About 3,000 Sudanese
now live in Lincoln, Nebraska. First Presbyterian Church, Lincoln,
has become a refuge for Sudanese who call the Presbyterian Church
the “Mother Church” in southern Sudan.
The ministry began in 2001 with a separate worship service
led by one of the Sudanese men. Today, First Presbyterian offers
weekly English classes, which have an enrollment of fifty and
a waiting list; child care provided in conjunction with language
classes; and sewing classes that teach women basic skills, provide
a time for social interaction, and give each a sewing machine
upon completion of the class. All programs serve to empower
the Sudanese women and assist them in making the transition
from a culture traditionally dominated by men into a culture
where women have more independence. A Sudanese Women Cultural
Celebration will showcase the many talents of the women. Their
strong faith and belief that God will provide has sustained
the Sudanese through many trials. They serve as living witnesses
to all believers of God’s amazing grace.
This year Calvin Crest Camp Conference and Retreat Center in
Fremont celebrates fifty years in mission and ministry, and
the Presbyterian Church Camp and Conference Association celebrates
one hundred years of Presbyterian camp and conference ministry.
Thousands have offered their lives to Christ or answered the
call to be in ministry or mission service at camps, conference,
or retreats.
Homestead Presbytery has 57 churches with 10,069 members.
Clark Jeary Retirement Community (Lincoln) and Prairie Village
Retirement Center (Columbus) are within its bounds. |
