In 2006, a group
of pastors and the general presbyter from Olympia Presbytery
traveled to Malawi. Even in the midst of hardships, the group
saw an immense faith, delightful humor, and a deep yearning
for relationship. The presbytery formally adopted a partnership
agreement with the Synod of Livingstonia to provide mutual learning
and understanding. Olympia is raising funds and making plans
to send more workers to Malawi.
The First Cambodian Ministry, led by the Rev. Sahara Chea,
held its first worship service in 2007 at Westminster Presbyterian
Church in Tacoma. As the Rev. Chea described it, “God
is moving us forward with Cambodian language classes, new membership
classes, and baptisms. We also hold counseling and healing sessions
because most people are dealing with past wounds.”
The Rev. Irvin Porter is the first Native American pastor of
the Church of the Indian Fellowship in Puyallup. This small,
energetic congregation is reaching out through substance abuse
programs and to Native American military personnel in the area.
Another mission emphasis for the presbytery has been involvement
in the recovery efforts from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Several
churches have sent work teams, and the presbytery has sponsored
spring and fall work weeks in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast
areas.
Olympia Presbytery has 50 churches with 10,575 members. Camp
Sound View is the presbytery campground. |
