August 2005

Dear Friends,

As we pulled into the campus of Westminster College for the 100th New Wilmington Missionary Conference, the new auditorium was described to us—an open-sided structure facing a small lake complete with a sawdust floor. It reminded me of the “sawdust trail” those receiving Christ walked up in response to the evangelist Billy Sunday (1862-1935) who preached in structures such as this.

The New Wilmington auditorium was crowded on Sunday night, July 24, 2005, as hand-in-hand, Ted and I stood with our fellow mission co-workers to be commissioned by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as we were asked, “Do you welcome your responsibility because you are determined to follow the Lord Jesus, to love neighbors, and to work for the reconciling of the world?”

I thought, “This is really it. No turning back.” It was a sobering yet joyful moment.

It has been decided that we will be living in Lusaka, Zambia, on the campus of the Justin Mwale Theological School. We will be able to have a supportive home base as we travel about half of the time. Living at the school will also provide opportunities to practice Chichawa, one of the predominant languages.

As regional liaisons, the two of us will represent PC(USA) in five African countries. Our role is bridge-building and facilitating the flow of conversation and resources between America and our partners. In addition, we will offer pastoral care to PC(USA) members in the field. Thirdly, we will represent The Outreach Foundation in developing church growth and evangelism projects. How it will play out in the huge geographic area of Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, God only knows. The one thing we do know is that we “can do all things through him who strengthens [us]” (Philippians 4:13 NRSV).

The current regional liaisons for east central Africa, Bob and Bobbi Snyder, are permanently returning home in August, much earlier than planned, due to health issues. This will necessitate spending time Stateside with them to learn about the African denominational partners, projects, and the nitty-gritty of being regional liaisons. Please keep the Snyders in your prayers.

Our “to do” lists grow faster than our check-offs. During the last week of August our daughter Bethany and our belongings will relocate in Valley Falls, New York. Our son, David, will remain in the Philadelphia area. Langhorne Presbyterian will send us off with a celebration on September 11. We hope to leave for Africa in early October. Before then, we plan to visit family and catch some R&R.

How can you support us during these days? Pray, pray, pray. Pray for our physical and emotional endurance during this stressful time. Pray for our partner churches as they anticipate our arrival. Pray for our home church, Langhorne Presbyterian, of over 22 years, that they will continue to grow spiritually and keep their eyes on the Lord during this transition of leadership. Pray for our families as they cope with our move to Zambia. Pray for Ted and me, that we will be attentive to God’s leading and faithful in our love for Him.

And what else? Well, we’re glad you asked. Our salaries, housing, health insurance are all provided through the PC (USA) and The Outreach Foundation. For all other expenses, ministry funds have been set up. One of our most urgent needs will be for a vehicle, which will be ordered once we are on site. Due to “road” conditions (that’s stretching the definition), it is imperative we have a vehicle that can handle the terrain. We will also need to set up an office including a computer, printer, and fax machine.

Contributions from individuals may be sent to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Individual Remittance Processing, PO Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700. Contributions from churches should be sent to: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Church Remittance Processing, PO Box 643678, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3678. Write the title (Regional Liaison for Southern Africa) and the ECO number on the subject line (E0517335) of the check and put it on your cover letter, too. Send a copy of the cover letter to the Office of International Evangelism at 100 Witherspoon St. Louisville, KY 40202-1396. Or click the "give" button below.

Or to:

The Outreach Foundation (marked for the Wrights):
318 Seaboard Lane, Suite 205
Franklin, TN 37067

We praise God for partners like you who journey with us in this new adventure.

In our Savior’s matchless love,

Sue