September 8, 2008

Dear Friends,

Are you ready for change? No, I am not referring to the U.S. political arena. Rather, it’s an invitation to be part of Christ’s mission through the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Stepping beyond our normal boundaries and being engulfed by an unfamiliar environment, culture, and language is discomforting; however, anxiety fades when we consider the common ground we share with our extended family of faith in other lands. To witness the devotion, vibrant worship, and sacrificial hospitality of our sisters and brothers can be an awe-inspiring and humbling experience. Shared concerns and prayers for one another sow the seeds of new understanding of oneself, of others, and of God. With this in mind Presbyterian World Mission shares its mandate with our global partners in ways in which you and your congregation can participate!

As liaison between mission partners in Central Africa and our Presbyterian constituency in the United States, I see snapshots of transformation taking place. Longing for meaningful and lasting relationships with our sisters and brothers in this region, a growing number of presbyteries, congregations, and individuals seek guidance as they discern how to engage in God’s mission.

Volunteer Tom Sullivan has the rapt attention of children in West Kasai, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

One example is that of a church in Maryland that wanted to build on its decades-long commitment to a local tutoring ministry. They sought a church in Africa that shared a passion for the education of children, a church in which there could be mutual encouragement and challenge in their common faith. Presbyterian World Mission staff were approached for help in the discernment process. I joined in the effort to identify a match in Cameroon and have walked with them since. The enthusiasm and commitment on both sides of the ocean helps them through the “teething” period of a new relationship.

A retired couple from Chicago with extensive experience in education accompanied a Presbyterian mission worker as she visited the Democratic Republic of Congo several years ago. Their experiences triggered a passion for promoting peace and education in Congo. Numerous trips have followed for them. Ever since, they have worked with Presbyterians and others in an effort to influence U.S. government policy and aid related to the Democratic Republic of Congo. At the invitation of our partners in Congo, they helped facilitate a strategic planning process. Congolese church leaders and educators set priorities and mapped out a plan to improve education ministries in over 600 primary and secondary schools. Drawing together other Presbyterians with similar interests, they helped form the Congo Education Team, which attempts to raise awareness in the United States and to accompany the educators in Congo as they try to realize their vision. Throughout all this, the couple has worked in close collaboration with me and staff in the Presbyterian Center in Louisville.

Transformation can also happen close to home. While on interpretation assignment in the United States I was invited to preach one Sunday morning. In honor and recognition of its partnership in Cameroon one church invited a group of African musicians living in the area to share their talents in worship. Overwhelmed by the rhythm and harmony of the music, I saw the “frozen chosen” as Presbyterians are sometimes called, warm up to the beat, their reservations melting away as they joined in dance, giving thanks to God. The occasion transformed their worship experience, and hopefully enhanced relations with their African neighbors.

We see an increasing number of Presbyterians daring to move beyond boundaries of familiarity to risk transformation that God may have in store. In response to the needs grown out of this shift, Presbyterian World Mission is adapting to offer better support. In recent years mission networks have been nurtured to provide a place for presbyteries, congregations, and individuals involved in Presbyterian missions in particular countries to exchange experiences, provide mutual support, and explore collaboration. Jeff and World Mission staff work closely with those organizing network meetings. A network leadership event organized by World Mission staff later this month will further provide opportunities for those leading the networks to share news, information, experiences, and expectations with the hope that well-functioning networks will in turn strengthen congregations and presbyteries for healthy mission partnerships.

Other initiatives affirm and reinforce the connections between our constituency and Presbyterian mission programs. Following a combined mission conference and network meetings last October, the church made available nearly 50 mission workers to speak in presbyteries and congregations throughout the United States. The appreciation expressed for this first Mission Challenge initiative has led to another being planned for 2009. Earlier this year, our church organized a broad dialogue concerning collaboration in God’s mission. This resulted in an “Invitation to Expanding Partnership in God’s Mission," a covenant all Presbyterians are invited to endorse.

The new Equipping the Church for Mission office in the World Mission offices will resource and empower us all to be part of Presbyterian missions more effectively. As regional liaison, I am privileged to serve as an in-the-field extension of this World Mission team. I am available to you and our partners as you seek to build mission relations in Central Africa. I thank God for allowing me to be a participant in transformative processes: as one who has been, and continues to be, transformed myself.

Peace be with you,

Jeff

The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 9