November 7, 2006
Dear Friends,
We knew that the sharing conference last August with other returning
PC(USA) mission workers in Louisville wouldn’t be easy.
In May, we had heard that 55 mission and 75 staff positions were
to be cut. Though a generous gift saved some mission positions,
the long-term mission forecast appeared cloudy, at best. Of the
leadership that remained to address us, most were scheduled to
be laid off in October in order to facilitate revision of the
divisional ministry structure of the PC (USA).
Funding for missionaries is ensured only through 2008, leaving
our continued tenure dependent upon how the churches, presbyteries,
and General Assembly respond to the budget crisis and so determine
how we as a church will share in global mission. Certainly, this
is a period of soul-searching throughout a church with a legacy
of character, effectiveness, and integrity in mission, as it has
reached out to share the love, mercy, and good news of Jesus Christ
on a global scale.
Much has come out of this crisis that is good. First, the church
has rediscovered that both mission and mission stewardship are
personal, highlighting the need for a personal relationship between
churches and their missionaries. Churches personally involved
with their missionaries have a fervor that not only undergirds
sound stewardship, it kindles a passion for the world that reflects
God’s own. Sharing this passion with churches, pastors,
and members of the churches has led us to observe that although
the PC(USA) is divided on some matters, global mission remains
a commitment.
Tom and Judy Harvey with Paul and Emma.
Churches are awakening to the truth that if they do not support
Presbyterian mission and missionaries directly, this precious
offering we lift up to God will end. This has put paid to the
false assumption that if churches fail to fund PC(USA) global
missionaries, the shortfall will be made up by the unified budget.
We are forced to recognize that mission, missionaries, and mission
staff require church support if they are to continue. Our work
now is to help churches and individuals better understand the
challenge before us that as good Presbyterians they might act
well their part, for there all honor lies.
As we have shared these concerns with churches, the response
has been encouraging. Nonetheless, the true test is when challenge
is wed to generous stewardship. May I encourage you to prayerfully
take up the challenge and consider increasing your giving to global
mission through the work of your dedicated PC(USA) mission workers.
Having spent the last 24 years of my life in missions both in
and out of the PC(USA), without hesitation I can commend PC(USA)
missions and missionaries as worthy of your continued and increasing
support. The tenacity, character, perseverance and excellence
of Presbyterian mission, empowered by the Spirit of God, have
produced a rich harvest evidenced in the unprecedented growth
of the church globally. Moreover, there is a reservoir of appreciation
by our brothers and sisters overseas for the work we have done
as well as a deep concern that that ongoing work is now threatened
by a lack of support. The challenges arising from the great expansion
of the church globally require an expansion, not a withdrawal
from mission. If the last few months have been a cold slap in
the face for the church, that is good in that it should remind
us that each generation is called to take up the cross and follow
Christ into the world. The great tragedy for us would be if our
generation failed to heed Christ’s summons and so dishonor
the Great Commission that has been placed before us.
Tom in the Great Smokey Mountains showing off his new clothes.
This fall we have visited conferences and churches in North Carolina,
Minnesota, Michigan and Tennessee. In Detroit, both Judy and I
were called to preach in separate churches, which was a new experience
for Judy. In Minnesota, we shared with the good doctors of Rochester,
Minnesota, and in Tennessee, Tom’s wild side came to the
fore in the midst of the beautiful Smoky Mountains, which only
shows he is really a sheep in wolf’s clothing.
As for the family, Joe has settled on history as his major at
Davidson, while Paul has joined the Wheaton Cheer squad and now
tosses beautiful girls in the air or stands them on his rugged
shoulders. Regular gym has left him stronger than when we dropped
him off in August. Emma’s dramatic interests flourish, as
she will have two different performances on the same day in December.
We are thankful for God’s providence in all matters and
we wish you God’s richest blessing during this time of great
harvest.
Blessings,
Tom for Judy, Joe, Paul and Emma
The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p.
126 |
