repentance is the attitude toward God wherein sinners firmly resolve to forsake sin, trust in Christ, and live in grateful obedience to God.” (COF 4.05) In other words, we are sorry for our sins against God and others, we confess/name them and we put our trust in Christ. Repentance is more than just confession. Repentance is also about change. The root meaning of the Greek word “repent” can be translated to “going beyond the mind that you have”; to begin to see our lives and the world in which we live in differently. Repentance is about change; a change in perspective, a change of how we perceive and live our lives. As we enter the Christmas season, we read and hear the angelic message to the shepherds found in Luke’s Gospel that is filled with joy: “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…” We can imagine that the lives of the shepherds were changed by the news they received and the things they experienced. The night sky is illuminated with God’s glory and they hear an announcement of the Savior being born. This birth announcement about the Savior would have changed them; they would perceive and experience the world differently. In this season of Advent, may our preparation for the Christ Child include repentance; a new resolve for a change of perspective and experience in our lives. In response to God’s initiative through Jesus may we also make every effort in this coming new year to “restore relationships…and amend the past so far as in our power.” (COF 4.07) MM W I N T E R 2 014 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R
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The Best Kept Secret In The Denomination by T.J. Malinoski
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hat has no meetings, no elections, no officers, only members? What enables young Cumberland Presbyterian churches to realize their potential for evangelism and provides a place for service and worship? What can expand the Cumberland Presbyterian Church internationally on a mere $50.00? The best kept secret in the denomination is the Builders Fellowship. It has been in existence since the late 1970’s but not everyone knows its story. Often a new
church uses temporary rented facilities in the formative years but the time comes when a “home of their own” is needed. That’s where Builders Fellowship can give a tremendous boost. Builders Fellowship has been the primary tool used to provide building grants to new church developments. Since its inception, over 100 churches have been the recipients of Builders Fellowship. Builders Fellowship has one goal: to assist new Cumberland Presbyterian congregations around the globe in providing financial resources to construct or purchase their first building and, in special cases, to assist in purchasing a building site. Being a member of Builders Fellowship allows one to actively participate in the building of God’s kingdom through 3 calls a year. A Builders Fellowship member commits $50.00 or more for each call totaling more than $15,000.00 for a particular new church project. Our current Builders Fellowship call is for a worship facility for the Amaga Church in Colombia. This new church was started in 1996 as a prayer group and they are currently renting a converted woodworking shop. Their average worship attendance is 70 participants and are well on their way to becoming an organized Cumberland Presbyterian church. Would you like to be a part of something that has no meetings, elections or officers? Do you want to be a part of something that helps young Cumberland Presbyterian churches realize their potential for evangelism, service and worship? Do you want to participate in the international expansion of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ? Enroll now and help build churches to the glory of God! Let us bind ourselves together and dedicate our lives, our energies and our resources entrusted to us so God’s grace may be shared around the world! If you are interested, please contact the Missions Ministry Team at (901) 276-4572 or jellis@cumberland.org and we can send you a Builders Fellowship Covenant. MM
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{SECOND MILE PROJECTS}
by Pam PhillipsBurk
A PROMISING FUTURE
O
ne of the biggest problems in Latin America is family violence. Guatemala is one of the most dangerous places for women in all of Latin America – on average, two women are murdered each day. An estimated 90% of domestic violence incidents go unreported. Presentday violence against women in Guatemala stems from the country’s three-decade civil war combined with the country’s long history of gender inequality and deeply patriarchal society. (http://www.unicef. org/infobycountry/guatemala_60748.html)
THE NEED - BUILDING A PROMISING FUTURE IN GUATEMALA #34051 CP Women’s Ministry selected “Building A Promising Future” as a three-year focus starting in 2015. This project is designed to develop a ministry that focuses on family violence at its core. The goal is to decrease domestic violence/abuse in communities and in families in Guatemala by increasing awareness of the issue and through educational training in schools, churches, and communities. The project will have four steps: 1) a training program for teachers/ leaders; 2) a connectional aspect between schools and churches in Guatemala with families served by those institutions; 3) ongoing training once the initial project is complete; and 4) the development of a unique Cumberland Presbyterian ministry, the Center for a Promising Future. This new ministry will provide ongoing education about domestic violence/abuse, advocacy work, and prevention of violence/abuse in Guatemala with the goal to serve as a launching point for expanding the ministry throughout Central America. A pilot program was tested in one school during the summer of 2014. Money is now needed for curriculum development and to add more educational opportunities for the summer of 2015. MM
FINANCIAL DATA:
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org or (901) 276-4572
DURATION:
CONTRIBUTIONS: Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating for project #34051 and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
Total Amount Needed for the Project: $5,000.00
December 2014 – June 2016
CONTRIBUTIONS for the following projects should be sent to the Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414 indicating on the check the project number. For more information contact Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com or (901) 276-4572
Guatemala CP Council Support – Project #34390 Amount Needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $532.65
Mexico CP Council Support – Project #34392 Amount Needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $1,938.20
Asia Mission Forum – Project #34393 Amount Needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $200.00 For more information about all of these projects go to www.ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/secondmileprojects.
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MOVING FORWARD IN
Central America by
CONECTADOS CON GUATEMALA
Johan Daza
Different groups consisting of staff from the Ministry Council have been visiting Guatemala throughout the year to build relationships and become familiar with what we call the opened door to Central America. At this point the majority of our staff has had the opportunity to experience in part the beauty and challenges we have in our ministries in Guatemala. Visiting a mission field is always a reciprocal opportunity to become engaged with the real faces and ministries from both, the visitors and the Guatemalan brothers and sisters. It is an opportunity to visit the places where people, cultures, languages, and traditions are being shaped by the Cumberland Presbyterian heritage. The Ministry Council wants to build those reciprocal and accountable relationships with the Council and the churches in Guatemala. It is through the disposition to serve and work as a family that serves God on earth that we can be instrumental to the transformation of peoples and nations around the world. The Guatemalan Cumberland Presbyterians’ disposition to serve the Lord through their human, material, and spiritual resources are inspiration for the Cumberland Presbyterian family at large. At this point we have visited our three congregations located in Guatemala City and Mixco. We have become more familiar with the pastors, missionaries and churches. We have visited with the members of our Cumberland Council of Guatemala. We have prayed and worshiped together in new ways. We are trying to overcome cultural, language and tradition barriers. Now we want to encourage you to become more familiar and support the ministries in Guatemala through your prayers, time, financial resources, and connectionalism.
Central America - Adelante! (meaning “forward”) is the vision for all Cumberland Presbyterians for our new mission field. What we affirm through this expression is that all Cumberland Presbyterians are encouraged to participate actively in our task of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in the different countries of Central America. We have three missionaries, three churches, one clinic and a Cumberland Presbyterian Council serving in Guatemala. Our goal is to extend to all of Central America through our ministry efforts in Guatemala. 8
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Guatemala Council Each church elects via its session or congregational meeting (if it does not have a session, it is a “mission”), its representative to the Council. The Council is also a legally incorporated non-profit religious institution that must have officers, according to the Guatemalan law. MM
Christian Cultivation In CAMBODIA by Lynn Thomas
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T Sara & David Lee
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he mission work in Cambodia has taken some very important and positive steps in the past year. There is something to be said for planting seeds, watering, weeding, and then awaiting the harvest. After faithful persistence over the years it is exciting to see the green shoots sprouting out of the ground. One example is in September there were 36 Cumberland Presbyterians in attendance for a leadership training event in the coastal city of Sihanoukville, Cambodia led by Reverend Jim Barry and Reverend Lynn Thomas. Those in attendance were
from Cambodia and a nearby country currently closed to the gospel. Missionaries Reverends David and Sarah Lee, used this conference as part of their leadership development program. Plans are developing to start a new Cumberland Presbyterian church in Phnom Phen, the capital city in Cambodia. A core group of 30 people are already committed to launch this new mission with a 4 year goal to become an organized church. Yes, the seed of a future Southeast Asia presbytery has been planted - watering, weeding and cultivation will be needed.
nother example is the Samaki Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cambodia is now ready to purchase a worship center. They currently meet in a rented house that has been modified to serve as a worship center. They have 150 to 160 in two services each Sunday. The plan is to buy land this year and build a multi-purpose facility that will work as a worship center and a language school. The Samaki CP Church already has a language school as a means of outreach. Various leaders in the Samaki CP Church are college graduates with language degrees in English, Khmer (Cambodia language) and Lao. Our missionaries speak Korean and English, as well as Khmer, Lao and Japanese. As a result of our cultivating, many of the young professionals now converted and involved in this Cambodian church were introduced to Christ through the language program. MM
Continue to pray for our work in CAMBODIA and another nearby country. Pray for the safety of our missionaries, for good health and wisdom to continue to expand the work of the Lord in Southeast Asia. W I N T E R 2 014 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R
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Reverends Johan Daza and Dr. Yoong Kim
by JOHAN DAZA
T
GROWING & SHARING IN THE CUMBERLAND EAST COAST KOREAN PRESBYTERY
he Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery is working intentionally on supporting and training new leaders with a Cumberland Presbyterian identity. This past summer seven students from the presbytery were attending the Korean classes of Program in the Alternate Studies (PAS). Dr. Yoong Kim was facilitating the classes focused in four different areas: Leadership, Cumberland Presbyterian History, Cumberland Presbyterian Doctrine, and Cumberland Presbyterian Polity. It was a great opportunity for the Korean licentiates to interact and share with other Cumberland Presbyterians through classes, fellowship and communal worship services. The Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery had its fall meeting on September 7-8, 2014. The meeting was held in retreat center to serve as a combination retreat for presbyterial representatives and their families, a committee meeting to interview, exam, and approve five licentiates for their ordination, and the presbytery meeting itself. It was a great time
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of fellowship, worship and business. The current moderator Reverend John Ko and the assistant stated clerk Reverend Douglas Jiwoo Park were elected to serve as commissioners to General Assembly in 2015. All the ministers and probationers were present with their families at the meeting including Reverend Forest Prosser, the stated clerk of the presbytery, and Dr. Yoong Kim was invited to participate in the process of examination of the licentiates. During the meeting the five licentiates were approved for ordination. Three licentiates were ordained on September 27, 2014, Reverend Soo Yeol Park, Reverend Woosuk Son and Reverend Choongmin Lee. Four new ministers have been ordained since the formation of this presbytery in 2012. The Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery is growing and sharing with passion and sacrifice the good news of Christ to the Korean community in the East Coast and other regions of the US and Canada. Below is the list of our Korean congregations and ministers within the Cum-
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berland East Coast Korean Presbytery including New Church Developments.
· One Way Church of NY, 211-55 45 Dr., Bayside, NY, Pastor, Rev. Jinsoo Park · Hope Korean Church, 1189 Hope Road, Tinton Falls, NY 07724, Pastor, Rev. Yan Bwhan · Outreach Church, 800 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT 06118, Pastor, Rev. Sang S Cho · NY Sharing Church, 139-55 35th Ave., Flushing, NY 11354, Pastor, Rev. John Ko · True Love Church of NY, 42-40 208st #1, Bayside, NY 11361, Pastor, Rev. Taeho Oh · Comeback Church, 316 Prospect Ave. Apt 6D, Hackensack NJ 07601, Pastor, Rev. Douglas Park Keep the presbytery, churches, ministers, and probationers in your prayers and thoughts. They need the support and prayers of the Cumberland Presbyterian family at large. MM
by T. J. Malinoski & Julie Cho-Min
Returning to Church: Comeback Ministry in
NEW JERSEY
Just a few hundred yards from the banks of the Hudson River in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey a ministry associated with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was inaugurated in September of this year. Reverend Douglas Park, a member of the Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery has started a new endeavor called the Comeback Ministry. As the Reverend Douglas Park name suggests, Comeback Ministry is a culturally relevant and communal ministry that seeks to bring “back” those who have left the church through the preaching of the gospel and with diverse cultural efforts. The Comeback Ministry’s vision and goal is to help people to draw intimately closer to and experience God. Plans include internet and television broadcasting productions, opening of the “Comeback Theatre” for cultural performing arts and for identifying and developing the gifts and talents of potential ministry and praise leaders. This new ministry held its inaugural worship service on September 21, 2014 with over 70 people in attendance. The worship service was interrupted by a car accident outside of the rented facility requiring all persons to be evacuated by order of the local fire department. Even with this commotion, the worship service continued in another location twenty minutes away. To show support and solidarity, all in attendance in the first location were present for the remainder of the service. In a television interview following the service, Reverend Park said of the new ministry, “I will do my best to bring each and every soul to God. I will think of many different ways to bring people [to God] including diverse cultural missions.” The Comeback Ministry is one of the many ways Cumberland Presbyterians are Stepping Out to bring the gospel to those who have left the Church, who have been hurt by the Church and for those who have yet to experience God. MM
news HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY is January 11, 2015. Say a prayer. Write your congressman or congress woman. Tell someone about modern-day slavery. Give a donation to Set Them Free. Together, CP Women’s Ministry has given $27,472.62 to projects and offerings this past year ($9,856.86 to the CP Children’s Home Van; $2,315.76 to Bethel University Project Freedom Curtain; $15,300 to Set Them Free). This doesn’t include contributions to other ministries within the denomination, presbyteries, and local churches and communities! Way to go, CP Women’s Ministry!!!!
CAMBODIA Why all the pink t-shirts? The Samaki CP Church has a t-shirt factory that provides employment to several in the church. The pink t-shirts were a gift from the factory to all the leadership conference attendees. The official language is Khmer. The government is parliamentarian; it has both a prime minister and a king. The official currency is both the US dollar and the Riel. The country is 96% Buddhist, and 1% Christian. There are no restrictions on religious expression. From Atlanta, Georgia to the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Phen, it takes just over 20 hours of flying, stopping to change planes in Korea or Bangkok. Cambodia is 12 hours ahead of Central Time in the USA. There are two Cumberland Presbyterian churches in Southeast Asia, one in Phnom Phen, Cambodia and the other in an undisclosed communist country that is not open to religious freedom of expression. MM
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A Family That Works Out Its
SALVATION by JOHAN DAZA
If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand. Philippians 2:1-4 (The Message)
looks amazing, harmonious, and attractive.
ful and challenging experience for Chris-
rian you must know that the Cumberland
Yet, at the same time we are a family that
tians who believe in a complex and diverse
Presbyterian Church is one family. It is a
has faced different challenges and difficul-
community of faith. As Cumberland
family where we speak at least 11 differ-
ties. We have had to cross many boundar-
Presbyterians we are willing to live and
ent languages. We speak English, Spanish,
ies, cultures, and languages barriers. We
suffer what our Lord experienced in his life
Portuguese, Choctaw, Korean, Japanese,
have had to overcome racial and cultural
on earth while we are learning and practic-
Cantonese, Mandarin, Lao, Tagalo and
differences. Sometimes we have had to
ing what the Apostle Paul says to our CP
Khmer. It is a family with around 20 differ-
experience painful situations and struggles.
family through his letter to the Philippians.
ent nationalities. We are Cubans, Mexi-
Sometimes we do not understand each oth-
We need to remember to agree with those
cans, Colombians, Brazilians, Hondurans,
er very well. Sometimes we discuss things
who are different than us and we must
Guatemalans, Salvadorians, Nicaraguans,
and argue in order to develop healthy and
love all our brothers and sisters. We need
Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, Americans, Li-
long-lasting relationships. We are a family.
to be careful to not place higher value on
berians, Chinese (including Hongkongers,
As Cumberland Presbyterians we un-
our personal opinions than the family at
and Macanese), Japanese, Koreans, Philip-
derstand the meaning of working out our
large, and we must focus on our ministry
pines, Cambodians, Laotians and more.
salvation. We want to practice and exercise
of sharing the good news of restoration and
what we believe. We understand the mean-
reconciliation in Christ. We need to put
countries. It is a family made up of men
ing of salvation in terms of restored and
our needs aside and put the needs of others
and women, immigrants, indigenous, Na-
healthy relationships through a new life
first, especially those who are suffering.
tive Americans, Mestizos, African Ameri-
in Jesus Christ. Our restored relationships
We cannot be a great family without all of
cans, Hispanics, Latinos, Asians, Asian
with God, all human beings, creation and
these elements. This is our family, a family
Americans, and European Americans. We
ourselves through Jesus Christ are our goal.
that works out its salvation, which culti-
are a multiracial, multicolor, multicultural
We move beyond differences, and difficul-
vates profound and long-lasting relation-
and diverse family.
ties due to the love of Christ within us.
ships. I don’t know about you but I love my
If you are a Cumberland Presbyte-
It is a family living in 17 different
When you see who we are, everything
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Philippians 2:1-13 is the most beauti-
family! MM
Halito
LONE STAR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
Coalgate, Oklahoma
(Hello)
From Choctaw Cumberland Presbyterians by T. J. Malinoski
photos by Reverend T. J. Malinoski
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PIGEON ROOST CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
photos by Reverend T. J. Malinoski
Atoka, Oklahoma
ROCK CREEK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
From Left to right: Reverends T.J. Malinoski; Milton L. Ortiz, and Randy Jacob.
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SUNSET AT ROCK CREEK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Honobia, Oklahoma
n the fall of 1818, along the Tombigbee River in an area that is now known as the state of Mississippi, the Choctaw Native Americans met their first Cumberland Presbyterians in Reverends Samuel King and William Moore. 197 years later, Choctaws have been an integral part of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Spanning approximately 3,402 square miles over two lane black top and gravel roads and numbering seven churches, Choctaw Presbytery covers the Southeastern part of Oklahoma. All the churches are located in rural areas requiring as much as two hours of driving from congregation to congregation for church celebrations, session, board and presbytery meetings. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church is the only denomination in the United States that has an indigenous Native American judicatory. Due to the distance, presbytery meetings are two-day events and include board and committee work, shared meals, worship services, guest speakers and presbyterial business. Over the years, Choctaw Presbytery has suffered many difficulties. The geographical region is plagued with extreme poverty and the per capita income of the Choctaws is among the lowest in the If you or your church would like to plan a short-term mission trip, provide financial assistance, participate in the camping program, or offer educational resources and training opportunities please contact:
United States. Four ordained Cumberland Presbyterians ministers attempt to provide pastoral care for their congregation and communities. The continuing needs of the churches and presbytery include: trained leadership, adequate buildings for worship and study, upkeep and promotion of the camping program, education of young people and above all, patience and understanding of the Choctaw church, heritage and people. Claude Gilbert, wrote in his book, The Gospel To The Choctaw: To understand and to appreciate the Choctaw one must know something of what he is, and why he is that way. To know this we must know something of his history, his heritage, and his customs. It is necessary to try to put oneself in his place and to look back over the years of injustice, to see his golden years also – the years of success and dignity. We should recognize his potential, his love for his people, the close kinship that exists among the Choctaw; see his pride and at the same time his humility; see his faith and his love for the church; see his desire and his hope to again become a great people. Only then can we hope to understand the Choctaw, and when we understand him we will want to help him accomplish his goals. (21) Betty Jacob, P.O. Box 158, Broken Bow, OK 74728 580. 584.2099, chocpres@pine-net.com T. J. Malinoski, Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016, 901. 276.4572 ext. 232, TMalinoski@cumberland.org W I N T E R 2 014 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R
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CP WOMEN’S MINISTRY
by PAM PHILLIPSBURK
WOMEN BUILDING
COMMUNITY An important part of Women’s Ministry is the opportunity to gather with other women to learn with and from each other; to build relationships; to support one another in our common
planning. I attended a couple of these events this fall and was not disappointed. The fall Midwest Synod Retreat was held in New Harmony,
work; and to just have fun together! Convention provides
IN, Sept. 5-6, with close to 100 women present. Mothers,
that annual big gathering for all ages. Regional events fill in
daughters, sisters, friends, babies and tweens gathered to
between Conventions! This fall has been filled with regional
learn, worship, explore, laugh, and grow closer to Jesus and
meetings and fall retreats. These events do not “just happen!”
each other. Speakers included a woman who has a heart for
but require time and
medical mission work to another woman who has a heart for church hospitality!!!
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SONCOAST RETREAT FALL 2014
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R W I N T E R 2 014
THE FALL MIDWEST SYNOD RETREAT
Left to right: Soncoast Retreat, Fall 2014; Eleanor Barrett and Barbara Fell.
all the details were in place for a meaningful experience. It had some of the “typical activities” but what stood out was the depth of worship. The Reverend Linda Glenn brought an inspiring message on the Step Out theme. Plus there was some great music that morning, and lots of it. Forked Deer Region is one of the few regions that consistently send a youth delegate to Convention and I had the opportunity
ing resources, sharing communications,
shared about her many trips to Central
to hear this young woman’s perspective
troubleshooting, giving prayer support, and
America and Africa as a short-term mis-
regarding Convention. Jamie Potts’ first
offering a listening ear. If you need assis-
sionary nurse. Her passion for this ministry
comment was about the magnitude of
tance or ideas, contact your shepherd. She
was evident through her words, her laugh-
“work” that CP Women’s Ministry does.
will be happy to help! MM
ter and tears. Eleanor Barrett (Goodlettsville
She was very much surprised! Thanks for
CPC) has a passion for church hospitality.
the good feedback, Jamie! I can not really
This important ministry became particularly
put my finger on why exactly this gathering
important to her as she searched for a
was so meaningful. It was simply a warm,
ssain@fpunet.com
new church home. She designed a terrific
loving, relaxed atmosphere fostered by the
Tennessee/Georgia, Columbia, Choctaw,
presentation, which included small group
host church and the regional leadership.
Trinity North, Nolachucky
discussions. This gave every woman
Everyone there seemed to really want to be
present an opportunity to share and learn
Athala Jaramillo
there and was in no hurry to leave, lingering
305.264.1074;
together. New Harmony, IN provided the
long over lunch. Again, events like this do
lucatha@aol.com
women with plenty of opportunities for
not “just happen.”
Cumberland, North Central, Magnolia,
Barbara Fell (North Union CPC)
exploration and shopping, as it is a quaint,
There were many more regional meet-
Sally Sain 931.993.1716;
Murfreesboro, Nashville, Japan
historic town. The planning for this annual
ings/gatherings and fall retreats that took
retreat is rotated between the three regions
Carla Meade
place. I encourage regional officers to take
615.513.4911;
that comprise this synod – Covenant,
the time to make your events meaningful.
carlameade@att.net
Cumberland, and North Central. Retreats
Plan ahead. Include some new ideas. Find
Hands of Harvest, White River,
like this do not “just happen.” Thanks North
ways to engage younger women. Plug in
New Seekers, Mountain Valley, Red River
Central for a great weekend with some
those girls. Consider a hands-on outreach
Marcia Hughes
wonderful CP women!
project during your events. Call your “shep-
256.682.6945;
Forked Deer Regional Gathering took
herd” for ideas and support. When women
hughesrichard23@gmail.com
place at the Cool Springs CPC in Trimble,
feel connected to each other in a real way,
SW Tennessee, Covenant, Hope,
TN with around 50 women present. It is
your region will become even stronger and
Robert Donnell, Alabama Grace, Andes
interesting that the host church had not
more effective in its ministries.
Melody Dierking
participated in any regional activities in
Each member of the Women’s Ministry
660.815.0638;
quite some time. So they were particularly
Executive Committee is a “shepherd” over
melodydierking@sbcglobal.net
excited to host the event that day. Presi-
a cluster of regions. Her role is to support
Forked Deer, Soncoast, Missouri South,
dent Susan Fitzgerald and the committee
the regional officers in their work by provid-
Missouri River, Cauca Valley
worked well in advance to make sure that W I N T E R 2 014 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R
19
Bible Study
FOR UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN, UNTO US A SON IS GIVEN by
Milton Ortiz
T
he story of Jesus doesn’t begin with his birth; it starts long before. His birth was prophesized in the ancient Scriptures. Isaiah voices: “For unto us a Child is born; Unto us a Son is given…” (9:6) Hundreds of years later, Christian writers from the first century identified their master as the one awaiting for, and organized the stories of his birth in writings. Luke in his narrative says that after the story of Elizabeth’s extraordinary pregnancy and the birth of her son John, the emperor in Rome ordered a census, so each person had to be counted in their ancestral hometown. Luke writes, “Mary’s fiancé Joseph, from Nazareth in Galilee, had to participate in the census in the same way everyone else did. Because he was a descendant of King David, his ancestral city was Bethlehem, David’s birthplace. Mary, who was now late in her pregnancy that the messenger Gabriel had predicted, accompanied Joseph. While in Bethlehem, she went into labor and gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped the baby in a blanket and laid him in a feeding trough because the inn had no room for them.” (Luke 2:4-7, The Voice) Luke goes on to mention that there were shepherds in Bethlehem fields
20
guarding their flocks, when suddenly an angel, a messenger of the Lord spoke to them and they were terribly frightened. The angel said, “Don’t be afraid! Listen! I bring good news, news of great joy, news that will affect all people everywhere. Today, in the city of David,
What is most amazing about the story of the birth of Jesus is the confirmation of a savior being born, good news that has affected the whole human family.
a Liberator has been born for you! He is the promised Anointed One, the Supreme Authority! You will know you have found Him when you see a baby, wrapped in a blanket, lying in a feeding trough.” (Luke 2:10-12, The Voice) Then the narrative continues saying that a heavenly choir praised the Lord singing: “To the highest heights of the universe, glory to God! And on earth, peace among all people who bring pleasure to God!” (Luke 2:14, The Voice) The shepherds rush over to Bethlehem to find out what was
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R W I N T E R 2 014
happening. Luke continues, “So they ran into town, and eventually they found Mary and Joseph and the baby lying in the feeding trough. After they saw the baby, they spread the story of what they had experienced and what had been said to them about this child. Everyone who heard their story couldn’t stop thinking about its meaning. Mary, too, pondered all of these events, treasuring each memory in her heart.” (Luke 2:16-19, The Voice) What is most amazing about the story of the birth of Jesus is the confirmation of a savior being born, good news that has affected the whole human family. The Cumberland Presbyterian Church believes that God sent his only Son, because of his love for the world. So, whoever believes in him, receives everlasting life. We celebrate that a Child was born, a Son was given, but this good news is not only for us as Christians, it is also for those who do not know Christ and those who have yet to experience Christ personally. What this story says to us is that salvation was born. We have good news this Christmas for the world at large. We are called to follow the shepherd’s example and to go to tell everyone we met about the opportunity they have to received salvation through Christ Jesus. MM
Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM
2014 GIFT TO THE KING BUILDING CHURCHES IN GUATEMALA
JESUS IS THE CORNER STONE
For more informat ion and resources visit our website at ministrycouncil.cumberland.org /gifttotheking.
8207 Traditional Place | Cordova | TN | 38016-7414 | 901.276.4572
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