The Missionary Messenger Magazine Spring 2015 by Communications Ministry Team

MISSION A R Y MESSENGER S

Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH’S MISSIONS

Cumberland Presbyterian Missions Around

STOTT-WALLACE

MISSIONARY OFFERING FUND

the World

“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”

UnITED STaTES

MEXICO

nORTH aFRICa GUaTEMaLa COLOMBIa

BRaZIL

Mexico

6 churches 220 active CPs 5 pastors 2 candidates 2 missionaries - Carlos and Luz Dary Rivera

GuateMala

3 churches 130 active CPs 2 medical clinics 3 missionaries Anay Ortega, Fhanor and Socorro Pejendino

Nepal

coloMbia

2 presbyteries 3 schools 2 camps 1 senior citizen’s home 30 churches 4,731 active CPs 38 pastors 25 candidates & licentiates 2 missionaries Boyce and Beth Wallace

brazil

2 churches 60 active CPs 2 missionaries from Japan Presbytery Keishi Ishitsuka and Atsushi Miyajima

North africa via fraNce

2 missionaries - S & M S

uGaNda

2 missionaries - Kenneth and Delight Hopson working with World Global Missions

KyrGyzstaN

1 missionary - T & T G working with a non-denominational mission

1 missionary - P T working with a nondenominational mission

MyaNMar

1 missionary - M & H W working with a nondenominational mission

chiNa

3 missionaries - S & L T, N B - working with nondenominational missions

organization. This can be a challenge, especially for those missionaries who are not from the USA. This reality has been a growing concern for many years. This concern has given rise to the new Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund!

This question is answered every day by countless believers. Melvin (Buddy) and Beverly Stott answered God’s call for them to go to Japan and were commissioned as CP The vision for the offering is large, but missionaries during the 134th General Assembly, KYRGYSTan Japan consider what it’s like to move to another country, June 21, 1964. They served in Japan for a total S. KOREa uproot your family, learn a new language, and of 26 years! For Boyce and Beth Wallace, God’s CHIna call came to them from Colombia, South America leave behind everything that is familiar. The goal is to raise one million dollars for missionary and they responded to that life-changing call. nEpaL HOnG KOnG support every year. Yes, EVERY year! Right now, They were commissioned during the 133rd LaOS MYanMaR annual missionary support exceeds *$250,000. As that General Assembly, a year before the Stotts. Missionaries we open new fields in Central America, Mexico The Wallaces remain on the mission field to have an initial work CaMBODIa and other locations that God is calling the CP this day! God’s Church has grown through the in closed countries UGanDa Church the necessary support will continue to efforts of these and countless other missionaries for security rearise. Cumberland Presbyterians canand do this! throughout the years.

sons we do publish their names. Much of the data on this map is from the HER E IS HOW WE CAN ACHIE VE A ONE M ILLION DO L L AR GO : Yearbook. 2013AL GA Non-denominational 500 groups (churches, Sunday school classand neighbors in order to contribute $ 2 , 0 0 0 . that organizations es, individuals, like-minded “teams”) contribut- Children’s Vacation Bible School collecting have CP missioning $2,000 annually = ONE MILLION! their offering. aries that are not 1,000 Cumberland Presbyterians contributing listed by the above Women’s groups using their bazaar and cake $1,000 annually = ONE MILLION! sale funds. laos missionary are: 1 church Donor matching gifts Youth carwashes or dog washes –Frontiers 500 dogs Missions, 1 school A woman baking bread and selling to friends @ $20 each = $10,0 0 0 !!!! New Systems Inter40 active CPs south Korea national and Campus 2 missionaries - D & S L 4 churches Crusade. In some 110 active CPs SUPPORT STOTT-WALLACE MISSIONARY OFFERING FUND! missions caMbodia 4 pastors hoNG KoNG countries 1 church 1 licentiate 1 presbytery and churches are http://www.ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/ TheCPs Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering is ongoing, 160 active 10 CP churches listed as “churches”, but we encourage church to celebrate swmof.JapaN Every gift to the Stott-Wallace Offering goes 2 missionaries - D & S Lyou and your 3 schools in the casenoofgift Coit on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2014. Check out directly1topresbytery the support of CP missionaries. And 8 ordained ministers the website for ways to celebrate the Offering - just ask those CP women frommissions long ago and 22 candidates & and licentiates is too small lombia 13 churches philippiNes materials for education and worship. how their butter and egg money added up to deploy 1,308 active CPs 1 day care school 3 churches preaching points missionary! 3 missionaries - Glenn Watts /the very1 first camp 140 active CPs are not numbered as Lawrence & Loretta Fung 18 ordained ministers 10 candidates & licentiates of the “church” working r y Te awith m | MGlobal inist r y Counc il of t he Cumb e r la nd Pre sb y t e r i a n C h u rcpart h 1,246 active CPs 2 missionaries - DanielM issions M inist 8207 Operations Tr adi ti onal PlInternational ace, Cordov a, TN 38016-7414 | p hone 9 0 1 . 2 7 6 .4 5 7 2 number. 2 licentiates and Kay Jang All endorsed missionaries must raise their own financial support, and/or work with another

For more information and resources visit our website at http://www.ministr ycouncil.cumberland.org/swmof.

Cumberland Presbyterian Missions Around

STOTT-WALLACE

MISSIONARY OFFERING FUND

the World

“Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?”

UnITED STaTES

MEXICO

nORTH aFRICa GUaTEMaLa COLOMBIa

BRaZIL

Mexico

6 churches 220 active CPs 5 pastors 2 candidates 2 missionaries - Carlos and Luz Dary Rivera

GuateMala

3 churches 130 active CPs 2 medical clinics 3 missionaries Anay Ortega, Fhanor and Socorro Pejendino

Nepal

coloMbia

2 presbyteries 3 schools 2 camps 1 senior citizen’s home 30 churches 4,731 active CPs 38 pastors 25 candidates & licentiates 2 missionaries Boyce and Beth Wallace

brazil

2 churches 60 active CPs 2 missionaries from Japan Presbytery Keishi Ishitsuka and Atsushi Miyajima

North africa via fraNce

2 missionaries - S & M S

uGaNda

2 missionaries - Kenneth and Delight Hopson working with World Global Missions

KyrGyzstaN

1 missionary - T & T G working with a non-denominational mission

1 missionary - P T working with a nondenominational mission

MyaNMar

1 missionary - M & H W working with a nondenominational mission

chiNa

3 missionaries - S & L T, N B - working with nondenominational missions

For more information and resources visit our website at http://www.ministr ycouncil.cumberland.org/swmof.

12-13

VOL. 3, NO. 1

Feature Stories:

columns:

MISSIONARY 101!

AJUSCO

In 2013 there were hundreds of

On the south side of Mexico City, with one of

thousands of dollars given to support CP

the largest populations in the world, a new CP

missionaries and CP mission projects.

church plant, “Fuente de Vida” is growing.

THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN

CP MISSIONS IN GUATEMALA

Kaleb Hopson is the son of missionaries

Today, Statistics Indicate That

Kenneth and Delight Hopson. They serve

Guatemala Is One Of The Most

as missionaries in Kampala, Uganda.

“Christianized” Countries

Kaleb is currently a freshman at Lake

In Central America

Land College in Mattoon.

CELEBRATING LOUISA WOOSLEY

CP MEXICO MISSION

Six congregations are part of the CP

Woosley’s story, alongside that of a woman

family, and a new church plant already

who was in attendance at one of her revival

has 40 participants in worship.

services.

At Convention this year we will hear Rev.

2ND MILE PROJECTS

MISSIONS NEWS

MISSION A R Y MESSENGER SPRING | 2014

{ VO L . 3 ,

N O.1}

MEXICO CP COUNCIL SUPPORT

CP MISSIONS IN MEXICO AND GUATEMALA "STEP OUT"

WHY NEW CHURCHES?

HEADS UP

2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BIBLE STUDY

CONNECTED

k VISIT US ON THE WEB

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org /currentissue

To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger visit us at: ministr ycouncil.cumberland.org /mmarchives

SPRING 2014

9-11

12-13

VOL. 3, NO. 1

Feature Stories:

columns:

MISSIONARY 101!

AJUSCO

In 2013 there were hundreds of

On the south side of Mexico City, with one of

thousands of dollars given to support CP

the largest populations in the world, a new CP

missionaries and CP mission projects.

church plant, “Fuente de Vida” is growing.

THE FLIP SIDE OF THE COIN

CP MISSIONS IN GUATEMALA

Kaleb Hopson is the son of missionaries

Today, Statistics Indicate That

Kenneth and Delight Hopson. They serve

Guatemala Is One Of The Most

as missionaries in Kampala, Uganda.

“Christianized” Countries

Kaleb is currently a freshman at Lake

In Central America

Land College in Mattoon.

CELEBRATING LOUISA WOOSLEY

CP MEXICO MISSION

Six congregations are part of the CP

Woosley’s story, alongside that of a woman

family, and a new church plant already

who was in attendance at one of her revival

has 40 participants in worship.

services.

At Convention this year we will hear Rev.

2ND MILE PROJECTS

MISSIONS NEWS

MISSION A R Y MESSENGER SPRING | 2014

{ VO L . 3 ,

N O.1}

MEXICO CP COUNCIL SUPPORT

CP MISSIONS IN MEXICO AND GUATEMALA "STEP OUT"

WHY NEW CHURCHES?

HEADS UP

2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY

BIBLE STUDY

CONNECTED

k VISIT US ON THE WEB

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org /currentissue

To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger visit us at: ministr ycouncil.cumberland.org /mmarchives

SPRING 2014

9-11

E DI TORI AL : : by Lynn Tho mas

MISSIONARY 101 6 / SPRING 2014

A MISSIONARY IS QUALIFIED AND CROSSES CULTURES. A CP missionary, in order to be classified a “missionary”, must apply and be endorsed by the Missions Ministry Team. They must demonstrate that their ministry is meaningful, they are qualified to do it, and that they will work with people who are culturally different. In the CP context, missionaries are qualified and called by God to cross over a cultural barrier to share the Good News of God’s Kingdom. MISSIONARY CARDS AND PACKAGES. The missionary world is not like our world one big difference is there are no mailboxes in the front yard. Where a missionary lives is not necessarily where they receive letters or packages. In some cases the Missions Ministry Team cannot give out the missionary’s contact information for security reasons. These missionaries live in countries that are not accepting of missionaries, thus they must be discreet; therefore, the best way to communicate with most missionaries is by e-mail. If you would like to send a card it would be best to scan it and then send it by e-mail. Always contact the missionary for mailing instructions before sending a package. Some countries will actually charge “taxes and fees” to the missionary for receipt of packages.

HOW TO CONTACT MISSIONARIES IN “CLOSED” COUNTRIES. At the end of 2013 there were 12 CP missionaries in closed countries. For safety reasons we do not give out their names, contact information or details about what they do. However, it is possible to communicate with them by sending an e-mail to the Missions Ministry Team which can then be forwarded to them. If they develop direct communication with those interested in their ministry that is perfectly appropriate. The Missions Ministry Team policy is we do not publish information that could be a security issue. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONARIES ARE AN INTERNATIONAL GROUP. As a result of the CP Church being an international Church we have CP missionaries from various nationalities. Currently our CP missionaries are: American, Chinese (Hong Kong), Colombian, and South Korean. They all work with cultures different than the culture of their origin. CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MISSIONARIES ARE DIVERSE. The CP Missionary staff represents various backgrounds, cultures and family structures. Our missionaries include: male, female, single, married, clergy members and lay people. Their place of employment includes CP institutions and churches as well as non-denominational mission organizations. FUNDING MISSIONARIES. All endorsed missionaries must raise their own financial support. This can be a real challenge for CP missionaries that are not from the USA. They often travel to the USA, a foreign country for some, to tell their stories and raise support. Missionaries that work with CP churches and institutions receive a salary from the Missions Ministry Team, which means regardless of the income they raise they will receive the same amount of support each month from the Missions Ministry Team. If support continues to be less than expenses, they either have to find more donors or resign from the mission

MM: The Missionary Messenger

field. Missionaries with non-denominational missions have their own arrangements with those missions if there is a shortfall in donations. ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS. There are no administrative fees withdrawn from missionary donations. One hundred percent of the donation is designated to the missionary’s financial account. This includes missionaries who work exclusively for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and for those who work in non-denominational organizations. Non-denominational organizations will deduct an administrative fee from what MMT sends them as each has its own policy with respect to administrative costs. MORE MISSIONARIES WANTED. The General Assembly named Central America as the new mission field focus for the next decade. Missions Ministry Team is attempting to rapidly develop CP churches and institutions in Central America. In order to do this, we will need more missionaries. Those interested in exploring the call to missionary service should contact the Director of Global Missions. The Missions Ministry Team also sponsors a program called PREP 1:8 (Acts 1:8) as a means to gather those exploring missions and learn more about the CP mission program. PREP 1:8 events are announced on the MMT’s website. A MISSION REVOLUTION IS POSSIBLE. The Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry and the General Assembly approved a new missionary offering, the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund. With just 500 CP churches or women’s groups donating $2,000 a year to this fund we will have one million dollars for missionary salaries and benefits. That is enough to support all current missionaries as well as add more. We can experience mission expansion like we have never experienced before if enough churches and church groups support this missionary offering.

ACCOUNTABILITY. Reputable mission programs provide accountability. Missionaries have a job just like others that God calls to ministry, such as pastors, chaplains, elders and Bible/ theology teachers. The Missions Ministry Team gives direct guidance and supervision to missionaries that work in CP churches/ institutions, attempting to assure the Church that their work is competent and relevant to our values and goals. The Missions Ministry Team expects non-denominational mission organizations to provide supervision and guidance to the CPs that work in their organizations. MISSIONARY VISITS TO THE USA. Endorsed CP missionaries do come to the USA. They are usually available for 1 to 2 months to visit CP churches. Often, missionary hosts are recruited to help make arrangements for our missionary to visit different churches or church groups. Most churches want them to visit on a Sunday; however, there are only a few Sundays available during their stay in the USA. The challenge is finding creative ways to gather people during the week to hear a missionary presentation. The size of the group is not as important as their willingness to tell others what they have heard. THE MISSIONARY VISION OF THE MMT. The first statement made in the endorsed missionary program is our missionary vision statement, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37,39 (NIV). The Missions Ministry Team realizes the urgency of proclaiming our hope in Christ and part of our role is to challenge our missionaries as well as all CPs to share this vision. MM

MM: The Missionary Messenger

n 2013 there were hundreds of thousands of dollars given to support Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries and CP mission projects. In addition to the generosity of so many Cumberland Presbyterians, many CPs traveled to the mission field as short-term missionaries. Many others prayed, advocated for missions and even hosted missionaries from a sincere heart for missions. There is a profound interest in missions and our missionaries within the CP Church. We would like to share with you some information that will help you understand and appreciate our missionaries. We call this informational article about missions: “MISSIONARY 101”.

MISSIONARY MESSENGER SPR I N G | 2014

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MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Cumberland Presby terian Church

8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 9 01.276.4572 fax 9 01.276.4578 messenger@ cumberland.org

ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211

EDITORS Pam Phillips-Burk: ext. 262 Lynn Thomas: ext. 261 T.J. Malinoski: ext. 232 Jinger Ellis: ext. 230

PRINTER A1 Printing Memphis, Tennessee

MEMBER •

Associated Church Press

•

Evangelical Press Association

•

Evangelical Press Service (EP)

SUBSCRIBER •

News Network International (NNI)

SPRING 2014 / 7

E DI TORI AL : : by Lynn Tho mas

MISSIONARY 101 6 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

MISSIONARY MESSENGER SPR I N G | 2014

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MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM Cumberland Presby terian Church

8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 9 01.276.4572 fax 9 01.276.4578 messenger@ cumberland.org

ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211

EDITORS Pam Phillips-Burk: ext. 262 Lynn Thomas: ext. 261 T.J. Malinoski: ext. 232 Jinger Ellis: ext. 230

PRINTER A1 Printing Memphis, Tennessee

MEMBER •

Associated Church Press

•

Evangelical Press Association

•

Evangelical Press Service (EP)

SUBSCRIBER •

News Network International (NNI)

SPRING 2014 / 7

missions news

The Flip Side

Leadership Referral Service

Of The Coin

(LRS) For the past 12 years the

For A Moment I Thought I Was Back Home In Uganda, Where I Belong, But With A Flick Of My Thumb, Reality Comes Rushing Back In Like A Wave Of Sadness.

Reverend Norlan Scrudder has been the LRS Consultant, which he says was supposed to be only

temporary!

: : by Pam Phillips-Burk

: : by Kaleb Hopson

y heart beats as the flashback arrives. The heat of the sun, looking out over the fields and seeing the rolling hills covered with the homes of those I call friends. To my left, is a concrete wall where I used to play football with the young men I call my brothers. I am surrounded by children of all ages that know me by name. For a moment I thought I was back home in Uganda, where I belong, but with a flick of my thumb, reality comes rushing back in like a wave of sadness. The light catches the coin as it ascends into the air and I begin to feel the cold on my hand in this current Illinois winter. The wind bites at my exposed skin as the snow slowly seeps between my fingers with every tense of my muscles. There was never a problem like this back home. I desire to feel the warmth of the African sun on my skin but it’s not possible right now. The coin obeys gravity’s orders and falls back to its starting place in the palm of my hand. Heads. I can feel another flashback coming and there I am back home in our pantry looking for something to eat and not finding much but knowing better than to feel sorry for myself for I

8 / SPRING 2014

knew I was better off than most, living right in the city of Kampala. The cold begins to bite and pulls me back to the real world. I know I’m hungry and I know we have a pantry filled with food and I begin to feel guilty for what I have and how much I take for granted. I desire to be back with Kaleb Hopson is the son of my Ugandan missionaries Kenneth and co-workers and Delight Hopson. They serve high school as missionaries in Kampala, friends talking Uganda. Kaleb is currently about life and a freshman at Lake Land discussing topics that would College in Mattoon, IL near benefit each of the home where the Hopsons us by looking at are staying while in the USA the world and for a year. He is 18 years old changing our and living at home with his perspectives, in parents until they return to order to help others around Africa. us; but this has not happened. I have been back in America for nearly 6 months now and what I see here are many people too caught up in their own lives and too attached to their phones to even sit down and talk. The difference between Africa and America is just like that coin and its very different faces. I can feel my heart beat again. Another flashback arises. MM

MM: The Missionary Messenger

This ministry of the Missions Ministry Team is designed to give assistance to churches searching for a pastor/leader AND to pastors/leaders who are open to a call to a church. This is a nice and tidy definition for a fairly complex process. For the past 12 years the Reverend Norlan Scrudder has been the LRS Consultant, which he says was supposed to be only temporary! He has provided support and guidance to countless churches and pastors/ leaders who have been in the midst of the search/call process. His leadership has been one of pastoral care while walk-

automated online by mid-year. MMT anticipitates to have it up and running by the time of General Assembly. It is the hope of MMT that this new process will be easier for people to access, yet assuring a high level of security and confidentiality. While there will be a steep learning curve for all, it will provide a more comprehensive service than what has been offered up to this point. For example churches that have created a profile will receive a periodic notice of “candidates” who meet their criteria, and likewise ministers/ leaders who have created a profile will receive periodic notices of churches that meet their criteria. Also, regular reminders will be sent to churches/ministers/leaders to close their “case” when a call is complete. MMT is excited about the new possibilities that this service will be able to provide. To help with this transition, newly retired MMT Team Leader, George Estes will be serving as the interim consultant. You can contact him at geoestes@gmail.com or 901/275-4812. Pam Phillips-Burk, Director of Congregational Ministries will provide staff oversight to LRS. You can reach her at pam@ cumberland.org or 901-276-4572, ext. 203. MM

It is the hope of MMT that this new process will be easier for people to access, yet assuring a high level of security and confidentiality.

ing with both ministers/leaders and churches through this process. So, it is with much gratitude and sadness that we announce the retirement of Reverend Scrudder, which was effective December 31, 2013. His “temporary” job is finally coming to an end! The Missions Ministry Team is now in the process of making the Leadership Referral Service completely

MM: The Missionary Messenger

SPRING 2014 / 9

missions news

The Flip Side

Leadership Referral Service

Of The Coin

(LRS) For the past 12 years the

For A Moment I Thought I Was Back Home In Uganda, Where I Belong, But With A Flick Of My Thumb, Reality Comes Rushing Back In Like A Wave Of Sadness.

Reverend Norlan Scrudder has been the LRS Consultant, which he says was supposed to be only

temporary!

: : by Pam Phillips-Burk

: : by Kaleb Hopson

8 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

It is the hope of MMT that this new process will be easier for people to access, yet assuring a high level of security and confidentiality.

MM: The Missionary Messenger

SPRING 2014 / 9

G I V I N G / 2 0

NEW PROJECT

ON GOING PROJECTS

“MEXICO CP COUNCIL SUPPORT”

PROJECT #33097

Funding to bring two representatives (from each country where we currently have CP churches) to Triennium and the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference. Amount Needed: $24,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $ 9,834.73 For more information contact: Susan Groce at scg@ cumberland.org, 901.276.4572.

MISSIONS MINISTRIES Project #34392 Second Mile Project

1 4

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PARTICIPANTS –

THE NEED

The CP Church in Mexico is growing! We have an amazing mission work in Mexico City and Juarez: missionaries, new churches, and churches in development. A new tool we are using to develop our mission work in Mexico is the formation of a council of CP churches and leaders. A council is similar to a presbytery in how its members work together, but it does not have the authority of a presbytery. It does provide CP churches the opportunity to work together to develop programs and activities. The council in Mexico has been formed with 7 churches and missions and with a good group of pastors and lay leaders. These churches and missions meet twice a year to plan joint activities and events that will be beneficial to them and help us advance the CP mission work. We are asking for $10,000 to help fund programs the council will plan. Activities they might develop would be camps, CP training workshops, special outreach events, theological training scholarships, community service projects, etc. Our vision is that presbyteries will adopt a council, relationships develop and presbyteries will help build new CP presbyteries. Help us develop a future presbytery in Mexico by contributing to the Mexico CP Council Second Mile Project.

CHILDREN’S FEST 2014 – PROJECT #33118

Two one day events for children (K-6th grade) in the CPC and CPCA full of fun and fellowship – one on June 7, 2014 at CP Children’s Home in Denton, TX and the other on July 19, 2014 at Bethel University in McKenzie, TN. Your second mile gifts will help in funding two important needs – leadership training and low cost housing. Amount needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $ 5,370.99 For more information contact: Jodi Rush at jhr@cumberland.org, 615-415-9735. 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. GUATEMALA CP COUNCIL SUPPORT – PROJECT #34390

Amount Needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $ 0.00 For more information contact Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com or (901) 276-4572, ext. 261 PASSENGER VAN FOR CP CHILDREN’S HOME – PROJECT #34388

FINANCIAL DATA: Amount Needed from Second Mile

$10,000.00

Amount Contributed to Date

$ 0.00

Total Amount Needed for the Project

$ 10,000.00

DURATION: March 2014 – December 2015

Amount Needed: $20,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $ 3,987.66 For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk, pam@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572 BETHEL UNIVERSIT Y PROJECT FREEDOM CURTAIN –

CONTRIBUTIONS: Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating for project #34392 and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com, or (901) 276-4572, ext. 261

PROJECT #34389

An original presentation by Renaissance Theater called, “Don’t Hide Behind the Curtain,” which is an initiative to raise awareness about human trafficking in the US. The group will write drama and then perform it in several venues. Amount Needed: $15,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $261.31 For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk, pam@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572

NEW STEPS » NEW MISSIONS

For additional projects please visit our website at http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/secondmileprojects. 10 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

S P R I N G 2014 › ›

G I V I N G / 2 0

NEW PROJECT

ON GOING PROJECTS

“MEXICO CP COUNCIL SUPPORT”

PROJECT #33097

MISSIONS MINISTRIES Project #34392 Second Mile Project

1 4

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH PARTICIPANTS –

THE NEED

CHILDREN’S FEST 2014 – PROJECT #33118

FINANCIAL DATA: Amount Needed from Second Mile

$10,000.00

Amount Contributed to Date

$ 0.00

Total Amount Needed for the Project

$ 10,000.00

DURATION: March 2014 – December 2015

Amount Needed: $20,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $ 3,987.66 For more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk, pam@cumberland.org, 901-276-4572 BETHEL UNIVERSIT Y PROJECT FREEDOM CURTAIN –

PROJECT #34389

NEW STEPS » NEW MISSIONS

For additional projects please visit our website at http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/secondmileprojects. 10 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

S P R I N G 2014 › ›

Mexico City

CP MEXICO Mission:

n a metropolitan city with one of the largest populations in the world, a new Cumberland Presbyterian : : by Lynn Thomas church plant called “Fuente de Vida” (Fountain of Life) is located on the south side of Mexico City. Currently called “Ajusco” by local residents because of its geographical location, this new church plant will continue to become known by its designated name, “Fountain of Life”, as it provides “life” to the community.

Ajusco

Spotlight On Our Missionaries In Mexico: The Riveras Six congregations are part of the CP family, and a new church plant already has 40 participants in worship.

The new mission was started on March 24, 2013 by church planter, Rev. Gabriel “Uzziel”

Gallardo Duarte, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister and one of the first to join the CP family in the mission work in Mexico. In less than one year, Rev. Gallardo reports 36 participants in the new church development. Closely working with our missionary Rev. Carlos Rivera and the CP Council of Mexico, a task force has been organized to provide direct supervision and support for the work in Ajusco. Already, the new mission has delegated responsibilities for Sunday School, youth meetings, home prayer meetings and evangelism to different leaders in their group. Rev. Gallardo has conducted a class on evangelism with this new mission and they have gone into the streets of Mexico City to share their faith. Currently they are meeting in a rented space. Please pray for the new work in Ajusco as they move toward becoming a “Fountain of Life” in Mexico City. MM

: : by Lynn Thomas

ev. Carlos Rivera and his wife Luz Dary are missionaries in Mexico for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. They are planting and assimilating existing congregations into CP churches. Carlos works closely with the Council of CP Churches that was formed in Mexico. Luz Dary, also seminary trained, is working with the women in Mexico forming women’s groups. Carlos and Luz Dary will soon be completing two years of service in Mexico. They are from Colombia South America, and lifelong members of a CP church there. One of the great blessings the Riveras had when they went to the mission field was one donor agreed to financially support them for the first two years. What a blessing and what a step of faith! The donor was faithful to their word and provided the agreed upon support. The donor’s commitment has run out. As of April, 2014 the Riveras will not have the support they need to remain in Mexico and continue our work there. The work in Mexico is important, where six congregations are now part of the CP family, and a new church plant has recently started that

12 / SPRING 2014

L. to R. Luz Dar y, Daniel and Carlos Rivera

already has 40 participants in worship. Pastors and churches in Mexico from other denominations and Christian backgrounds are asking Carlos to come and tell them about the CP Church. We would like to encourage you to consider supporting Carlos and Luz Dary. As we have stated in other pages of this publication, if only 500 churches, groups, Women's Ministry Groups, etc. gave $2,000 a year to the StottWallace Missionary Offering Fund we would have all we need to support great missionaries like Carlos and Luz Dary Rivera. Prayerfully consider supporting our missionaries, in particular the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund so we can use it to continue God’s work in Mexico. MM

MM: The Missionary Messenger

Mexico City

CP MEXICO Mission:

Ajusco

Spotlight On Our Missionaries In Mexico: The Riveras Six congregations are part of the CP family, and a new church plant already has 40 participants in worship.

The new mission was started on March 24, 2013 by church planter, Rev. Gabriel “Uzziel”

: : by Lynn Thomas

12 / SPRING 2014

L. to R. Luz Dar y, Daniel and Carlos Rivera

MM: The Missionary Messenger

CP Guatemala Mission:

New Frontiers With Challenging Responsibilities Today, Statistics Indicate That Guatemala Is One Of The Most “Christianized” Countries In Central America

I N T E R 2014 2013 14 / W SPRING

MM/14 MM: The Missionary Messenger

: : by Rev. Ricardo L. Franco, Elected Member of the Missions Ministry Team, Pastor, Casa de Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Church

arrived to Ciudad de Guatemala, October 10, 2013 to help organize the first Cumberland Presbyterian Guatemala Council. Missionary Anay Ortega and I met with lay leaders and ministers from three different congregations who had requested to be received as provisional churches. With two days of conversation, meetings and travel, October 12 marked the official day of the formation of the Guatemala Council and the receiving of these churches. It was not until days later, that I realized how providential the timing of this trip had been. October 12 is celebrated in Guatemala, Central and South America as the Day of the Race. It was on October 12, 1492 that Christopher Columbus’ expedition made landfall in the Caribbean. Catholicism was first introduced during the Spanish Conquest during the 15th and 16th centuries. The North American missionary movement brought Protestantism during the 17th and 18th centuries. During this same time, exploitation, oppression, slavery, genocide and cultural suppression plagued the indigenous peoples. As I visited several

places in the city of Guatemala, I noticed that poverty and exploitation still go hand-inhand alongside both Catholic and Protestant churches. Today, statistics indicate that Guatemala is one of the most “Christianized” countries in Central America, yet at the same time its indigenous population: women, children and elderly are abandoned by a government known by its scandals of corruption and military terror. I asked God, “Why are you sending the CP Church to Guatemala? What are you trying to tell us by allowing us to organize a Council of CP churches on such a symbolic date?” I believe that now we have the opportunity to embody the gospel and to show Jesus’ compassion toward the most vulnerable in that society. Now we have the opportunity to encourage our Guatemalan

brothers and sisters to come into the ministry of the Word and Sacraments. Now we have the opportunity to be enriched with the cultural traditions and history of a people that have much to share. Now we have the challenge to live out what it means to be an international Church in which the dynamics of power are different from what they have known so far. Now we have the responsibility to provide discipleship and training for new generations of children and youth who will take the gospel into the very fabric of Guatemalan society. On October 12, 2013, we were given the opportunity to come to a new place of mission in Guatemala. May God help us to come with humility and not with power, with compassion instead of pride, and with an eagerness to learn, give and love. MM

Rev. Ricardo L. Franco & Josefina Sanchez

CP Guatemala Mission:

New Frontiers With Challenging Responsibilities Today, Statistics Indicate That Guatemala Is One Of The Most “Christianized” Countries In Central America

I N T E R 2014 2013 14 / W SPRING

MM/14 MM: The Missionary Messenger

: : by Rev. Ricardo L. Franco, Elected Member of the Missions Ministry Team, Pastor, Casa de Fe Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Rev. Ricardo L. Franco & Josefina Sanchez

STEP OUT

Called to

e shar ✯

P OUT TE

: : EVANGELISM

A denomination which aspires to be faithful to the Great

STEP OUT

why

Commission must start new congregations.

S ll ✯ ent t te

NEW

CHURCHES? . . . . by T. J. Malinoski . . . .

“Then I heard the Lord’s voice saying, ‘Who should I send, and who will go for us?” “Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

1 How Does A Presbytery Start A New Church Development? ► Spend some time thinking strategically about the mission, the vision and the goal. ► Explore and investigate new church development opportunities. ► Share goals, ideas, short and long term plans with the presbytery’s board of missions. ► Contact the Missions Ministry Team for ideas and guidance.

2Resources What Financial Might Be

THE CHURCH IS CALLED INTO BEING AND EXISTS TO REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED GOD’S

Accessible For Church Planting?

GRACE IN CHRIST. THE CHURCH ACCOMPLISHES THIS CALL OF SPREADING THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST ONLY THROUGH A DILIGENT DESIRE TO EXTEND GOD’S KINGDOM IN THE LIVES OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES. STARTING NEW CHURCHES IS ONE VITAL MEANS OF OUTREACH. CHURCH PLANTING WAS THE METHOD OF THE APOSTLES AND IT IS ALSO A PRIMARY RESPONSE TO THE GREAT COMMISSION.

14 / SPRING 2014

► New Church Development (NCD) funds that the presbytery already has budgeted or allocated. ► A subsidy grant from the Missions Ministry Team to assist. ► Unused property that can be sold. ► New offerings promoted in the presbytery for NCD.

MM: The Missionary Messenger

3 What Does A New Church Development Look Like?

► Traditional church plant: a full time pastor is secured and employed to begin a church in a selected area. ► Bi-vocational church planter: the church planter provides part time leadership. ► Cross-culture church: developed among a multicultural and multi-language group within the United States. ► Assimilation: an already existing congregation that is willing to become Cumberland Presbyterian. ► Satellite church: from an existing CP congregation where members start a worship service in another geographical location. This “core group” could become an NCD.

4 Where Can A Presbytery Plant A New Church? ► General Assembly stated in the approval of Step Out that presbyterial boundaries should not be an obstacle to a new church development.

5Church Keep In Mind That A New Development … ► Requires creativity and “out of the box” thinking. ► Requires new methods and models. It takes years to plant and organize a new church (4-7 years for traditional, 2-4 years for assimilation). ► Presbyteries get excited at the beginning but it does take patience and persistence to see an NCD to independence. ► Does not always succeed. ► Is to participate in all things presbyterial and denominational (presbytery apportionments, OUO, camps, events, etc.).

HOW ARE YOU

STEPPING OUT?

WE REALLY WANT TO KNOW!

A STORY UNTOLD IS NOT YET

A STORY!

The Summer issue of the Missionary Messenger will be dedicated to a Step Out focus with articles pertaining to the “how – to’s”, resources and examples of how Cumberland Presbyterians can and are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others. The Missions Ministry Team is looking for written contributions from ministers, church leaders, individuals from your congregation, Sunday School class, small group, Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministries, youth groups and board of missions on related topics such as: • • • • • • • •

Faith-sharing Mission projects Local evangelism efforts Missionary support Church growth efforts Book reviews Children’s ministry Resources, websites, seminars and events you have found helpful

For the Step Out Goals visit: http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/ assets/1612/stepoutplan.pdf Submission guidance: By submitting your article, you agree to give Missions Ministry Team permission to use it. Deadline for submissions is 4/15/14. Words: articles should be 400 words or less. Photos: high resolution photos with a caption is encouraged. Submissions may be made via email to

TMalinoski@cumberland.org or via mail to: Missions Ministry Team Attn: T.J. Malinoski 8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016

MM: The Missionary Messenger

SPRING 2014 / 15

STEP OUT

Called to

e shar ✯

P OUT TE

: : EVANGELISM

A denomination which aspires to be faithful to the Great

STEP OUT

why

Commission must start new congregations.

S ll ✯ ent t te

NEW

CHURCHES? . . . . by T. J. Malinoski . . . .

2Resources What Financial Might Be

THE CHURCH IS CALLED INTO BEING AND EXISTS TO REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED GOD’S

Accessible For Church Planting?

14 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

3 What Does A New Church Development Look Like?

4 Where Can A Presbytery Plant A New Church? ► General Assembly stated in the approval of Step Out that presbyterial boundaries should not be an obstacle to a new church development.

HOW ARE YOU

STEPPING OUT?

WE REALLY WANT TO KNOW!

A STORY UNTOLD IS NOT YET

A STORY!

Faith-sharing Mission projects Local evangelism efforts Missionary support Church growth efforts Book reviews Children’s ministry Resources, websites, seminars and events you have found helpful

TMalinoski@cumberland.org or via mail to: Missions Ministry Team Attn: T.J. Malinoski 8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016

MM: The Missionary Messenger

SPRING 2014 / 15

:: b y

Pam Phillips-Burk

heads

NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK

GA WORKSHOPS

by Dr Robert B. Watkins

How To Step Out

GUATEMALA AND CAMBODIA

125TH ANNIVERSARY

Thank You

Louisa Woosley

"STEP OUT" GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKSHOPS If your travel plans include attendance at General Assembly or Convention this June, come early enough to participate in the pre-Assembly workshop offerings! Two missions staff members will be leading or participating in a workshop. T.J. Malinoski, Director of Evangelism and New Church Development, will be leading a workshop on church hospitality. Johan Daza, Director of Cross-Culture Ministries USA, will be providing leadership and support to the Theology and Social Concerns Committee in a workshop focusing on cultural sensitivity. Both workshops will certainly give you food for thought, and maybe even challenge you a bit.

16 / SPRING 2014

THANK YOU FROM

GUATEMALA CAMBODIA!

Carlitos is now able to visit a nearby doctor for his annual visits and vaccinations.

Maria’s diabetes is now completely under control because of the community medical clinic. Because of your gift to the 2013 Loaves and Fishes offering Jaime is better managing his blood pressure. Thank you for your help in making all this happen!

ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATING LOUISA WOOSLEY’S 125TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY IN

2014!

Giving to this year’s offering is currently $47,670.22. Thanks to your generous giving to the 2013 Gift to the King offering the Samaki CP Church will be worshipping in their own church building and not in a rented facility. Soon children and adults will be making use of a new sanctuary, classroom space, and other features that we in the USA often take for granted. Soon, the new Samaki CP Church will be a beacon of light, shining Christ’s love in a community much in need of light and hope.

by Pam Phillips-Burk

Giving to this year’s offering is currently $55,861.25.

here will also be a time of worship and celebration at General Assembly, as well as the introduction of a new endowment – The Louisa M. Woosley Endowment for Sustaining Women in Ministry.

You can still send your offerings to the Denominational Center. Make your check payable to “Missions Ministry Team” and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016. For Loaves & Fishes, please use the L&F form found on the website at: http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/assets/1612/report_form.pdf. For Gift to the King offerings please indicate that your gift is for GTTK on the memo line.

NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK

GOD'S MIGHTY ACTS AROUND THE GLOBE

OTHER CELEBRATORY NOTES INCLUDE:

- USING STORIES TO SHARE YOUR FAITH by Dr Robert B. Watkins

• Publication of a book of sermons by female clergy,

Bob Watkins, former missionary and Director of Global Missions, has published a book, “God’s Mighty Acts Around the Globe--Using Stories to Share Your Faith.” It is a collection of 40 inspirational stories from around the world. The stories are excellent for sermon illustrations, minute for missions, or a daily devotional. It would make an excellent gift for your pastor. Or, pastors might want to gift their elders the book to increase a deeper commitment to missions. Please jump on board and support this Cumberland Presbyterian author. The stories can be ordered for $12 at: www.createspace. com/4425978. Or, if you order 5 copies at $12, plus $2 per book for shipping directly from Bob Watkins (watkr@mac.com) you will receive the sixth book free. MM: The Missionary Messenger

• Women in Ministry display at General Assembly, • A pre-General Assembly workshop,

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WE WILL CELEBRATE THIS HISTORIC EVENT IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. AT CONVENTION THIS YEAR WE WILL HEAR REV. WOOSLEY’S STORY, ALONGSIDE THAT OF A WOMAN WHO WAS IN ATTENDANCE AT ONE OF HER REVIVAL SERVICES.

• An “I Love Louisa Woosley” Facebook page, • Discount on books written by clergywomen by the CP Resource Center, • Informational and inspirational video, • A commissioned song, • A worship service on November 5, 2014 at Memphis Theological Seminary.

SPRING 2014 / 17

:: b y

Pam Phillips-Burk

heads

NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK

GA WORKSHOPS

by Dr Robert B. Watkins

How To Step Out

GUATEMALA AND CAMBODIA

125TH ANNIVERSARY

Thank You

Louisa Woosley

16 / SPRING 2014

THANK YOU FROM

GUATEMALA CAMBODIA!

Carlitos is now able to visit a nearby doctor for his annual visits and vaccinations.

ANNIVERSARY

CELEBRATING LOUISA WOOSLEY’S 125TH ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY IN

2014!

by Pam Phillips-Burk

Giving to this year’s offering is currently $55,861.25.

here will also be a time of worship and celebration at General Assembly, as well as the introduction of a new endowment – The Louisa M. Woosley Endowment for Sustaining Women in Ministry.

NEW DEVOTIONAL BOOK

GOD'S MIGHTY ACTS AROUND THE GLOBE

OTHER CELEBRATORY NOTES INCLUDE:

- USING STORIES TO SHARE YOUR FAITH by Dr Robert B. Watkins

• Publication of a book of sermons by female clergy,

• Women in Ministry display at General Assembly, • A pre-General Assembly workshop,

SPRING 2014 / 17

CPWomen’s Ministry Convention CP Women's Ministry

: : Convention

June 17-19; Chattanooga, TN

CP Women's Ministry

2014 CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MINISTRY CONVENTION

2014

OUR TIME IN CHATTANOOGA WILL BE FILLED WITH A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES.

: : Convention

”Step Out”

17-19 June 2014 – Chattanooga, TN Return your completed registration form and a check payable to Missions Ministry Team to Convention Registration, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016. If you register after 1 May the Late Registration fee (an additional $15) applies.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Address :_________________________________________________City: _____________________ State: __________ Zip Code: __________ Telephone Number: _________________________Cell Number: _____________________________

Take Note & Plan To Be There!

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Congregation: _____________________________________Region: _________________________ Credentials Information: Additional credential information will be taken at Convention. _____ Regional Delegate

_____ Youth Delegate

_____ This is my first time at Convention

WOMEN FROM THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SET THEM FREE

Our two denominations will be meeting concurrently and we will take every opportunity available to join together in worship, fellowship and conversation. Specifically, we will meet jointly as women on Tuesday afternoon.

18 / SPRING 2014

The Focus will be on farm labor exploitation and our keynote speakers will be representatives from Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). They will help us explore the complex issues surrounding farm workers in the USA and how people of faith can share the love of Jesus in the midst of those issues. There will also be an “action” opportunity for Convention participants to “Step Out” on behalf of farm workers. CIW has been instrumental in getting several food retailers to participate in the “Fair Food Agreement” which is working to end abuse in the fields. Those companies include

Burger King, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Sodexo, and Aramark. There is an effort to bring Publix Supermarkets and Wendy’s “to the table” to sign the same fair food agreement. Wednesday afternoon we will “Step Out” and lend the CP Women’s Ministry voice to those of countless other people of faith calling on Publix and Wendy’s to do the right thing.

years of ordained ministry. She was the first woman in the CP Church ordained as a minister of the Word and Sacrament. In addition, there will be a one-ofa-kind Woosley presentation by Joann Alexander (Jackson, TN) and Sissie Shepherd (Huntsville, AL) at the Convention luncheon.

_____ Yes, I would like to participate in a Convention Choir Fees & Meals: Please indicate the number of tickets or fees you are paying in the blank in the left column; calculate the total cost in the right column.

_____ Registration - $30

$_____ (before May 1)

_____ Late Registration - $45

$_____ (after May 1)

_____ Regional Delegate Dinner - $ 17

$_____ (REGIONAL DELEGATES ONLY) (The Evening Meeting will be Monday, June 16)

_____ Luncheon - $20

$_____ (Thursday at 12:00 NOON – note time change)

_____ If you attend one day only - $15

$_____

Total $__________ Make checks payable to the Missions Ministry Team. A packet of information will be sent to those who register by June 1st. If you have questions please contact Sherry Poteet 903.855.7337; spoteet1@aol.com.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR OWN HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, 423.266.5000 1400 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402

SOLES4SOULS CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF ORDAINED MINISTRY! There will be a special worship service and time of fellowship on Wednesday evening to celebrate Reverend Louisa Woosley’s 125

MM: The Missionary Messenger

We will be collecting new and gently used shoes during Convention, which will be donated to Soles4Souls. This non-profit organization then redistributes the shoes around the world. Check out their website – www.soles4souls.org.

Ask for “Cumberland Presbyterian Church” rate when making reservations by phone. Use group code “CUP” to reserve your room online at: www.choochoo.com. Room Rate: $109 plus tax • • • •

Cut off date for reservations at this rate: 24 May 2014 Make your reservations EARLY as the hotel fills up quickly Check-In: 3:00 p.m. Check-Out: 12:00 Noon

CPWomen’s Ministry Convention CP Women's Ministry

: : Convention

June 17-19; Chattanooga, TN

CP Women's Ministry

2014 CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S MINISTRY CONVENTION

2014

OUR TIME IN CHATTANOOGA WILL BE FILLED WITH A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES.

: : Convention

”Step Out”

Take Note & Plan To Be There!

_____ Youth Delegate

_____ This is my first time at Convention

WOMEN FROM THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA SET THEM FREE

18 / SPRING 2014

_____ Registration - $30

$_____ (before May 1)

_____ Late Registration - $45

$_____ (after May 1)

_____ Regional Delegate Dinner - $ 17

$_____ (REGIONAL DELEGATES ONLY) (The Evening Meeting will be Monday, June 16)

_____ Luncheon - $20

$_____ (Thursday at 12:00 NOON – note time change)

_____ If you attend one day only - $15

$_____

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING YOUR OWN HOTEL RESERVATIONS: Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel, 423.266.5000 1400 Market St., Chattanooga, TN 37402

SOLES4SOULS CELEBRATING 125 YEARS OF ORDAINED MINISTRY! There will be a special worship service and time of fellowship on Wednesday evening to celebrate Reverend Louisa Woosley’s 125

MM: The Missionary Messenger

Cut off date for reservations at this rate: 24 May 2014 Make your reservations EARLY as the hotel fills up quickly Check-In: 3:00 p.m. Check-Out: 12:00 Noon

Bible Study

: : Devotional

Cumberland Presbyterian F  Ac o n n e c t ed Missions Around  L O

the World

by Johan Daza

 (1 Corinthians 12:12-21)

O ne of the greatest things about God that still

members of the body may look completely amazes me over and over again is the diversity different from the others, and perform different and differences among or within Christ's UnITED STaTES functions, they are still members of the same Church throughout history. Today, people from body; interconnected because the body needs all North, South, East, and West have become one of them to function properly. through the real presence of the Holy Spirit in the USA and around the world. As Christians, oday, God is giving us the great opportunity to we love to talk about all the things we have appreciate the cultural differences within our in common, however, we don’t talk veryMEXICO often denomination as something positive. People with about our differences as something positive. different cultural backgrounds, different worshipnORTH aFRICa GUaTEMaLa When we bring the cross-cultural component styles, different languages, different educational to our Cumberland Presbyterian identity, we experiences, different ways to see the world, but speak about many differences, challenges, and we are united by the same Christ through the COLOMBIa difficulties but everyone still belongs to the same presence of the Holy Spirit. God is giving us the CP family. opportunity to stop judging each other through stereotypes, nationality, gender, and skin color. arlier this year I went to Colombia, SA as a God is telling us today,BRaZIL “you belong to my body, Mexico member of a young adult mission trip group. you are my members, my instruments, and I 6 churches We planned our trip for months, designing a want you to be and to do what I want you to be 220 active CPs 5 pastors conference for the young adults from Colombia. and do.” 2 candidatesThe theme for this conference was “Conectados” 2 missionaries - Carlos and Luz (Connected). The experience of having young oving those who are like us is easy, and if they Dary Rivera adults from Colombia and the USA gathered do everything the same way we do it is even together in the same place and worshiping easier, but loving those who think differently, GuateMala who serve in a different way, who are culturally 3 churches the same God, gave us a new perspective of the meaning of being a family. We learned different, who worship God in a different way, 130 active CPs 2 medical clinics that belonging to a family requires sacrifice, who preach in a different way is extremely 3 missionaries acceptance, love, and endurance. In the same difficult without prejudice. Anay Ortega, Fhanor and way, to be a Cumberland Presbyterian connected Nepal Socorro Pejendino to different cultures requires the guidance of the herefore, we need to open our 1hearts and minds, missionary - PTHoly Spirit who encourages us to love, accept, and ask God for wisdom to work together working with a noncoloMbia denominational and to be united with the other members of the and appreciate each other for what we are in mission uGaNda 2 presbyteries as Cumberland today. brazil 2Christ missionaries - KennethPresbyterians and 3 schools body of Christ. MyaNMar 2 churches Delight Hopson Differences are not ways to alienate, separate, 2 camps 1 missionary -M&HW60 comes active to CPsmind that working with World 1 senior citizen’s home in particular ne scripture or divide. Differences are opportunities to love working with a non2 missionaries from Global Missions 30 churcheshighlights our connectedness in the midst of each other and to recognize that we cannot be denominational mission Japan Presbytery 4,731 active CPs differences. 1 Corinthians 12 Ishitsuka uses symbolic without others. We cannot be a Cumberland Keishi and Atsushi KyrGyzstaN 38 pastors language to demonstrate both the complexity cross-culture Miyajima 1Presbyterian missionary -without T & T G -my otherchiNa 25 candidates & brotherswith and asisters in the USA3 and around the missionaries - S & L T, working licentiatesand the beauty of the body of Christ. For example, eyes match with ourafrica nose, and with world, and we cannot be a Christian withoutwith nonN B - working North via fraNce non-denominational 2 missionaries denominational missions missionaries - S&MS mission Boyce andthe Beth restWallace of our members2 and senses. While being different from others. MM

KYRGYSTan CHIna nEpaL MYanMaR

Japan S. KOREa

LaOS HOnG KOnG CaMBODIa

UGanDa

20 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

laos

1 church 1 school 40 active CPs 2 missionaries - D & S L

caMbodia

1 church 160 active CPs 2 missionaries - D & S L

philippiNes

3 churches 140 active CPs 10 candidates & licentiates 2 missionaries - Daniel and Kay Jang

south Korea hoNG KoNG

1 presbytery 10 CP churches 3 schools 8 ordained ministers 22 candidates & licentiates 1,308 active CPs 3 missionaries - Glenn Watts / Lawrence & Loretta Fung working with Global Operations International

4 churches 110 active CPs 4 pastors 1 licentiate

JapaN

1 presbytery 13 churches 1 day care school 1 camp 18 ordained ministers 1,246 active CPs 2 licentiates

* Missionaries that have an initial work in closed countries and for security reasons we do publish their names. Much of the data on this map is from the 2013 GA Yearbook. Non-denominational organizations that have CP missionaries that are not listed by the above missionary are: Frontiers Missions, New Systems International and Campus Crusade. In some countries missions and churches are listed as “churches”, in the case of Colombia missions and preaching points are not numbered as part of the “church” number.

Bible Study

: : Devotional

Cumberland Presbyterian F  Ac o n n e c t ed Missions Around  L O

the World

by Johan Daza

 (1 Corinthians 12:12-21)

O ne of the greatest things about God that still

KYRGYSTan CHIna nEpaL MYanMaR

Japan S. KOREa

LaOS HOnG KOnG CaMBODIa

UGanDa

20 / SPRING 2014

MM: The Missionary Messenger

laos

1 church 1 school 40 active CPs 2 missionaries - D & S L

caMbodia

1 church 160 active CPs 2 missionaries - D & S L

philippiNes

3 churches 140 active CPs 10 candidates & licentiates 2 missionaries - Daniel and Kay Jang

south Korea hoNG KoNG

4 churches 110 active CPs 4 pastors 1 licentiate

JapaN

1 presbytery 13 churches 1 day care school 1 camp 18 ordained ministers 1,246 active CPs 2 licentiates

POLICY:

THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER is published for the Cumberland Presbyterian 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. POSTM AST ER: Send address changes to: THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.

NEW MISSIONS GIFT CATALOG

To order your

MISSIONS GIFT CATALOG visit us online at:

ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/giving

You may use the Gift Order Form in the back of the catalog or you can purchase a gift online. Missions Ministry Team | Cumberland Presbyterian Church | 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016 | Phone: 901.276.4572 | Fax: 901.276.4578