August 28, 2007

Friends,

It seems there has been a lot of activity in Guatemala recently—the kind that gets a lot of attention, even in the United States. Regrettably, most of that attention is negative

At times it is easy to forget why the PC(USA) is here. Clearly, it must be more than just hosting short-term mission teams that come to learn what their faith requires of them; clearly, it must be more than just sitting back and thanking God that comparable appalling things don’t happen in the United States; clearly, it must be more than the performance of a minor construction project or assisting with a medical clinic or an educational workshop.

Strangely, many find as they struggle through these aspects the positive hand of God—touching, urging, leading, guiding us to actions or understandings we could get in no other way than by doing “mission.” We find that some mission team members do leave here feeling good about what they have done or what they have learned, while others leave troubled as they come to realize that some of their choices have had an impact in the lives of some of the most marginalized people in the world.

But there is something about Guatemala that strikes a responsive chord in many and keeps them coming back year after year, spending their vacation time and their treasure when they could have spent their time and money at the beach.

But that is the nature of what is called “mission”—that yearning ache to serve God by serving brothers and sisters so different from ourselves, often at the cost of being unable to express adequately to friends and relatives at home why you are doing this. How many of you have ever heard someone say to you, “Why don’t you just send the money and stay home. That would do more good,” or “there is plenty of need right here in the United States, so why don’t you attend to that first?” Even those of you who have never been here still support mission activity in some fashion. Your hearts and frequently your wallets have been on the line and you, too, have had to explain the reasons for your support. None of this is anything new. It is the constant struggle of a faithful and believing people as they strive to “know God.” For some it is easier than others, but many lose sleep and some change their lives in major ways while others change choices they make or become more aware of the causes of the inequality that exists in the world.

The PC(USA) has had its own struggles, and those of us who are employed by the Presbyterian World Mission have felt that personally. In October, the church is taking a big step to make all our churches aware of the work the PC(USA) is doing in Guatemala and around the world. It’s called Mission Challenge 2007 and I hope your church is involved in it.

During October there will be 47 mission workers traveling and speaking in 143 of our 173 presbyteries around the country. They will be telling stories of their work and the ministry they share with you in at least 700 Presbyterian churches. That is not all of our churches but it’s a good start, and many PC(USA) members who don’t know what was being done in their names around the world will now have the chance to hear firsthand how lives are being saved, wells are being dug, kids are being educated, and hope is being shared every day in Christ’s name with people in need around the world.

If you’ve not heard of this you might ask your pastor or your executive presbyter about it. These mission workers will be meeting with groups large and small, preaching, teaching, and sharing a short video that has recently been created about the work of the church. The video will be on a DVD sent to every PC(USA) congregation soon, and I hope you tell your pastor and office workers to watch for it.

This is a very positive thing and can help you feel proud of the work the church is doing in your name. I don’t want to mislead you; there will also be an appeal for every church to support at least one missionary like me or Gloria. But it is clear that once more people understand the work of the church, many will want to do that.

I think this is very important and I am confident there will be speakers in all the presbyteries covered in this short letter. I hope you do hear a speaker—and do let me know when you do.

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10

Peace,

Roger and Gloria

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 65