pcpc Vol. XXII, No. 3 • Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Presbyterian Church in America) • AUGUST 2011
Kids flock to ski school on Rescue Mountain
”But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— ” —Ephesians 2:4, 5
VBS draws 500 to a cool gospel of hope
Weaving truth through art at Voice of Hope
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Men practice prayerful silence and solitude
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Florida trip goers hear comfort and challenge
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Businessmen find true success in life with Christ 8 Sunday all week long
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How to make recessionproof investments 10 Opportunities grow as DISD budget shrinks
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Mercy Street mentor and mentee reminisce 12 Adventures in mentoring 13 Top 10 reasons to volunteer at WDCS
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Available over a lifetime 15 Practicing English and sharing in lives 16 Mercy received and given 17 Returning to Cuzco
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New home-church missionaries going out
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Rebuilding lives and hearts in Japan
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he thermometer might have read 100 degrees, but it was ice cold at PCPC in June during the arctic blast that blew in with Vacation Bible School. Along with the children of New St. Peter’s and Providence Presbyterian Churches and Voice of Hope, our children learned why Jesus came to earth from the theme Rescue Mountain. Each day, snow and Bernie the St. Bernard greeted the children as they arrived to ski the slopes! The week centered on Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Bible stories and object lessons helped illustrate God’s story of rescue. The story of the fall of Adam and Eve explained why we are all lost, and the children heard the truth of Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end leads to death.” We think we know the way, but we’re really lost.
Thankfully, Jesus is seeking demonstrating us—our second how impossible it lesson. Just as is for us to live sinHe sought Zacless lives. In recchaeus out of reation, the chilthe crowd, He is dren completed seeking us, and an obstacle He is the only way course blindfoldto life. Wednesed. The students day’s lesson realized that taught the they could children that not find their we cannot Bernie (Ben way without save ourReichert) welcomes help, just as we selves—Jekids to VBS. cannot find the way sus must rescue us. to life without Christ. VBS wrapped up on Thursday encouraging the children to tell their rescue story. Each day, the children made crafts that were tools Just as Mary Magdalene for the Rescue Team and ran to tell everyone that she had seen the risen Jesus, we represented tools that God gives us. They made binwant to tell everyone how oculars because God opens Jesus rescued us. our eyes to see our sin, a compass because the Holy Seeing our blindness Spirit points us to the way to The VBS team, led by reprelive, a flashlight because the sentatives of each church, Bible illuminates our path, worked hard to incorporate the lessons into all the activi- and a megaphone because our rescue story and rescue ties. It was fun with a purstories from the Bible help pose. In the classrooms, the us to tell others about Christ. children took turns trying to On Thursday, the children pick dried black beans out placed all their tools into of a bowl of mixed beans. Since they were blindfolded, continued on page 2 the task was impossible,
Rescue Mountain continued from p. 1 of a modern-day prodigal son parable relating the story of a son leaving their red Rescue Team pack emblazoned the VBS logo to take them home. home to spend his inheritance at an amusement park. The father waits for the son at the entrance In Music and Skit time, Jill Smith and of the park where they Jennifer Davidson taught the children are reunited when the new songs including a musical version son finally runs of our theme verse with hand motions. out of money The students were also introduced to and realizes Johnny Rescue (Joshua Keller), the the error of leader of the Extreme Rescue Team, his ways. and Parker “Fulla” Pride (Kris Pedigo), a cocky thrill-seeker who thinks he knows the best way down the mountain. Each day, Johnny Rescue showed Parker that we don’t know the way to life. Jesus is the way, and He comes to show us Himself, seek us, and save us. Once Parker’s eyes are opened, Johnny Rescue tells him that God invites us to join the rescue team and to tell everyone our story of rescue.
It’s all real One mom wrote to the VBS leaders about her son: “He is really enjoying VBS. Thank you so much for what you and the other teachers are doing. He is a boy that questions everything and wants proof about it—including wanting proof about God. Hearing about the big bang theory in school and on TV, he questions things, but today when I picked him up, he told me that VBS is helping him to understand that God continued on next page
Preschool students enjoyed their own Music and Skit time in the library as the Cummins family taught them lessons through their Rescue Mountain puppet show, and Lynda Fray led them in a special music class. VBS culminated with a Thursday Family Night. Children brought their parents for pizza, snow cones, bounce houses, a climbing wall, and a mini-concert of the songs they had learned. They all viewed a video
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Cristo Rey held a VBS with Rescue Mountain themes presented in Spanish at their church the same week and averaged 65 kids per day. At the Friday fiesta, over 80 kids attended, and many came to believe in Jesus as their Savior. Five new families that had become familiar with Cristo Rey through VBS came to worship the next Sunday. Left, Bernie and Cristo Rey volunteers hold signs up to motorists along Northwest Highway at Bachman Lake inviting families to its Friday night fiesta. Below, children listen intently to how Jesus needs to rescue them.
and everything in the Bible is true and real! I think that to him it seemed kind of like a story more than a reality before, so the fact that his view is changing is answered prayer.“ Our prayer is that VBS did not end
on Thursday but continues at home. Whether it is their Extreme Rescue pack full of their crafts, the CD full of scripture-filled songs, or the DVD with video clips used in the skits and pictures of the memories they made, the children who attended Rescue Mountain Ski School this year will have trouble forgetting the lesson they learned—Jesus came to seek and save the lost! —Claire Baker Left page: Top, Young volunteers provide the chair lift as a “skier” learns about her need for rescue; 65 middle and high school volunteers helped out all week. Middle, showing off their crazy socks Bottom left, waiting to run the obstacle course Bottom right, God opens our eyes to see our sin. This page: Top, Jesus gives us vision to see. Left, We are blind until Jesus opens our eyes. Right, Fulla Pride gets the truth from Johnny Rescue (Kris Pedigo, college freshman, and PCPC high school intern Josh Keller)
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Arts Festival sponsors art program in West Dallas Voice of Hope weaving textile creations into teaching he PCPC Arts Festival encourages young artists to explore their creative side for the glory of God each year in the Junior Artist competition. Last year two groups of children from Voice of Hope (VOH) in West Dallas discovered the textile arts, which have been with our faith from the beginning and considered worthy of special attention in several books of the Old Testament. PCPC also donates a portion of the proceeds of the Arts Festival youth art programs. To date, VOH has received a total of $8,684.61 from the Arts Festival proceeds for the integration of art into their program. Most recently, VOH received $2,961.97 for items like crochet and embroidery needles, fabrics, yarn,
canvas, and puppets. These materials will be employed to further their growth in the textile arts, an area that has encouraged them in learning to express biblical stories and demonstrate their emotional experiences with the scriptures. The children hope to minister with their quilts to seniors in their neighbourhood and nursing facilities. This new program has also united the senior Bible study group with these young artists of the West Dallas community. Generations are working together to share the gospel through an age-old art. Many of the students’ parents have expressed interest in learning to quilt, so funds will also cover the costs for a number of them to take free classes. The goal is to encourage the parents to also become involved in the VOH Ready 2 Read program.
An age-old art with an eternal purpose
Textiles have been used to express spiritual ideas since the beginning of time. Detailed descriptions are given in the book of Exodus (chapters 2440) of the most holy textiles and the religious rites in which they were used in the temple. The items include awnings, curtains, and priestly garments. The book of Numbers (chapter 4) describes coverings for the sacred vessels during the wanderings in the wilderness. These are only a few scriptures that take special note of the worthiness of creating meaning through textiles. Textile art has been in existence since humanity first began expressing themselves. In biblical artistic history, the Talmud states clearly that the colour of tekhelet (a hyacinth blue that was far more precious than indigo) was to resemble the sea and sky. Later in early church history, this same color came to represent the Holy Spirit, while the color of amber represented the presence of God Himself. Textile arts were so important in worship that the Talmud gives strict guidelines, even in the use of tying ritual tassels. In Numbers 15, there is a commandment that tekhelet cord be tied together with white cords to form a tassel attached to each corner of the four-cornered garments. Fabrics, textiles, and cords repeatedly appear in scripture, often signifying the beauty and eternal nature of our God. Our prayer is that the children and adults at Voice of Hope who fashion them into art for our day will know with certainty that beauty and eternal nature of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. —Lawan Glasscock bottom (l to r): Jacquita Gamble, Gessel Moreno middle: Galiea Perez, RhiZane Bridges. top: Christiana Russell, Pete Deison, Maria Gonzales, Debbie Solis
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Discovering a brave new world of prayer
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t the final men’s Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast last May, Pete Deison sought attendees for a summer solitude retreat. Seven answered the call and assembled at the PCPC offices on the afternoon of July 8 for the hot, two-hour trek to the wilds of Bosque County. I attended the retreat with some apprehension. I find silence difficult, and I am often distracted by errant thoughts. I overcame my apprehension through a new reliance upon the Lord that resulted from my participation in the Tuesday morning series. That series has changed the character and frequency of my prayer and changed my spiritual life. I used to think of prayer as a conversation with God, similar to a spiritual phone call. At my convenience I’d ring-up the Lord, regale Him with my troubles, confess my sins, and submit my latest “needs” list. Having given the Lord my instructions, I’d then go on with my life while He completed His assignments. The series caused me to realize that I prayed no differently than I conversed with other authority figures. I told them of my troubles, confessed errors, and asked for indulgences. So how did my prayers express my love for Him or the depth of shame for my sin? Where did my prayers seek His forgiveness or His blessing for others? They didn’t. They were as self-seeking as any other conversation. As my late mentor once critiqued a colleague’s presentation, “Partner, you’ve written a beautiful symphony, but it has only one note: Mi, Mi, Mi, Mi…” I shudder now to think about how I had approached my Creator, my Lord and Savior, the One Most Holy and Powerful God of the Universe with the same degree of reverence and humility I’d displayed in conversing with a police officer. The silver lining in this cloud (if there is one) is that I found solitary prayer difficult, so my offense was infrequent.
Pray out loud? No way.
Just as I found solitary, silent prayer difficult, I found praying out loud with others breathtakingly difficult. Rarely did I pray with others. On Tuesday mornings, when we were asked to pray with six other guys, out loud, in north Dallas, before God and everyone, I thought it impossible. But through our Lord nothing is impossible. The mustard seed of my prayer on that first Tuesday morning grew into bold, confident prayer by the end of the series. And, as I became more confident in prayer, my faith increased, and, as my faith increased, I became more confident in prayer. I now pray frequently, at the beginning of client meetings and when circumstances become difficult in meetings. Again, nothing is impossible with our Lord. PCPC WITNESS
Men gather for silent summer solitude
The character of my prayer also changed. As iron sharpens iron, the prayers of those in my Tuesday morning group caused me to ask deeper questions. What exactly is prayer? Why does the Lord encourage it? Are there matters inappropriate for prayer? Are there times to refrain from prayer? What personal circumstances might hinder my prayer? Why does the Lord honor certain prayers and not others? Does it matter to the Lord who offers prayer? These questions occupied my mind as we neared Bosque County. After dinner and an introduction from Pete, we set off for our first hour of silence and solitude. I expected a barrage of distracting thoughts that would interfere with my silent meditation. Instead, fully aware and alert, I experienced only a great void, punctuated occasionally by the groan of the air conditioning unit.
Ed McDow practices spending time alone with the Lord
Saturday dawned and we all scattered after breakfast for our second session—two hours of silence and solitude. As I sat on a limestone ledge overlooking a canyon; there were no sounds or movement. It was completely still. At that moment the Lord placed an answer upon my heart: Prayer is more than conversation. It became clear to me that there was nothing I could say to Him that He did not already know. Conversely, there was nothing I could ask that He had not already spoken —through His Word, His Creation, and His Being. I ended that second session exhausted. After a bit of lunch and a short hike, my energy returned for session three. This time, however, I began with prayers of praise and thanks with a humble heart. How could I not? And, after thanksgiving, the Lord gave me the certainty that my sins were forgiven. In that moment I experienced a calming reassurance that is impossible to describe and a peace that comes only from the Lord. —Terry Taylor 5
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Traditional Florida trip never the same twice
In the evenings, after dinner, everyone packed in the assembly room to worship together through singing and to hear from this year’s speaker, Ricky Jones, the head pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ricky spoke on Jesus’ call to follow Him, focusing on Matthew 8 and 9, talking about how our brokenness gives us access to Jesus, how Jesus’ goodness wins our obedience, how Jesus calls us to Himself, and how to live our
n May 28, five charter buses packed with 220 high school students and forty staff and volunteer leaders pulled out of the PCPC parking lot and headed toward Panama City Beach, Florida. Seventeen hours later, everyone finally arrived; The Florida Trip had finally begun. Each day of the trip, students woke up to a routine of breakfast, a morning seminar taught by one of our staff members, discussion time in “family groups,” and time to be alone with the Lord. After lunch, it was all fun and free time on the beach until dinner. Students lounged around on the beach, kayaked in the ocean, or took part in the yearly-anticipated volleyball tournament.
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Brother Nastri rides the surf.
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A volleyball team revs up.
lives with Jesus, and waiting on Him. After each evening seminar, students and leaders headed back to their cabins for cabin time. These cabin times were some of the best moments of the trip, as students were able to sort through what they had heard together and with their leaders. On the very last evening, students were led out for a time of silence on the beach. In all the noise of their everyday lives (and our own), the twenty minutes of no talking, no distraction, was a much-needed time for our students to be alone with the Lord. After the silence, students were called back inside and were given the opportunity to share what the Lord had been teaching them that week. Guys and girls from all grades stood up in front of their PCPC PCPC WITNESS WITNESS
peers to declare what they had learned about Jesus, how He had been changing their hearts, and offered encouragement to one another. So many students came forward to speak that we had to cut the time off just before midnight. Truly, our hearts were bursting to hear about what the Lord was doing in their lives! We are so grateful to each of the volunteer leaders— made up of recent high school graduates, college students, and young adults from Dallas—for the time they took out of their schedules to come love on students at The Florida Trip. This year’s group of volunteers was the best we have seen yet. The way each of them conveyed the love of our Lord to students was a beautiful thing to behold. We echo with glad hearts Psalm 126:3, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” —Jenni Goebel 7 7
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WorkPlace Ministries
Measuring success for Christians in business
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a young professional, I wrestle daily trying to balance and prioritize the calls on my life. It is difficult to understand how to achieve a harmony that glorifies God. There are many avenues to travel as a young man, and it is tremendously helpful to have the guidance of others who have been in my very situation and have developed into strong Christian leaders. At PCPC’s Workplace Ministries luncheon forum on May 17, Ray Nixon and Bob Rowling shared their life experiences and insights on how to serve God both in and outside the workplace. Each man humbly admitted that he did not have the single right answer, but rather he could relate how God has worked in his life and used him to further His Kingdom. Listening to their personal stories powerfully impacted my understanding of how to apply their message to me. Both men
a purpose and making sound business decisions that glorify God begin with a firm foundation built on the rock of Christ.
Christ first
Both men emphasized the importance of a personal relationship with God. A daily quiet time to read and meditate on His Word is essential. Because of our human nature, we can never pacify our burning desire to succeed by simply feeding the fire with more of what we desire. We often become trapped in a vicious cycle—we say that we will be happy once we achieve our goals, however, we never actually run out of goals. Instead, finding one’s identity in Christ permeates all areas of life, including the workplace. Stopping and listening to God will allow us to hear what His goals for us are. And they will satisfy.
Bob Rowling and Ray Nixon wrap up the luncheon panel discussion.
have excelled in the workplace, which is useful to many of us who spend a significant portion of our waking hours in the office. It can be very difficult to find the right steps to take as a young man, especially with what society tells us. Both men testified that working hard with AUGUST 2011
Naturally, my immediate response to being advised to spend substantial time with the Lord every morning is that I simply do not have the time. A hard truth that I am learning to accept is that I will never have “enough time!” But my other responsibilities will be fruitless unless I am fed by the Holy Spirit daily, and I have been encouraged to set this standard now rather than later.
In order to make difficult business decisions daily that glorify Christ, it is essential to have a high level of intimacy with the Lord to understand what ultimately will bring Him glory. Both men specifically told of instances where they made unpopular decisions based on Christian principles. Bob described his decision to remove pornographic material from Omni Hotels,
sacrificing millions of dollars to send a positive message to his customers.
Relationships second
Intentionality is also important in your relationships. The relationships that Bob and Ray emphasized were not necessarily the ones that will lead to the big deal, but rather those with family, friends, and in the church— ones easily consumed by work. Since God created humans to live in fellowship, we should seek out relationships with other Christians with the intent to sharpen one another. This comes through intentionality with family and friends, but, perhaps most importantly, these relationships are facilitated through serving in the church and fellowshipping in the body of believers. This luncheon enhanced my commitment to a Bible study dedicated to collective long-term growth of the individuals in the group.
Service to others third
Both men conveyed the importance of engaging others who need to experience Christ’s love. Reaching out connects us with others on a more meaningful level than simply striking a deal while also extending the grace and goodness of Christ into our world. Both men elaborated on the role mentoring has had in their lives—both on the giving and receiving end of such relationships. Fortunately, PCPC provides the opportunity for young men and women to seek such guidance as well as to participate on the other side of mentoring relationships. We all have God-given gifts designed to further His Kingdom, yet we have the choice to use them to be selfserving or to give them back to the One who enabled us in the first place. These gifts take all shapes and forms, from prayer for some to “striking a deal,” as in Bob Rowling’s case. Both men implored us to begin seeking His purpose today. After all, it will never be easier to pursue the Lord wholeheartedly than it is right now. —Chase Gosselin
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WorkPlace Ministries
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The Christian’s Monday after Sunday
n the fall of 2010, Bill Peel and a number of church members, deacons, elders, and pastors founded the PCPC Workplace Ministries (WPM) initiative with a mission to equip and inspire men and women to live their faith on the job and build bridges of influence to the workplace, community, and world. The bottom line of this ministry is simple—the work we do on Monday morning is as important to God as what we do on Sunday mornings. Who God is and how we are to worship Him in all we do with our lives doesn’t change at noon on Sunday. During the past nine months, PCPC has hosted luncheons featuring highly successful believers as keynote speakers. These luncheons are intended to help our community business leaders hear ideas about how they can direct their businesses with a focus on biblical principals. Our faith, WPM believes, is reflected in the quality of our work and how we relate to others. Work is a gift of God and a primary way we express love for God and serve our fellow man.
from the first interview that the company is based on Christian values.” Christ is not forced on anyone, but after a few years of working here, if God’s grace and love isn’t evident in how we work each and every day, then we have failed as leaders of this organization.
Bill Peel and Bill Henry visit before a WorkPlace Ministries luncheon.
John’s role as chaplain also includes teaching optional Bible studies and personal counseling with any employee who wishes it. The heart of MHBT leads directly to the top of the organization. A soft-spoken West Texan from Vernon, Bill exudes what it is to be a humble and meek servant leader. Jeff Barber commented after the lunch, “The strong respect among leadership for each person’s values and contribution to the organization seeks to honor Christ in all aspects of this business even though people from all different backgrounds work for MHBT.”
On June 14, Mark Davis, Pete Deison, and PCPC executive director Jeff Barber visited the offices of McQueary Henry Bowles Troy (MHBT) for a Corporate culture vs. church culture: similar lunch with PCPC member and CEO Bill Henry, partners Wade Nowlin and struggles myself, and John Liske, also a partner What was most enlightening about and MHBT’s chaplain. The purpose our lunch was the realization that was to get a firsthand running a church versus look at the components running a business does “The work we of a successful, Christnot differ much at all. do on Monday centered organization. When asked for some morning is as thoughts after our disimportant to John Liske, who was apcussion, Bill wrote, “The God as what we pointed chaplain shortly things that struck me do on Sunday after 9/11, offered great as takeaways would be mornings.” insight on what it takes to Mark’s discussion of John lead a sales force of over 15 and the church’s focus 50 people in a devotional to not let the many daily every quarter for the company’s sales duties take away from the true focus meetings. “I learned quickly that not of the church.” everyone employed by MHBT was a believer, but that they have similar We learned that many of the same values, ethics, and morals of what Bill struggles that face today’s corporate Henry would deem PLUs (People Like business environment are not any less Us). Human Resources makes it clear than that of those running the church PCPC WITNESS
and that the primary struggle for both was keeping the focus on Christ. “It is so easy to get caught up in the day-today grind of running a business that it is easy to take your eye off the ball and forget who you are ultimately working for,” added Wade Nowlin. Bill summed it up well when he stated, “I never thought a pastor could have my same struggles, too!!”
Moving forward
A great topic of our discussion was that of both young and older professionals’ transition into an ever-changing workplace. The Baby Boomers are getting laid off, replaced, and feeling inadequate. The younger folks in their 20s and 30s are feeling ignored in a tough economy and are waiting at the deli counter for their number to be called for an opportunity. It’s a complex issue for sure! In order to address these two demographics, Mark recommended a series of seminars for our 20-somethings and 50-60-somethings that desire spiritual guidance and advice during this difficult economy. If you would like to attend, lead, or feel a need to contribute to these seminars, please contact Lawan Glasscock at lawan.glasscock@ pcpc.org or 214-224-2739. —David Ball
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Extending the Kingdom: What does it look like? hen I first came to PCPC as a new employee, I kept hearing the church’s mission statement: “We exist to extend the transforming presence of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ in Dallas and to the world.” Before then I never thought of one being able to see the Kingdom on this side of heaven. The question that I kept pondering was, “What does the Kingdom of God look like?” I knew the theological answers, and that it will never disappear, and its foundations will never fail. I didn’t need a theological dissertation, but rather, I wanted to see what His Kingdom looks like here and now. My prayer became, “Lord show me Your hand at work and let me see Your Kingdom.”
In the past four years, God has shown me the beauty and majesty of His Kingdom in unexpected places and in ways beyond my wildest imagination. He is teaching me that the beauty of His Kingdom is not found within the walls of a building, but rather in the lives and in the hearts of His children who are living out the grace and peace He has given. His beauty isn’t found in programs, systems, or plans but in the day-to-day activities of the lives of His people. The surprising twist is that God is changing us just as much as those He calls us to serve. The Lord is using us, just as we are, and with all of our gifts and talents, to build His Kingdom through His people each and every day.
PCPC is celebrating its commitment to West Dallas that began 10 years ago. Currently, 8 of our 16 ministries are serving the West Dallas community. There are so many great stories of God rescuing, redeeming, and restoring lives. The following articles from participants at Mercy Street and West Dallas Community School offer just a few. By God’s grace, PCPC is making a huge impact in West Dallas. Have all the solutions been found for the trials there? No. Have we identified the right person to tackle the issues at hand? Yes. Our Lord is at work transforming the heart and lives of those in West Dallas even as He is conforming us to His likeness. The unexpected truth? We need our neighbors in West Dallas just as much as they need us; it is called mutual transformation. —Christina Spruill
God’s Portfolio: glimpses of the Kingdom at Mercy Street he mission of Mercy Street is to build up a future generation of leaders from West Dallas who will lead the transformation of our community. We have a long-term investment strategy for community transformation, kind of a Warren Buffet buy-and-hold approach. We believe that an investment in the children of West Dallas is a great investment and that the kids we invest in will begin to dream new dreams for their community and make it a great place to live and raise children.
from 2003. More importantly, we see some our kids making different choices and really embracing their role as future leaders of West Dallas. One thing we talk a lot about at Mercy Street is our “Leadership Funnel,” a focus on our ministry’s more intense time and energy on those students whom God is raising up as leaders and who are demonstrating a life of godly character and a willingness to learn. Through weekly Bible studies, the summer work crew, our junior umpire program, the counselor-in-training program with Pine Cove, and other intentional development efforts we are seeing young people thinking seriously about what a life lived for God demands of them.
“...unlike a stock, we do not sell our underperforming assets.”
Now that we are eight years into this movement, we have a chance to look at our “portfolio” and make some assessments. Overall, by God’s infinite grace, we are seeing some real dividends in our kids’ lives. Seventy percent of the first class of mentored students we took on eight years ago graduated this spring. That doubled the four-year completion rate (35%) AUGUST 2011
Long-term investments The pinnacle of those efforts is being realized this summer. We just sent a team of students and staff to Senegal
on a missions trip (see page 17). The six students who went are young people that Mercy Street has been investing in for at least five years. The hope is that they will catch a vision of God’s global Kingdom and how they are a part of Christ’s redemptive plan. Like any investment portfolio, not all the stocks are going to be winners. And we certainly have experienced some real disappointment, along with some of our mentors, as we see some of our kids make unwise choices with devastating consequences. Some of the kids have dropped out, some have had babies, others are dabbling with drugs. But unlike a stock, we do not sell our underperforming assets. We continue to love, encourage, and pray for these kids. And we hope that God will grip their hearts and empower them to begin to make better choices. We ultimately trust that God will do His will in each of the students. It is our job as a ministry and as mentors to remain faithful and obedient to sowing seeds, knowing that it is God Himself who causes growth. —Trey Hill
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Mercy Street school partnerships
Mercy Street mentoring
n reflecting on where God has brought us over these years and how He has done it, one thing is clear: Mercy Street would not exist without PCPC. The ministry was birthed by the church and continues to be generously supported by the church. Many of our first mentors were PCPC folks who have faithfully walked with their students over the last eight years.
e started Mercy Street around a simple idea—real, lasting community transformation comes from within. The residents of the community are the true change agents. We began to invest in a group of fourth and fifth graders by placing a caring, Christian adult in their lives, hoping that the relationship would stick and that the mentor would walk with the student through the twelfth grade.
To carry out this task of building future leaders, we need PCPC now more than ever. One important strategy Mercy Street has adopted is a church/school partnership model. We want every school we work with to have a church partner that commits to coming alongside the school and to helping serve the teachers, administration, staff, and students. Last year PCPC took important first steps to partner with George Washington Carver Elementary. Through efforts like Extreme School Makeover, where teams of PCPC folks helped prepare the school for opening the year, to Beyond Ourselves, where hundreds of folks came over to beautify the campus, to a special teacher
appreciation luncheon, PCPC blessed the school and helped deepen Mercy Street’s goodwill with one of our most important school partners. Our hope is to see that effort expanded this year. With major budget cuts coming to DISD, opportunities to love and bless the school will abound. You can help a student learn to read through in-school and out-of-school tutoring, assist a teacher with her grading, pray for the needs of the school and its students, or prepare snacks for the teachers’ lounge. Of course, you can always still mentor a student, too. Really, the opportunity exists to use your gifts and talents in a way that will make a real difference in our community.
We had simple goals for our students, too. We prayed they would surrender their lives to Jesus, and that the power of His Spirit would spark them to graduate from high school with plans for ongoing education, to remain sexually pure, and to develop a “future story” that includes giving back to the community.
I pray that you will pray about how you might invest some of your time and talent into George Washington Carver. The time spent will bless you while you are blessing others. —Trey Hill
Over the years, many of our mentors have gained an understanding of what we mean by a mutually transforming relationship. On the following page are some of those stories. —Trey Hill
“With major budget cuts coming to DISD, opportunities to love and bless the school will abound.”
Mercy Street mentors celebrate the high school graduation of many mentees.
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Personal reflections with mentor Bill Farrell and mentee Larry Bill and Larry were recently interviewed as they celebrated Larry’s graduation from Pinkston High School. Q: What was your first impression of Bill? What was your first impression of Larry? Larry: He was tall. I thought he was a basketball player. (to Bill): I thought you were hoopin’ or something. (Giving a thumbs up, he continues): I knew he would help change us, me, my family, us. Period. He gave out that vibe. First thing Bill ever fed me was a steak omelet with tabasco sauce.
Bill: When you caught your first touchdown pass—no don’t put that down, people will think I’m a sports fanatic or something. No, but the first football game, really. They didn’t pass you the ball though. (Bill and Larry share a laugh.) Q: Larry, what was your most difficult conversation with Bill? Bill, your most difficult conversation with Larry?
Larry: ANYONE, no matter race, age, (Larry gives a smirk to Bill) can come in your life and change you. They can have a big impact on your life. If you open up, you can meet the greatest friend in your life. No matter what background you come from, there is hope that you can be changed and become something better than anyone expected you to be. You won’t be a statistic.
“We all need relationships... that are based on our desire to see someone else mature.”
Bill: We all need relationships—relationships that are based on our desire to see someone else mature. Long-term relationships are the best, and we’re not through yet—got to get him through college and a good job so that he can take care of me. (Bill repays Larry’s previous smirk with a smirk.) I expected him to be, and I’m still expecting him to be, a mature Christian man. Q: What has Christ done in your heart through this relationship? Larry: He’s helped me open up as an individual, and He taught me that everything is possible as long as I believe and trust Jesus for strength. (Bill and Larry do fist hits here!) Bill: He’s drawn me much closer to Himself as a result of my relationship with Larry and as I’ve prayed for him.
Larry, Bill Farrell, and Broddrian
Bill: He was little. He was also determined. When Broddrion (Bill’s second mentee) entered the picture, Larry said, “Remember, I’m first.” I fed him a lot, especially pancakes. Q: What is your best memory with Bill? Best memory with Larry? Larry: My first SMU basketball game. I didn’t know anything about college, and he’s an SMU fanatic, you know.
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Larry: When he got on my case. But this year he really did open up my eyes and help me focus more. He said, “You’re not acting the same, and you need to change your ways. You need to do what you say.” If you make a deal, do it. Bill: Same. It took me only eight years. Q: Tell us three truths you have learned?
Q: Anything you want to say? Larry: (very soberly) Thank you for everything. He’s been there through the worst times and back. He’s trying to give me all the credit. He’s the mastermind behind the whole plan. Bill: (with a grin larger than life) Larry’s had very few worst times. He’s been a pleasure. He’s what every mentor would like to have.
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Mentoring at Mercy Street: an adventure with the Holy Spirit or almost seven years, my husband Bill and I have had the privilege of mentoring a sister and brother through the mentoring ministry of Mercy Street. As with any relationship that involves a commitment, such as marriage, parenting, joining a church, or taking a new job, you never fully know what lies ahead, but you do know that this is something God is calling you to do. That was true for us as we said “yes” when asked to consider being mentors. Our experience has truly been an adventure as God has taught us that mentoring is His work and that we are wholly dependent on Him and merely part of His plan for redemption in the lives of our mentees. We have seen these children grow and change before our eyes just as our own children have grown up and left the nest, often in spite of our imperfect parenting or mentoring. So why mentor? What difference has it made? Paul says in II Corinthians 2:6-8, “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing.” Mentors are bringers and bearers of this Light which shines in our hearts because we have been called out of the darkness of our sin by His grace. You don’t have to have all the answers because Jesus is the answer.
with the future leaders of West Dallas.” When we became mentors to Mariah and Ivan, I was not aware of this mandate but later heard Trey Hill, Mercy Street’s founder and executive director, articulate it at an urban missions conference. I realized then that being a mentor had transformed me, too. My prayer life deepened as many times things in my mentee’s life were beyond my control and I realized I had no one but the Lord to call upon. The more I prayed the more I saw God faithfully do things that were “above and beyond all that I could ask or think.” The challenge of trust The first year was challenging as Mariah and Ivan got to know us and we them. It took time for them to trust that Bill and I were committed to seeing them through the ups and downs in their lives. Mercy Street provided training for us as mentors and encouraged and guided us, but in the end we had to take the principals and apply them in unique
“Mentoring has blessed us in ways we never could have imagined...”
and special ways. That first summer Mariah attended camp with Mercy Street. When she got off the bus back in Dallas she was a different girl. She had committed her life to Christ! Two years later Ivan also committed his heart to Christ at camp. There have been so many unexpected twists and turns for both of them since then, but all under the sovereign control and purposes of God for their lives. Now 18, Mariah graduated June 1 from a Christian boarding school and plans to begin college this fall. Ivan, at 16, is still in school and wants to live for the Lord. God continues to write His story in each of our lives, teaching us His ways and molding us into the people He wants us to be. Mentoring has blessed us in ways we never could have imagined, and we are so glad the Lord has knit our families together in His love. God is writing His story in your life, too, and if you sense Him calling you to mentor I can only say “do it!” It will be an adventure with the Holy Spirit that will change you forever. —Angela Thomas (l to r) Angela Thomas, Mariah’s mom Marita, Mariah, and Annie Roberson
Mercy Street’s mandate is “To be used of God to spark Christ-honoring community restoration by engaging in mutually-transforming relationships PCPC WITNESS
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Making a difference at West Dallas Community School he first time we heard about West Dallas Community School (WDCS) was when we were sitting in church and Tom Neuhoff went to the podium to share about why he was stepping out of practicing law and into the headmaster position. We were both humbled by his servant heart. However, our involvement with the school did not begin for a few more years and was strictly financial at the beginning. Jennifer and I both attended fall luncheons separately, giving small donations. After a couple of years, we felt the Lord telling us that giving money was not enough, and we needed to get involved at the school. I knew Selby and Clanton Harrison were very involved at the school, so I asked Clanton to lead employees at my work on a tour of the school as part of the time we set aside as a company every Wednesday at lunch to spend time with the Lord. Before the tour that day I had never been to the school, even though I had been giving to it for years. We were all blown away at the education, instruction in good habits, and portrayal of the gospel the students were receiving. The school building and faculty also made a lasting impression. I shared with Jennifer what I had seen and learned that day on the tour, and we prayerfully considered becoming shepherds/mentors. In late fall of 2007, we were given the opportunity to shepherd Ktor Johnson. Ktor lived with his two siblings and his grandmother, even though his mother lived in Dallas. There was no father or grandfather involved in his life. The first time I met his grandmother, she told me she did not care that I was white, but was so appreciative that I would want to be a male figure in his life. Ktor no longer attends WDCS, but we are still involved in his life. In the fall of 2009, our family decided that we would like to also shepherd a young female student at WDCS, since my daughters were ages two and almost five at the time. Brooklynn then became a part of our family and still is today. She lives with her AUGUST 2011
“The bonds of generational poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and illiteracy are being broken one student at a time.”
(l to r) Mason Prather, Brooklynn, Robert, Bess, and Jennifer Prather
brother, mom, and grandmother, and like Ktor there is no influential male figure in her life. The following are things our family loves about WDCS and the students there:
1. You are not just a shepherd to one child, but every child in your child’s class wants you to be his/her shepherd. Their smiles are contagious and their needs are so simple—a hug and someone to give them a little extra attention. 2. It brings us joy that the
school is equipping these students to succeed academically and spiritually. The ministry is not just giving handouts for which there is nothing to show afterwards, but these children are learning to be Christfocused, contributing citizens.
3. That Brooklynn’s grandmother
wanted to come meet us at the school the first day we met Brooklynn, so she could pray for us as shepherds.
4. The bonds of generational poverty,
drug and alcohol abuse, physical and sexual abuse, and illiteracy are being broken one student at a time.
5. It is always humbling to see the joy
in the faces of the students that often have nothing and come from broken homes, contrasted with the self-centered, materialistic society in which we live and are often guilty of adopting. We are also often humbled when we begrudgingly drive over to West Dallas to pick up our kids for an activity when we would rather be doing some-
thing else, to then have one of them tell us something like “thank you, this is the best day I have ever had”
6. That our girls love playing with Ktor and Brooklynn and really do not see the different skin color; they are just like any of their other friends. 7. That Ktor stands up for our girls
and Brooklynn at the park or restaurant play area when other children are not being nice.
8. That Christ has revealed to us His provision (and our lack of faith) countless times when it looked like the budget might not be met. 9. The teaching moments it provides with our own children. 10. Our involvement at West Dallas Community School brings our entire family much joy. —Jennifer and Robert Prather
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A mighty ministry duo in West Dallas came to West Dallas Community School (WDCS) in the summer of 1998 to help with a program called Summer of Choice. I had heard so much about the school and thought it would be something that I could do as a volunteer project with our teen daughter to give her something of substance to do that summer besides work on her tan. It was a great time for Rebecca and me. It exposed her to a part of the city and to poverty which she had never seen. We both fell in love with the students and so enjoyed our time volunteering that I have been there ever since serving in various capacities, including liaison between the church and the school and also as a member of the Advisory Board at West Dallas Community School. I have learned and gained so much from my involvement at the school. I have worked in the office filing, helping with mailings, shredding, copying, laminating—just whatever needed to be done. I have also tutored in every grade from pre-K through Class 5. Working with the students has been my favorite thing to do as I have watched children grow, mature, learn—and most importantly, commit
their hearts to Jesus. I have seen so many children’s lives transformed, and even the lives of whole families. West Dallas Community School has had an enormous impact on students, their families, and the community as a whole. The school is truly a light in a very dark part of our city. Because of the example of the school, I have seen West Dallas begin to change as a community. Where there once was no hope there is now hope—hope of a better life for their children and, most of all, hope in eternal life with our Lord. I feel so blessed that the Lord has given me this opportunity to serve Him and the school. —Anne Brown first became involved with West Dallas Community School by being a table host at one of their annual luncheons that introduces people to the school and the work being done. As I watched the children who were at the luncheon greeting and talking to guests, I knew I had to become more involved. Their discipline and manners were really impressive, and the need these kids have touched my heart.
When I retired from work over two years ago, I wanted to spend my time doing more volunteer work. Anne had been involved at West Dallas Community School for several years and enjoyed her time with the children. I decided this was the perfect place for me. After recruiting a few teams of shooters for an annual Sporting Clay event that supports the school, I decided to work on the committee that puts the event together. I have also been tutoring at the school for the past two years and even help teach students how to play golf. Working with the children at West Dallas Community School has meant so much to me. This past year at the end of school, one of the second grader students sent me a thank you note without any suggestion from the teacher. I knew then I was at the right place! This next year I am taking the plunge and getting even more involved by becoming a member of the Board of Directors. I am looking forward to serving in this role. —Buster Brown
“Where there once was no hope there is now hope...”
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ESL teacher shares hospitality and Japanese Bibles Rira Takizawa, whose written English is advanced, heard about PCPC’s ESL classes last fall and called to see if someone could work with her to practice conversation. Soon Rira invited friends to join the class, and the three young professional women who are originally from Japan, converged each Monday morning at PCPC to meet with their ESL tutor, Joanie Payne, who put a great deal of effort toward bringing in materials which triggered interesting conversations.
Amelia to draw the curtains, so she did—in a lovely sketch! I loved the way they pronounced Amelia Bedelia— every syllable articulated. It was very good practice of the “L” sound! In addition to language, the group shared their life experiences, like wedding customs. The next session we talked about their impressions of American culture, such as streets empty
showed them two ink drawings of delicate flowers floating among Japanese words that hang in our entrance hall. They were not sure of its origin, but they unanimously confirmed that one of the wall hangings was framed upside down! We were still laughing as we sat down to lunch. Our conversation included summer plans, museum exhibitions, the Mavericks, and Rira and her husbands` move to Tokyo.
(l to r) Mamiko Abe, Rira Takizawa, Aki Ohashi, Joanie Payne
The three friends desired to perfect their conversational English while focusing on everyday American activities. Rira, Mamiko, and Aki came with a proficiency in vocabulary, pronunciation, and syntax, but wanted to better understand the reasons behind the language. Each session included roleplaying, reading, and answering specific questions the three would bring to class. Idioms, not meant for literal translation, often invite problems. Aki, for example, was perplexed when a waiter in a restaurant asked her, “Are you working on that?” He meant, of course, “Have you finished your meal?” Reading together the children`s book series, Amelia Bedelia, by Peggy Parish, has provided the group with both idiom instruction and laughter! They love Amelia Bedelia`s every move. In one example, the homeowner told AUGUST 2011
of people and so much space. We pretended to interview for a job, talked about food, and always discussed their weekend activities. For example, Mamiko had gone with her husband to Brenham to see the bluebonnets one weekend. The Monday following Japan`s disastrous earthquake and tsunami we spent the morning sharing bits of information while gathered around a map of Japan. Thankfully, God had protected each one`s family, home, and friends. Mamiko, who works for the Japan America Society, reported a huge outpouring of support and sympathy. I told them of the prayers which the PCPC congregation offered for the devastated country during Sunday services. Our group`s final gathering was a farewell luncheon in my home. I
We exchanged gifts, the highlight for me being able to give Japanese-English Bibles from PCPC`s ESL program. Rira, Mamiko , and Aki were visibly touched. Each woman wanted to make sure her gratitude would be expressed to the ESL program at PCPC. All of a sudden it was 5:30 pm! Four and a half hours with these friends had passed quickly. We hugged and everyone left, but not before suggesting one more get-together before Rira`s departure. Later I read the kind notes that accompanied their small presents and was reminded of the Lord`s graciousness and the hugeness of His plans that would connect one ESL tutor with His world. —Joanie Payne
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Grace received and given ercy Street has always dreamed of the day when we would see leaders emerging from within the community of West Dallas to go out and serve the world. By the grace of God and the help of our partners at PCPC, we watched this beautifully unfold in late June. Six of our most solid leaders traveled to Dakar, Senegal, to serve alongside Mamadou Diop at the West Africa Theological Institute (WATI). The students amazed us with their grateful spirits, childlike wonder, incredible work ethic, and profound realizations. As we watched the women at WATI vigorously pounding millet from the fields to convert it into coucous, I heard Sharmonique say, “And we get mad when the microwave takes too long!” As we drove past the straw huts with dirt floors, they would mention how grateful they were for air conditioning at home and a free education.
“The students amazed us with their grateful spirits, childlike wonder, incredible work ethic, and profound realizations.”
The students were keenly aware of the incredible opportunities they’ve been given, and they plotted about ways they could somehow utilize their resources to raise awareness for the needs of WATI and the Senegalese people. I’m thrilled to see what their brilliant minds come up with as they continue to discuss practical ways they can serve Mamadou and his team from their home base here in West Dallas!
Watching Mamadou in action was one of the highlights of the trip for our team. He has such a gentle and quiet spirit, yet he’s one of the strongest leaders we’ve ever seen. He was constantly looking for ways to bless our team—whether that was through fresh mangos, a word of encouragement, a reminder that love is expensive, or a celebratory boat ride. It was worth it to fly our students over there just to watch the way Mamadou loved those around him and poured himself out for the gospel. I think Mamadou’s spirit rubbed off on our students during our time together. Christoph, a man from the village who was leading our painting project, had been eying Adrienne’s
brand new boots from day one. On our final bus ride home, I noticed Adrienne didn’t have her boots on, and I found out she gave them to Christoph because he needed them more than she did. She didn’t make a big show or ring bells so all would see; she simply wanted to bless Christoph. Later in the day I saw Seville give his brand new pair of Jordan’s to our translator, Detchie, and T.O. parted with some dear gifts for our other translator, Songo. Those quiet moments opened my eyes to the deep work of the Spirit in the lives of our students. I pray we made an impact on the men and women of Senegal during our 10 days together, and I can assure you the Senegalese made a tremendous impact on us. —Julie Rodgers Top, Adrienne and Sharmonique share some love with Senegalese children. Middle, Antonio and Adrienne scrub down a wall. Left, the group happily follows Mamadou (far right).
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Yo tengo goza, goza, goza en mi corazon!
T
(I have joy, joy, joy in my heart)
wenty-five duffle bags, including seven gallons of Texas barbecue sauce, accompanied our shortterm team to Peru on June 24. We went to Cuzco to work alongside MTW missionaries Keith and Ruth Powlison, Scott and Meghan Dillon, and Nathan and Kristen Henson. Members of eight families comprised the team of 28 ranging in age from nine to 50-something. The duffle bags were filled with the Powlisons’ wish list including children’s clothing, construction equipment, M&Ms, peanut butter, hundreds of blankets donated at PCPC’s VBS, as well as the barbecue sauce for the meal we would host at the church. We spent our first day acclimating to the altitude—10,600 ft. above sea level. Our teenagers joined Scott at the local church youth service later that evening. Sunday we were greeted warmly at Iglesia Evangelica Presbyteriana y Reformada en el Peru. The service included songs in Spanish and Quechua, Keith’s message, and communion. Later some of the teenage boys played soccer with the local teenagers using balls the team donated. During the week, the team served in two primary locations: Casa Josefina, an orphanage, and the building site of an eye clinic at the local medical clinic close to the church. The women and girls assisted the gracious nannies who care for the chil-
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dren at Casa Joefina. Currently eleven children live there, from the youngest, Baby Zoe, to the oldest, Daniel, age 8. They come to the orphanage through the local “CPS” in Cuzco. They may be abandoned or the parent(s) simply cannot afford to provide for them. Keith and Ruth have been blessed to place numerous children with adopting families and have themselves added Emma and Ellie to their family. Our team painted the children’s bedrooms and playroom. Midweek, we hosted VBS with 45-50 children attending each day; they came from a neighboring orphanage and the community. We sang songs, shared the good news of Jesus, and shared crafts and games with the children.
Helping the blind to see— literally and spiritually
Meanwhile, the men on our team served alongside Keith and Nathan, as well as two local members of the church, who became the construction team’s new best friends, to frame the eye clinic. The men quickly learned to saw, hammer, level, and work as a team to put together the framing and roof joists for the clinic. Many Peruvians are blind from cataracts, and Nathan will be able to restore their sight with a simple procedure at the clinic. This medical care will
open up many opportunities for him to share the gospel. He is hopeful the clinic will open in September and was so appreciative of the work accomplished on the clinic during the week. Our trip culminated with a Texas barbecue at the church, and our guests found the barbecued chicken may deliciosa! We taught our new friends the Cotton-Eyed Joe while some told stories of fishing and camping escapades. Each of the men also explained why we came to Peru and used the opportunity to share the love of Christ. To conclude the evening, we showed the Jesus film in the native Quechua language. There were many hugs and tears as we left our new friends that evening to return to Dallas. What a privilege to be an encouragement to our MTW missionaries and partner with their ministry in Cuzco. As we served as the hands and feet of Christ, we were richly blessed by our new friends and left Cuzco with joy, joy, joy in our hearts! —Mark Scudder
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MTW missionary and eye doctor Nathan Henson helps build the eye clinic.
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Bronsons
Youngs
Rheas
in
SEVEN
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aving been back in the States for four weeks, every member of our team is longing for some Hi-chew. Google it. Ten of us traveled to Chiba, Japan, on June 10 on a mission to bring the comfort of the gospel and even some manual labor to its people. This year our team split our time between doing traditional work with college ministry and recovery work in Northern Honshu. It is our pleasure to report that Makuhari Presbyterian Church, specifically planted as one part of PCPC’s 2020 churches, has grown so much that they are now crowded into their small worship space on Sundays. Oyumino Presbyterian Church has strategically decided on an area near Sendai in which to supply relief and start a church. Seima Aoyagi is back in Tokyo, and his family is well. The returning members of our team felt very fortunate to see some of our student friends again this year. Most
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Vol. XXII, No. 3 • AUGUST 2011 Park Cities Presbyterian Church 4124 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75219 www.pcpc.org
would call them, even after we have been back in the States for a while. Rebuilding in Japan has moved from relief phase to long-term-recovery phase. In the town of Shiogama, we partnered with a Japanese Baptist church to help. Our job was to help demolish a house with a damaged foundation, so that the church could rebuild a larger volunteer center in its place. With smiles and sweat, but fortunately no blood, we managed to remove most of its plaster walls and tile roof. The materials were then taken to
Periodical Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas
different dumps and re-allocation centers. It’s not easy to see the destruction and keep a cheerful spirit, but in times like these we were reminded of Fanny Crosby’s words: Look up, the clouds are breaking, the storm will soon be o’er; and thou shall reach the haven where sorrows are no more. Look up, be not discouraged; Trust on whate’er befall, Remember, O remember, Thy Savior knows it all. There is much work yet to do in Japan. If you would like to learn more about God’s work in the Land of the Rising Sun, come talk to folks on our World Missions team at the church. They would be happy to talk to you or put you in touch with us. —David Lott & Terry McDonald Left, top row, Terry McDonald, Emily Wells, David Lott, Adam Stapelton, Tricia Schoon front row, Tommy Lebowitz, Kristen King, Ada Denn, Ruby Giese, Tim Bentson Below, earthquake clean-up in Shiogama
of them have not made a profession of faith yet, but we are encouraged to see how their exposure to God’s truth is increasing. We are reminded that we worship a Savior who gently but firmly pursues, sometimes over the course of years, in people’s lives. It is our hope that God will call them to be His sons and daughters, and we try (sometimes quite feebly) to use every opportunity to make known to them the goodness of our Lord. It is God who softens the heart to believe, so we would greatly appreciate your prayers for all those we have met, that God