Re:  GAC provides $720,000 to cover MIJHH operating expense

The language of journey — a fundamental theme of the Advent and Christmas seasons — is one we know well at Joining Hearts & Hands (MIJHH).

In the journey toward our goal to renew the church for mission, we have faced many hardships and challenges.  And yet we journey onward.

The original intent of MIJHH, mandated by the 214th General Assembly (2002), was to raise $20 million for the National Ministries Division of the PC(USA) and $20 million for the Worldwide Ministries Division.  Initially many hoped that unrestricted funds would be given for disbursement by the divisions by a relatively small number of Presbyterians.  Because the original strategy of the campaign did not prove successful, the campaign moved to a strategy of partnerships with presbyteries in the spring of 2003.  All seven of our presbytery partnerships represent campaigns that would not have been attempted but for MIJHH, which from the beginning has provided not only the impetus to raise funds for mission, but critical development, marketing, and strategic support along the way.

Because of the GAC’s action on December 7 to provide the funding necessary to finish the campaign, those of us who have been called to the ministry of MIJHH have now been commissioned to bring the campaign home “by another road,” partnerships with congregations.

Under the leadership of a strong national steering committee, co-chaired by the Rev. Joanna Adams and the Rev. Dave Peterson, with the Rev. Tom Gillespie as honorary chair, our journey continues — with confidence in God who guides us — toward the $40 million goal.

David York
Director, MIJHH
Louisville, Kentucky

Posted on the Website of the Presbyterian Outlook
December 21, 2006