ff ff
GIFT OF EDUCATION
For more information and resources visit our website at http://cpcmc.org/mmt
8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414
Cumberland Presbyterian Church Missions Ministry Team
By Lynn Thomas
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” NIV
The
prophet Jeremiah eloquently explains God’s disposition toward humanity. God has a plan for us, and the plan involves prospering us. Jesus Christ is our guide and inspiration and essential to God’s plan. God’s plan for us should be a source of hope. As the Bible teaches, many things which happen in our lives prepare us for our future.
The
Did
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
GDP (gross domestic product) of Colombia dropped 7% in 2020. Economists refer to this consequence of the pandemic as Colombia’s Great Depression. In addition, the pandemic created challenges for students and schools around the world. We often overlook one of the major Our three Colegio Americanos were no factors of success and happiness in life, exception. Families are struggling to education. Solomon stated, “Blessed is the onewhofindswisdom,andtheonewhoeducate their children. This offering will be divided among the schools to assist gets understanding, for the gain from her is who betterthangainfromsilverandstudents herprofi tneed help with tuition. The pandemic created a window of need that better than gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14 ESV). we hope will soon become a memory. There is a relationship between education, But until that time, some families need prosperity, and our hope for the future. help. This offering will support struggling Wisdom and understanding are a product families that have students in the Colegios, of learning. The more we know, the more thus allowing our schools the opportunity security we have. to continue educating students challenged you know the Cumberland by the economic impact of the pandemic. Presbyterian Church owns three Colombian schools teach and operates three schools in children as an expression of Colombia, South America? The school in Christ’s loveandsacrifice.The Cali is one of the largest institutions in our education the CP Church provides shares church and the oldest in Colombia. There wisdom and professes the hope of Christ. are two other Cumberland Presbyterian What better future could we offer? The schools in Colombia located in Pereira and Cumberland Presbyterian Church has Manizales. All three schools share the same always valued the importance of education name. They are called The Colegio Americano as a way to express God’s love. By giving to (The American School). This year’s Gift to this offering, you are investing in the life of the King Offering focuses on students in a young person. You are giving something these three schools. that has greater value than silver or gold. Think of the hope a family will feel when they know that their child can continue their education despite the economic challenges of the pandemic.
Our
WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 1
Contents 5 Bible Study
6 Faith-Sharing & Young Children
8 Laying a Foundation
10-15 Colegio Americano Schools of Colombia
16 The God of Second Chances
19 Giving
MM Missionary Messenger WINTER 2021 { V O L .10, N O.4 }
PERSPECTIVES by Milton L. Ortiz PLANS FOR OUR CHILDREN “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP)
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M M WINTER 2021
MISSIONARY MESSENGER { VOL . 10, NO. 4 } MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM OF THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
he prophet Jeremiah sent a letter to people who were kept captive far away from their homeland. The letter had specificinstructionsfromtheLordregardingdailyliving. They were asked to be homeowners and to make themselves at home; to be entrepreneurs and to participate in the economy ART DIRECTOR of the city. To marry and have children and to encourage their Sowgand Sheikholeslami ext:211 children to marry and have children of their own. The goal was to EDITORIAL DIRECTOR increase in number there and not to decrease. To accomplish their Milton Ortiz ext:234 well-being, they were asked to seek the peace and prosperity of the city. They were to understand that a spiritual reality needed to be PUBLICATIONS MANAGER part of their prayer life, because if the city was prosperous, then Matthew Gore ext:221 they too would prosper (29:5-7). The letter also revealed God’s ASSOCIATE EDITOR plan for them, plans to prosper them and not to harm them, and Jinger Ellis ext:230 to give them hope and a future (29:11). CONTRIBUTORS As an immigrant, I experienced this blessing—living, by Johan Daza ext:202 choice, far away from my home country. From the beginning of Kristi Lounsbury ext:263 my life in the United States, I understood the importance of setT.J. Malinoski ext:232 tling in the new land and being an active participant in the life Milton Ortiz ext:234 and work of my new country. But what was important for my wife Lynn Thomas ext:261 and myself was the opportunity and responsibility we had to help our children to be productive and passionate in this land; to be 8207 Traditional Place educated, and to grow to be emotionally mature and responsible C ordova, TN 3 8 01 6 -7414 citizens. God’s plans for our children and grandchildren, no matphone 9 01 . 2 76 . 4 5 72 fax 9 01 . 2 76 . 4 5 78 ter whether born here or overseas, is for hope, peace, well-being, and a future. What a blessing! me s senger@cumb erland .org In this issue of the Missionary Messenger,youwillfindoutthis VISIT US ON THE WEB year’s Gift to the King Offering will provide scholarships to chilht tp://cp cmc .org/mm dren in our three schools in Colombia. Children are in God’s plan, and education and instruction in the Lord are fundamental in To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger helping them to love their Lord and their neighbor. Highlighted visit us at in this issue is a call to give, a Bible study, and articles about the ht tp://cpcmc.org/mm/mm-archives three Colegios and a few of their students, as well as a young man named Cristian who attends Cristo Salva. There is also an article Member about faith-sharing with young children, and another about laying • Associated Church Press a foundation to grow in our Christian life. May the Lord bless you with peace, well-being, a future, and hope. 4 MISSIONARY MESSENGER WINTER 2021
Made Possible, In Part, By Our United Outreach
BIBLE STUDY
The Whole Story By Jodi Rush
Jeremiah 29:11: I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future lled fi withhope.CEB) (
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e take this verse of scripture very personally. After all, it uses the pronoun “you.” We buy it on greeting cards for graduates, it is embroidered on pillows, and printed on coffee mugs that greet us in the morning with positiYewordstoEeJintheda\.,I,weretowalNaroundP\house,coul multiple items with this scripture reference on them. We might even place ourselves into the scripture imagining Jeremiah speaking these words directly to us as we live in our world today. He speaks words of peace and hope. Really? That is not what I experience most days. In our world, peace is in scarce supply. It is hard to feel peace when we witness or are involved with arguments on social media, political unrest, war, divorce, depression, and the list continues. It feels as though our world is one disaster after another with a seemingly unending pandemic and events such as earthquakes, `oodsandhurricaneshappeninJonareJularEasis.ConJreJations the loss of families who have not returned to church, budgets which do not meet their needs, and empty uS nday school classrooms on Sunday mornings. Th is does not seem like the plans described in Jeremiah 29:11. /ooNinJthrouJhP\Christianeducatorlens,NnowthereisPore than this one scripture in the middle of chapter 29 of the book of Jeremiah. Th is chapter is a letter the prophet Jeremiah sent to people in ex i le. It is God’s word for them during a troubled time when there was one disaster after another, and peace was nowhere to be found. When we read verse 11 by itself it seems to be a very personal message to one person. When in fact it was a message to a community of people who were struggling and confused. It also gives us the impression peace and good things were right around the corner. uB t, in fact, this message was God’s big picture plan of what was going to happen for the community over time. In the meantime, they were encouraged to embrace the new world they found themselves in by planting gardens and growing their families. It suggested they promote their new community for the welfare of all. What does the whole story of Jeremiah 29 have to say to the local church as we look to use this message in our ministry?
• Jeremiah’s message to the people encouraged them to invest time and energy in the community. Th is could be our call to take seriously the need to build commu nity in our congregations. In these days following extended periods of disrupted schedulinJandrelationshipsitisiPportanttofind-wa\stor ships in our congregations. • God was using “you” in verse 11 as a plural pronoun speaking to the whole group. vE eryone had a part to play in creating the community God had in mind for them. Our congregations should consider how all ages, from the youngest child to the oldest member, could have an active and meaningful role in ministry. • God asked the people to pray and promised to listen and be present with them.
:hile-erePiahJiYesusaYer\positiYePessaJe,alsofindhopeinthew story of Jeremiah 29. I can relate to the people Jeremiah was addresing to who were struggling like I am, where life was far from perfect, and who were trying to adjust to living in a strange new world.
WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 5
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adeline sits in a rocking chair with legs dangling down and a children’s Bible in her lap. “You need to remain in your seats and listen to the story I am about to read,” she says in a stern, raised voice. A scattering of blank faced stuffed animals and dolls remain motionless and silent. Only the sleepy German shepherd at her feet dares to moved its eyes in her direction. 6 MISSIONARY MESSENGER WINTER 2021
Standing in the doorway, I hoped Listening to Madeline’s role playing school at home would interpretation of the creation story, come later for Madeline. At the the minister in me wanted to jump in earliest,Ianticipatedheras and afirst correctmyfive-year-oldsaying, grader before having to convert a “The scriptures really do not identify bedroom into a classroom. Apparently the serpent as a snake. The type of four days of being a kindergartener fruitisneverspecifiedasanappl has given her enough experience to and Adam and Eve would not have become a sight word teacher reading access to cotton t-shirts, blue jeans about Adam, Eve, and as she tells and sparkly headbands.” her students in a whispered voice, “a tricky snake.”
By T. J. Malinosk i
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owever, I hesitated. I was fascinated by what she could recall from memory from attending a Christian elementary school, what she was deriving in the images within the children’s Bible and the creativity expressed in a dialogue between Adam and Eve: giving them modern-day conversation, clothing, and accessories. She was making a biblical story come alive; articulating and sharing it the best way she knows how. Listening as she shares about God to several inanimate toys and one pointy eared pet has me wondering: how and when do you share the Christian faith with younger children? Few would argue that faithsharing overall is important but which approaches are acceptable and appropriate? What does faith-sharing with young children look like? What does it sound like? My expertise in this area is admittedly limited. All I have to draw from is being a child brieflymanyyearsagoandbeing a parent of two children who are twelve years apart. Here is what my blundering is teaching me in faithsharing with young children: Have discussions about God and faith in small chunks There is a lot to take in when understanding the Christian faith and its practices. People spend a lifetime studying the scriptures and learning doctrine. Have a conversation about some of the favorite people that the child knows. Ask what characteristics or qualities that person has that make them their favorite. For example: if a young child says their teacher or a classmate; ask them what makes them
their favorite. Is it kindness? Do they offer help when you need it? Even if the child names a superhero, you can ask them the same thing. Share some of the characteristics and qualities of the people in scriptures and ask which ones we can embrace and emulate. For example: Abraham is a man that trusted God. What is trust? Who do you trust? Have passion for God and for daily tasks On evenings when homework is pulled out of Madeline’s Wonder Woman backpack, a voice inside me will sometimes groan because it inevitably requires both parent and student. When there is a positive approach to homework it most often goes smoothly and can actually be enjoyable! If we are positive about daily tasks and responsibilities and show passion about our relationship with God, children can see and feel our enthusiasm for the gift of life and faith in our family, our work, in our personal study, in our conversations, and in our participation in worship.
Cultivate space for creativity, discovery, andexpression
Art, crafts, storytelling, acting, humor, singing, cooking, drawing, and coloring are all engaging ways to takeholdofthefivesenses.Givin young children the space to explore the Christian faith and life in their language, tone, and time in a space that is safe for the freedom of expressing ideas. Joining in the fun can show our interest and passion. Develop relationships with others who are Christian Young children need access to Christians to see examples of actions and interactions with others. Older children, teenagers, adults, grandparents, people at church, neighbors, etc. are all people whom young children can see what the practice of faith looks like and how Christians carry themselves in times of joy and sorrow and how they interact with not only one another in the community of faith but with all peoples.
By no means is this list exhaustive. Exercisepatiencewithquestions As a parent of a young girl and a
Being asked the same question disciple of Jesus Christ, I believe we repeatedly (“Will you play Barbies?” can express our love for God in our “How much longer?” “But how?” “But everyday living. Trying out some of why?”) can be taxing, however, asking the ideas above may help someone of questions is how we learn. In fact, we any age to learn more of the Christian should foster faith questions as we faith, its meaning and impact on all search for understanding, deeper our living so another can decide if a meaning, and inquire more about who profession of faith is for them. I need God is. Patience with questions can to wrap this article up. Madeline, the apply for all ages. Being able to say, “I teacher, has reassembled her class and don’tknowbutlet’sfindouttogether” is telling the story of a guy named has helped me in talking about God Noah. I wonder what animals she with both young children and my will put on the ark. I wonder if Noah peers. wears a sparkly headband.
WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 7
B y K r is t i L ounsbur y
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was the summer before I turned six. The The question must be asked of all of us, “How are we neighbor’s teen daughter came driving down our creating a solid foundation for those around us—in and quarter-mile lane in a green Volkswagen Bug to out of church?” This is an age-old question that requires take me to Vacation Bible School at the Shinar Cumberland all of us to take a new, innovative, and creative approach to PresbyterianChurchinPleasantGrove,Iowa.reach Inmyfirst not only children but also teens and adults. It is not memory of being in a church, songs were sung, Bible just about Sunday school and church anymore. Thinking stories were taught, and games were played. Even though backtomyfirstexperience,itwasnotthechurcht my parents did not attend church when I was an infant, I remember so much. It was the “who” that made the most quickly became a fan of this thing called Sunday school impact. Each of us can be the “who” for someone else. and church. Creating a faith foundation is so important but it My parents began attending regularly soon after. There isnoteasy.Peoplearenolonger“loyal”toaspecific are many more stories which could be told about growing denomination, Sundays are tied up with activities, and up in the church. People loved on my family and adopted younger generations are typically not as interested in us as their own. Each Sunday, my faith would continue organized religion. The church must look past the to grow. I made my own decision to be baptized when I challenge and respond to the task at hand to create the was seven and joined the church. When I was twelve, my opportunities to lay the important faith foundation needed Sunday school teacher challenged our class to learn the in all our lives. books of the Bible. If we did, she would give us a new his challenge requires “the church” meeting “the Bible. The next Sunday, I proudly recited those 66 books of people” where they are, as they are and who they the Bible. are. It requires more than posting the worship Nurtured in faith, through Sunday school, church, service times on the sign outside. It involves establishing youth group, retreats, and other special events, I came to personal relationships with people, sharing the love of God know about Christianity and God’s love. I learned about with strangers and being the hands and feet of Jesus. It strong (and weak), good (and bad), loving (and hateful) might mean picking up the neighbor’s child for VBS. But people in the Bible. I learned what it meant to be a realistically, it is just as likely you share the love of God Cumberland Presbyterian. A foundation formed within me. by helping floodvictimsboxupthefewbelongingsle It was a life-changer. their devastated homes. Perhaps, your story is not anything like mine. Maybe The foundation is no longer laid just inside the you cannot remember a time you were not in church. Or four walls of the church building. As important as faith maybe you were not raised in the church and began your education and foundation is, it is equally important to meet faith journey long into adulthood. However, whenever people where they are. Otherwise, the foundation may your journey began it was right for you. What is important never be built. Jodi Rush, denominational Coordinator is that all of us help create a foundation for those who are of Children and Family Ministries, relates, “Christian coming after us. A foundation is described as, “something education at its best has the opportunity to go beyond the (such as an idea, a principle, or a fact) that provides support study of scriptures. While this is important to do, building for something.” community and providing space in which persons of all Reverend Dr. Christopher Fleming, denominational ages feel loved and accepted is as important as the lesson Coordinator of Adult Ministries, states, “The importance plans and curriculum you choose to use.” of Christian education is becoming more and more evident The church has been called to help create the as we experience deepening divisions within our churches foundation ofourfaith.Educationisastrong,firm and the world. We seek in Christian education to set foundation of tradition in our congregations. But it is our mind on things above, not on earthly things. Good not the only way to teach people about God’s love, to Christian education will grow our ability to know and experience Christ, or learn about the Cumberland love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and Presbyterian Church. Once again, the question is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Christian education asked, “What is your congregation doing to provide an enables us to live with humility and wisdom, leading to opportunity to lay this all-important foundation?” peace and reconciliation. It is an alternate education from that offered by the world, which is so desperately needed today.”
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ENGAGE:
to pledge oneself to make a guarantee to begin and carry on an enterprise or activity to do or take part in something to give attention to something to come together and interlock (Merriam - Webster Dictionary) B y K r is t i L ounsbur y
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magine, if you will, the session Discernment. This step includes program is that every group will be and pastor of your church the congregation’s ability to explore different. The ToolKit will be uniquely gathered around the conference their spiritual gifts and experience designed just for your church. These table stuck on a question for what a discernment process for moving resources (books, programs, people, seems hours, “What are we going to do forward. We will ask questions, lots of etc.) will be put together to be used, to make a difference in this world?” In questions,tohelpfindoutwhat specifi itiscally the inyourchurch. that question I hear an opportunity. I congregation wants to do. ENGAGE is currently in its hear a church wanting to engage, not Development. This step includes pilot program with Cumberland only its congregation, but also the the implementation of initiatives, Presbytery. Rev. Dr. Chris Fleming and community in which it ministers. But programs, training, and anything Rev. Kristi Lounsbury are currently the church may not know what it is else to support the congregation on meeting via Zoom with the group. they want to do, how to get there, or the journey to becoming a thriving Weekly meetings are leading the board what it takes to do the ministry the congregation. We will bring you through what will become a clearer congregation is called to do. the ToolKit full of ideas, programs, vision through Discover, Discernment, The program design of and opportunities to equip the Development, and Discussion. ENGAGE includes a one-year congregation to fully ENGAGE in the How can you become a part of covenant relationship between the ministry they are called to do. this? Beginning in January, ENGAGE Ministry Council of the Cumberland Discussion. This step includes will open for congregations to apply Presbyterian Church to prayerfully documenting, evaluating, and to be a part of ENGAGE. The church walk with a congregation to provide continuing the conversation of the mustinviteus.Thefirststepof the resources (training, people, and thriving congregation through ENGAGE must be the congregation programs) to help a congregation follow-up and discussion. We want to wants to change and takes the initiative. ENGAGE itself and the community. support you in your new endeavors. If you would like to learn more about The key activities of ENGAGE We will continue to be available for the application process to be a part include: consultation long after the initial steps of ENGAGE, please contact Kristi Discovery. This step includes of ENGAGE are done. We want to see Lounsbury at klounsbury@cumberland.org the beginning stages of interviews, your progress and growth as the hands or call 901-276-4572 ext. 263. determining eligibility and learning and feet of Jesus as you ENGAGE the history of the congregation and your congregation in your community. surrounding community. We need to ENGAGE is designed to be the makesureweareagoodt fi andcan ToolKittohelpacongregationfulfi ll work together. its ministry. The uniqueness of this WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 9
Colegio Americano SCHOOLS OF COLOMBIA By Lynn Thomas
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he Cumberland Presbyterian Church has many Cumberland Presbyterians during the Christmas Advent institutions around the world sharing the love of session.ItisourgifttotheKing.Missionsissac Christ. In Colombia, South America we have three as God sent God’s son into the world as an expression of schools.Thefirstschoolwasstartedinand , 7 39 1 two love, others sothechurchsacrificiallygivestothewor were started in the early 1990s. These schools, located in the love of Christ. The Gift to the King Offering will three different cities, educate and care for hundreds of be divided among the three schools and help pay tuition students in the name of Christ. The pandemic has been a for families struggling during this complicated time. The challenge for everyone, schools in particular. The Gift to following is a brief description of each school and a webthe King Offering is an annual missions offering given by link you can use to see each school’s website.
28 students, eleven boys and seventeen girls, using two classrooms. The school was initially housed in a residence. Established in a Roman Catholic country, the new school had to confront many fears and prejudices against Protestants.TheColegioAmericanwasthefirst tointegrateboysandgirls,thefirsttoinclude othernationalities,andthefirsttointrodu volleyball to Colombia. ali, Colombia is one of the largest cities in Later the school moved to new property closer to the Colombia. It is in the Cauca Valley of central center ofCali.Theschoolhadfourfloors,makingit Colombia, between the peaks of the Andes the tallest buildings in Cali. In 1976, as the center of the city mountains. The city has a population of 2.2 million people grew, the school moved to the edge of Cali to a large piece and is known for its warm tropical climate. of property which allowed the Colegio to add buildings The Colegio Americano in Cali, Colombia, is one of and have open spaces. The Colegio built a complex within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church’s oldest institutions. a secure walled ThefirstmissionariestoColombia,theReverandand Mrs. campus. After building classrooms and administrativeoffices,newbuildingsweregradu Walter Swartz, and missionary teachers Ethel Brintle and Over the years, a large chapel was added to the campus Bernice Barnett started the school. The school started with
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(which seats over 2,000 people), a gym, a large open-air cafeteria (Cali has a tropical climate), a language and audiovisual facility, as well as a science building. In addition, the Colegio maintains buses and vans to pick up students. Typical of any institution, these facilities are always being upgraded.
The school is owned by Cauca Valley Presbytery and is under the guidance of the presbytery. The school has 1,400 students and 150 staff, and the average annual tuition cost for a student is $1,400 US dollars. htt ps://www.colamer.edu.co
One Student's Story By Juan Cabezas
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began studying in second grade at the Colegio in Cali in 1997 and stayed until I completed my high school studies and graduated in 2007. I feel great affection towards the Institution and the people I met who contributed to my academic, personal, and spiritual growth. Those memories of ten years of my childhood and the people who were part of my experience as a student at Colegio bring joy to my heart. I appreciate the excellent academic work the Colegio imparted to its students; this was essential in my professional studies and successfully obtaining my degree in Dentistry.
The Colegio imprints in its students high academic quality, formation as good citizens, and reinforcement of Christian values. I am glad to have belonged to our Colegio and currently of its sister institution Memphis Theological Seminary, founded by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Now, the new generation growing up in my family is ready to begin their classes at the Colegio this year and learn in the same safe environment that my brother and I did. “Once from Colegio Americano, forever from Colegio Americano.”
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now live in the US with my wife, and we are expecting our firstchild.Weattend Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. My wife is an elder while I am under the care of West Tennessee Presbytery. WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 11
By Lynn Thomas
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anizales is large city high in the Andes Mountains. It is at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The climate, because of the altitude, is moderate compared to cities at lower altitudes. The city is about one hour north, climbing up through steep mountains from Pereira. Manizales is about fivehoursnorthofCali.ManizalesispartoftheCoffee Axis and is a major coffee city. The city is the home to many universities – it is a university town. The population of the city is over 500,000. The Manizales Cumberland Presbyterian Church built a new worship center in 1990. Rev. Dr. Milton Ortiz, currently the team leader of the Missions Ministry Team, was the stated supply pastor of the Manizales church. Rev. Dr. Lynn Thomas, and family, were then missionaries in Colombia. In celebration of the new three-story facility, the church started a pre-school in 1991 using their new building. The school added more classes until it established afirstthrougheighthgradeprimaryschool.Theschoolis housed in the Manizales CP Church. It has no open spaces and conducts classes and activities using the spaces within the church’s building. The Manizales Colegio is the smallest of the three CP schools in Colombia. As a result of the pandemic, the student body declined because families were unable to pay tuition. The school hopes the Gift to the King Offering can help families return to the Colegio. The school is owned by the Andes Presbytery, but is under the guidance of the Manizales CP Church’s session. The Colegio Americano – Manizales, has 60 students. It costs about $800 a year to educate one student. https://m.facebook.com/ColamerMzles
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One Student's Story By Martin Garcia
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am 33 years old, and I studied at walking with Christ. My family also the Colegio in Manizales from felt supported when my mother was kindergartentofifthgrade. allowed I to take care of the cleaning learned big surprises are in of the Colegio for a salary plus a half the small details, and actions speak scholarship for my brother. This louder than words. While it is true support from the Colegio showed us these aspects were cultivated within my God was more than just beautiful Bible family, the Colegio was a great promoter stories. God was real in people’s lives of these things in my life. and needs. Although my family did not I have been a member of the attend church, my experience with the Manizales Cumberland Presbyterian Colegio began in 1993. My parents Church since 1996, and I have served as became interested in the Cumberland a youth leader, Sunday school teacher, Presbyterian Church when they heard and elder. I am deeply grateful to the about the founding of a new Christian Colegio because it was there I learned school in the church. They wanted the about Christ and the gift of eternal principles and values my family taught salvation he has ready for everyone me to continue through good teaching who believes in him. In addition, I am and healthy customs. After me, my convinced that, for the many tasks, brother also entered the Colegio. Over titles, successes, and triumphs this the years, my mother’s friendship with world offers, without Christ the life of the pastor’s wife grew stronger. She the human being is meaningless. heard about the truth of the gospel and WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 13
By Lynn Thomas
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One Student's Story By Keren Arango
As for the training and spiritual emphasis, I consider it very valuable. I still remember the songs taught to me when I was in early elementary, along with the teachings about Jesus. There were always spaces provided to reflect, pray, and learn about God to bring him into our daily lives. This all happened naturally, instilling values without forcing anyone. I had friends who were not Christians at the time and still, they were encouraged to attend these activities. What impacts me the most is seeing these friends today, who at that time were apathetic to God, and have now surrendered their lives to him. I know that God used each of these spaces to touch our lives.
My
name is Keren Arango and I had the privilege of studying at the Colegio in Pereira. I enjoyed growing up there and met many great friends and teachers who still impact my life. Since the school was small, there was only one classroom per grade. So, I studied with the same group from fi rst grade until I graduated in 2 01 . These classmates became life-long friends. We still meet and talk to this day. I believe the Colegio makes great contributions to the community from several aspects. Students are characterized by having a high educational and academic level, in fact, the school is among the best private schools in the city. Before my graduation, my group was rated very superior, according to the Colombian Higher Education Tests. This made us feel very happy and proud. WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 15
The God of Second Chances By Johan Daza
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met Cristian when he was eight or nine years old. He always arrived early to our services, and I recall him wearing formal attire. Today Cristian is a high school graduate, and, atthewritingofthisarticle,heisinhisfirstsemes University. So, you may wonder, what is so extraordinary about this story. Well, according to the Pew Research Center, by 2014 the Hispanic high school dropout rate dropped dramatically from 32% in 2000 to 12% in 2014. However, by 2014 only 35% of Latinos between 18-24 years old enrolled in college. The story of Cristian starts with his mother, Ermita, a single parent. She migrated from rural Guatemala to the United States when she was eighteen years old. She met Cristian´s father, but unfortunately, he left them when Cristian was three years old, and his sister was just a baby. Since then, Ermita has raised her two childreninavastlydifferentanddifficultcontextt grew up. Cristian´sfamilywasoneofthefirstfamiliesofCri new church development, Cristo Salva Cumberland Presbyterian Church today. Rev. Diann White and I led the NCD for some years. Diann´s ministry focused on the English-speaking ministry, and children and youth especially enjoyed it because they were fully bilingual. Cristian and his sister loved Diann, and without knowing, Diann became a “Madrina” (Godmother) for Cristian and his sister. The relationship between Cristian´s family and Diann has grown throughout all these years, and “Miss Diann,” as she is called by Cristian, became like a second mother to him. However, there was a time in Cristian´s life, when he started high school, when things were not going well. According to Ermita, Cristian started skipping classes and doing things that were not right. Ermita was so concerned about him that she contacted Diann for help. Ermita and Diann took this situation seriously, and with no hesitation, they found a way to support, counsel, and ministertoCristianduringthisdifficulttime. Unfortunately, this story is not an isolated case. There are many Latino children and youth who have struggled with school and social life. Cristian was to the point he wanted to give up school. The good news is he had the support of his mother, his sister, Miss Diann, and the church. Through them, Cristian was able to see life with different eyes, and see God using people to show him love and grace.
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fterthatdifficulttime,good things slowly started to happen to Cristian. He has participated in youth events, such as Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference and Presbyterian Youth Triennium, and in 2019 he served as a PYT leader. I had the privilege to preach at PYT the day he led the call to worship in front of over 4,000 youth. That made my heart glad, God was there, and Cristian was there leading worship. Today, Cristian describes his life as a second chance, and that, my friends is called forgiveness. There are moments when there is no other option, but to embrace forgiveness, because behind forgiveness, there is love, grace, and shalom. When I asked Cristian how he sees the role of his mom and Diann in his life, he said “My mom and Miss Diann havehelpedmeinthemostdifficultmomentsofmylife. They pushed me to be better. They did everything to help me.” Then he continued, “Miss Diann has helped me in many ways; but she helped me when nobody else was there for me. She was the one telling me things about God and the good opportunities God had for me.” Bethel University admitted Cristian in the fall 2021. He told me, “I am excited and motivated because it is like a second chance to do better.” When I asked Cristian about what he would tell Latino youth in our churches and communities, he said “Accept the doors that God opens for you, if you have a good opportunity right there, do it. God will give you what you need…and be thankful for what you have.” I do not think this is the end of the story for Cristian. I think God has much more for him and his family. And it is the same for us, God open doors for us, God has opportunities for all of us. And if you feel called to support children and youth, especially those in need, please do not hesitate, because, that might be the door God is opening for you. Thanks be to God. Reference: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2016/07/28/5-factsabout-latinos-and-education WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 17
Cathy Littlefield Named Women’s Ministry Interim Coordinator By Kristi Lounsbury
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athyLittlefieldhasagreedtoatemporary served contract as President-elect, President and Past President of the beginning August 1, 2021, to serve as an interim Denominational Women’s Ministry Executive Committee. while the Ministry Council seeks a Director Cathy is an elder of the Booneville Cumberland Presbyterian of Ministries with Women. Her primary responsibilities Church in Booneville, Arkansas. She served Arkansas will include meeting consistently with the Women’s Presbytery by being on the Historical Committee for nine Ministry Executive Team to ensure proper shepherding, years. She recently was elected to serve on the Committee communication, planning, and resource development for for Theology and Social Concerns for the General Assembly. Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which will be More information regarding the open position for the held June 21-23, 2022. She will also provide leadership and Women’s Ministry Coordinator will be announced at a later bearesourceforWomen’sMinistryofficers,churches, date. and PleasejoinusinwelcomingCathyLittlefie other ministry entities. new role! Cathy has years of experience in Women’s Ministry, Cathy can be reached at CPWMinterim@cumberland.org. having served in almost every elected position on the Local and Regional Executive Committees. Most recently, she
Cuba Mission Effort Suspended By Lynn Thomas
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he Missions Ministry Team (MMT) started Things have changed. The opening between Cuba working in Cuba in 2017. This initiative was based and the US has deteriorated. Those who volunteered to on a new openness between the United States help us make connections in Cuba had changes in their and Cuba. The US government reengaged with Cuba by circumstances and could no longer help us. And, because of changingtravelrestriction.Manyairlinesstarted information gained flyingfrom into Cuban friends about the situation Cuba. Cuban Cumberland Presbyterians (CPs) living in the in Cuba, MMT staff became concerned for the safety of US felt this was the time to pursue ministry in Cuba. Those CPs visiting Cuba. The MMT expresses appreciation to CPs helped the MMT make relational connections in Cuba all who were involved in helping with this new mission with people interested in being part of the CP Church. A opportunity. In light of the above-mentioned concerns the small group of pastors who had “house churches” formed a MMT has suspended our work in Cuba. CP Council of Churches.
Reverend William Yeung
By Lynn Thomas
T
he Missions Ministry Team Sadly, the family of Rev. Yeung informed started a new exploration the MMT that pastor William died in initiative in the United Kingdom Scotland of COVID-19 on September in early 2021. These new initiatives in 15, 2021. The Missions Ministry Team Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland expresses condolences to the family, andinSheffieldinEnglandarefocused friends, and co-workers in Christ who had on Hong Kong people moving into the privilege of knowing and working with the United Kingdom. The Cumberland William. The MMT is prayerfully assessing Presbyterian minister who led this new how to move ahead in the UK after such a ministry was the Reverend William Yeung. devastating loss. 18 MISSIONARY MESSENGER WINTER 2021
Thanks for Giving! By Jinger Ellis
GIFT KING TO THE
2020 Loaves & Fishes Offering - $31,410
2021 Builders Fellowship
The Loaves & Fishes Offering last year was a response Each year the Missions Ministry Team sends out three to the tragedy the COVID-19 pandemic created throughout calls to Builders Fellowship members and churches to help the world. The results of the pandemic, in addition to raisefundsforpurchasingorbuildingafirstwors the many thousands of lives lost, have been long lines at First call for 2021 – Loma de Tigre Mission, Tlaxiaco, foodbanks in the wealthier countries like the US, white Oaxaca, Mexico - $12,606 was received. flagsinthewindowsofGuatemalanhomessignaling Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering Fund families were out of food, and strict quarantine laws lasting • 2017 - Donations totaled $259,529; expenses were months in the Philippines creating food insecurity for ;defi 36 7 ,13$4 citof$28 , 34 families. The Missions Ministry Team requested that 75% • 2018 - Donations totaled $319,144; expenses were of the offering each congregation received would stay in 0;defi 17 , 9 1 3$ citof56$ the local church and the other 25% be sent to MMT for • 2019 - Donations totaled $327,206; expenses were Guatemala and the Philippines to buy food. $268,013; surplus of $59,193 2020 Gift to the King - $56,918 • 2020 - Donations totaled $271,684; expenses were The Gift to the King Offering last year was used 2;defi 87 ,12$ citof3$4 to buy a building for the Comunidad de Fe Cumberland • 2021 - $204,570 has been received as of September 30, Presbyterian Church and medical clinic in Guatemala, Central ,expenses 210 are;defi 530,1 $ citof5960, 1$ America. The “Community of Faith” CP Church was assimilated into the Cumberland Presbyterian Church Please pray for our missionaries and consider in 2012, after several years being a provisional CP supporting the Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering. They church. The Cumberland Presbyterian medical clinic have an important message to share with the world. had been in a children’s home outside of Guatemala City and was moved to the Community of Faith CP Church. WINTER 2021 MISSIONARY MESSENGER 19
GIVING NEWS/Second Mile Project for Missions
Repairs for School Bus in Belize – Project #34475 Reverends Lee & Leslie Attema began a relationship The bus is a lifeline for the Living Word Church. This with the pastor, James Jones, of the Living Word Church in gift to the congregation will eliminate the worry of monthly OntarioVillagein8.Their 21 0 desiretobecomeaffipayments liated and maintenance needed to keep this vital ministry with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was welcomed. up and running. Many of those who attend the church do not have vehicles. The school bus has a route to pick up the church attendees whenever there is something going on at the church.
Financial Data:
Amount needed from Second Mile: $2,500 Amount received to date: $0
Contributions:
Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team indicating for “Belize School Bus” and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
Contact Kristi Lounsbury at klounsbury@cumberland.org, (901) 276-4572 ext. 263.
20 MISSIONARY MESSENGER WINTER 2021
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
For more information and resources visit our website at http://cpcmc.org/mmt
8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016-7414
Cumberland Presbyterian Church Missions Ministry Team
POLICY: THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER is published for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church by the Missions Ministry Team. Opinions expressed by the individual writers are not necessarily those of the publisher or the editors. THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER does not accept advertising. ©2021 Missions Ministry Team ADDRESS CHANGE: Send new address and label from a recent issue to the Circulation Secretary at the address below. THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER (ISSN 08868344), (Publication permit number: PE14376) is published quarterly by the Missions Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414. Periodicals postage paid at Memphis, Tenn. The magazine is sent free of charge to each household in the denomination. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: THE MISSIONARY MESSENGER, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.
Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering
Support Cumberland Presbyterian Missionaries In Various Countries Around The World! Your Participation In The 2022 Stott-Wallace Missionary Offering This Pentecost Directly Contributes To The Salaries And Benefits Of Our Missionaries. Join With Other Cumberland Presbyterians In The Sacrificial Giving To The StottWallace Missionary Offering June 5, 2022.