Extra Commitment Opportunities

There is a channel through which gifts can be designated for specific items that support the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s work around the world. These are called Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs). You can give directly to an ECO account online or by mailing your check designating the name and account number of the particular item you have chosen to:

PC(USA) Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Your gift will go directly into the ECO Account designated, and you will receive a letter indicating that your gift has been received and will be used for the purpose intended.

Below is an Extra Commitment Opportunity related to Brazil. For a listing of giving opportunities in other countries in that region visit Mission Funding's Web site and type Brazil into the search box.

Education

Fortaleza Theological Seminary

In 1986 a new seminary was established in the populous coastal city of Fortaleza. Located in an area of chronic poverty where drought strikes regularly, the seminary is geared to meet a need for pastors to serve the Independent Presbyterian Church in the entire north and northeast of Brazil. It will also train pastors for other Protestant churches in the region. A unique feature of the new school is its commitment to theological education by extension.

ITEBA, Student Aid, Computer, Books, Equipment

Gifts will provide a student aid fund to be administered on an as-needed basis. This new ecumenical seminary serves students who must work during the day. Even the modest bus fares for transportation are beyond the reach of many students, not to mention the costs of tuition and health care.

Jatai Music School Project

Norah Buyers is helping several Presbyterian churches to create a music school to serve their needs for music education in Jatai. There is a projection to expand the services to other Presbyterian churches in Brazil. The need now is for musical instruments, scholarships and other materials.

Londrina Theological Seminary

Londrina Theological Seminary, one of the three seminaries of Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPI), is located in south Brazil. The seminary was founded in 1982, and today it has about 120 students enrolled in bachelor and postgraduate programs. Funds are needed to build a chapel and for scholarships.

Evangelism

Brazil Frontier Mission Development (PFF)

The PC(USA), along with the Presbyterian Frontier Fellowship (PFF), is working with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil to nurture its vision to reach unreached people groups, beginning in the Amazon region. Gifts will help with planning and other start-up expenses for this visionary undertaking.

Church Planting in the Northeast Coast of Brazil

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil wants to strengthen work in the northeast coast. New churches are being established and current work is being spiritually enforced. Funds are needed for meeting locations, curriculum and supplies.

Urban Evangelism Rio Grande do Sul

The Board of National Mission of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil and the Presbytery of Rio Grande do Sul are participating in evangelism and new church development in 10 cities in Rio Grande do Sul, the most southern state in Brazil and one of the least evangelized areas in the country. Funds are needed to help purchase land for churches and to assist in church construction.

Mission Personnel

Rev. Tim and Marta Carriker — Professor of Theology/Seminary Professor

Tim and Marta Carriker serve at the Fortaleza Theological Seminary of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Tim, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is professor of mission and evangelism and works on a number projects related to contemporary mission. Marta has accompanied numerous short-term mission trips to Brazil by U.S. Presbyterian congregations. The Carrikers’ work has been crucial in understanding the relationship between short-term mission and long-term development and relationships with our partner churches in Brazil and around the world.

Linnis Cook and Rev. Arch Woodruff — Legal Advisor/Professor of New Testament

Linnis Cook and Arch Woodruff, an ordained PC(USA) minister, are a lawyer and biblical professor who have served on the mission field in Brazil since the mid-1980s. Linnis works with Asociação Fala Mulher to provide direct assistance and legal advocacy for women whose lives are threatened by domestic violence and marked by prostitution. Arch teaches New Testament at São Paulo Theological Seminary of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil and at the Methodist University of São Paulo. Their long-term commitments enable them to relate with church partners, government agencies, and community leaders to effectively shape both long-term development and immediate ministries. 

Virginia Gartrell — Children's Social Worker

Virginia Gartrell, the daughter and granddaughter of Presbyterian missionaries, works with the Bethel Children’s Home in Sorocaba, an urban center about 60 miles from the city of São Paulo. She trains and supports the staff who care directly for the children. Bethel is also an umbrella organization for about 16 projects around Brazil. Virginia comments, “The programs that work with children and teens have made a difference this year in the lives of nearly a thousand children. They give encouragement and training and are resources for their families — some meet special needs, such as children affected by HIV/AIDS.”

Rev. Sherron George — Regional Liaison for South America & Theological Education Coordinator

Sherron George, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is a regional liaison and theological education consultant for South America. As regional liaison she helps build relationships between the PC(USA) and partner churches in South America. As theological education consultant she occasionally teaches postgraduate courses on mission and maintains contacts with seminaries throughout the continent. Having served on the faculty of both Brazilian and PC(USA) seminaries (including Austin Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas), Sherron plays a vital role in shaping our churches’ understanding of global mission in the new millennium.

Farris and Thelma Goodrum — Seminary Music Professor/Christian Education

Farris and Thelma Goodrum serve in Londrina, where Farris is professor of music and Christian education at the Theological Seminary Rev. Antonio de Godoy Sobrinho, an institution of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. His work helps shape the present and future worship life of the Christian church in Brazil. Thelma directs Projeto Escolar, which she organized to help underprivileged children with their school work. She is also a student at the seminary. A child of missionaries to Congo, Farris writes, “It is a privilege to serve as missionaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) here in Brazil, just as it was a privilege to grow up on the Presbyterian mission field in the Congo.”

Rev. Michael and Irene Sivalee — Professor of Evangelism/Educator

Michael and Irene Sivalee have served with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB) since 1982. They currently teach at an extension of the Rev. Antonio Godoy Sobrinho Seminary of Londrina in Brasilia. Michael, an ordained PC(USA) minister, teaches pastoral care, counseling, and biblical theology. He also serves as dean of students. Irene teaches Christian education and will organize the library and the seminary office. “You can rejoice because your constant prayers, supplications, and financial support have empowered young men and women to serve our Lord and his church. Thank you very much,” write Michael and Irene. 

Other Support

Ministries of the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil

Gifts to this ECO assist the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil in its commitment to strengthening the church and serving its people with evangelistic outreach, holistic ministries and leadership development.

Regional Liaison South America