M M Missionary Messenger S umm e r 2 018 / Volum e 7
SEND ME
SEND ME
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NRSV
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM 8207 TRADITIONAL PLACE CORDOVA, TN 38016-7414 901.276.4572 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT http://cpcmc.org/mmt/
200send me
YEARS OF MINISTRY WITH THE
CHOCTAW By T. J. Malinoski
In 1818, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church consisted of just three presbyteries. B. W. McDonnold describes in his book, History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, that in the spring of 1818 each presbytery adopted a missionary effort in their stated meetings. While it may not be proven, McDonnold implies that there may have been a friendly competition of which presbytery could organize its mission work first. What is known is that Elk Presbytery commissioned Reverends Samuel King and William Moore to head south into the area of what we now know as the state of Mississippi. The missionary effort was to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ into this area of the United States. In the fall of 1818, with the help of a guide, Samuel King and William Moore crossed the Tombigbee River and were greeted and openly received by the Choctaw. 2018 marks 200 years of ministry with our Choctaw brothers and sisters. This relationship could be argued of having a paternalistic beginning, however, to do so would diminish the early existence, impact and growth of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. From this relationship, new people received the good news of Jesus, helped establish a fledging denomination, provided leadership and defined the identity of this Church. It could be argued that both the Choctaw and Chickasaw people greatly influenced the Church’s understanding of missions, ministry and purpose for the following two hundred years. Today, our Choctaw brothers and sisters continue to lead in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Even amidst the hardship of juggling culture and smaller numbers, presbytery meetings, youth rallies and congregational events are supported and attended by many members of
the churches and community. The Church is blessed to have several Choctaws currently serving on denominational boards, teams and committees. The 2017-2018 Women’s Ministry President is Choctaw. The 2017-2018 Loaves & Fishes campaign has been designated to support Choctaw Presbytery in addressing hunger in local communities in Oklahoma. On a personal note, my profession of faith and calling to the ministry was at Panki Bok Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Choctaw Presbytery. I will always be in debt to the graciousness, patience and continued guidance as a Christian and minister to my Choctaw brothers and sisters. While it would be easy to read and hear the Church’s theme Send Me on a very individual and personal level, each time I see those words on the cover of this magazine, yearbook of the General Assembly, and website banners; I experience something differently. I hear the voices of past and living Choctaws I have come to know and love over the years reverberating in my mind. I hear Send Me spoken in optimistic, hopeful and unreserved voices open to the future that God may be leading us. I am challenged and inspired in the way that Cumberland Presbyterians, both past and present, have uttered and lived out these two simple words. What the next two hundred years of Cumberland Presbyterian mission and ministry will look like is unknown to us. Even so, the influence of our Choctaw brothers and sisters will continue to shape and guide our understanding of the Church in missions; locally, regionally, and internationally. MM
S P R I N G 2 018 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 1
Contents 4 Perspectives 5 Bible Study 7 Here Am I; Send Me! 10 Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church 14 Church Planting Efforts in the U.S. 16 Being A Bi-Vocational Minister 18 New Exploration Initiative: Jacksonville, Florida
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Missionary Messenger S U M M E R 2 018
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Here Am I; Send Me!
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PERSPECTIVES by Milton L. Ortiz
Here I Am! My Name Is Pam, Send Me.
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saiah’s response to the question, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” is one of the most inspiring answers for those who have encountered the Lord in their spiritual journey and call to ministry. This verse (Isaiah 6:8) is so beautiful and positive that we do not care that much for what comes after in the text. God asked Isaiah to go to the people and tell them things that they were not going to understand and things that were difficult to hear. Ministry is not always easy but it certainly is one of the most fulfilling experiences a human being can have, to feel that we are being used by the God of the universe. Each person who answers the call to serve the Lord comes to the conclusion that what we do, little or much, is for God’s glory, and for that reason we are always open to new opportunities to serve the Lord. I have known Pam Phillips-Burk for about 10 years. She has been the face and soul of women’s ministries and congregational ministries for almost 16 years. Women in the denomination have contacted her for anything related to their regional or local ministries in and outside of the USA. Ministers, and in particular, congregations have received guidance from her related to finding a church or finding a pastor, allowing her to build relationships in the midst of the struggles of making decisions of new leadership for a congregation. Working with our ministry partners like National Farm Worker Ministry, the Coalition for Appalachian Ministry, Project Vida and others have helped her to develop a profound sense of compassion and advocacy. Once again, Pam has answered God’s call to serve in a new ministry, as the Pastoral Development Ministry Team Leader. The Missions Ministry Team is very thankful for the years Pam worked with us and for the inspiration she has shared with the MMT staff. We certainly will keep working with Pam as our partner in God’s mission. In this issue you will read about the 200th anniversary celebration of ministries with the Choctaw; information about Conectados, a mission trip to Mexico, and the next one to Guatemala; and our summer chaplain and worship ministry at Montgomery Bell State Park. There is also a story and Bible study from Kay Jang, our missionary to the Philippines; the inspiring story of Shiloh CP Church and how they survive and thrive without a pastor; you will read “Send Me” stories from Guatemala, Haiti, and the Philippines. You will read stories of the growing ministries with young women and Latinas; learn about CrossCulture planting efforts in the USA; bi-vocational ministries; and a new exploration initiative in Jacksonville, Tennessee. Join us on this journey of being sent out! MM
4 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 018
M M SU M MER
2018
MISSIONARY MESSENGER {
V O L.7, N O.2
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MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAM OF THE CUMBERL AND PRESBY TERIAN CHURCH
ART DIRECTOR Sowgand Sheikholeslami
EDITORS Milton Ortiz ext:234 Pam Phillips-Burk ext:203 Lynn Thomas ext:261 T.J. Malinoski ext:232 Johan Daza ext:202
COPY EDITOR Jinger Ellis ext:230 8207 Traditional Place Cor dova, T N 38016-7414 phone 901.276.4572 fa x 901.276.4578 m essenger @cu m berland.org VISIT US ON THE WEB
ht tp://cpcmc.o rg/m m To read the previous issues of The Missionary Messenger visit us at
http://cpcmc.org/mm/mm-archives MEMBER • Associated Church Press
Bible Study/Devotion
2
By Kay Jang
UN ITE
YOUTH EVANGELISM CONFERENCE
SEND ME TO SERVE Kay and Rev. Daniel Jang have been missionaries in Iloilo, Philippines for 11 years Whenever I read Isaiah’s call in the Bible, I always felt that God’s call was given to a person who had extraordinary faith. It was more so when I looked at Isaiah’s life. I was not such a person, and I’d never thought about becoming a missionary
F EBRUA RY 1 6 -1 8 , 2 0 1 9
Nashville, Tennessee
Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:13-14
For more info: cpcmc.org/yec
until Daniel, my husband-to-be, was called by God. We’d been dating and wanted to get married in the near future when God called him. All my future plans seemed to go up the spout when he entered seminary to be a pastor in obedience to God’s call. Marrying him meant that I would be a missionary’s wife in the future. I loved him but I was not called by God to be a missionary, and I was not confident I could live a missionary’s life without God’s call. I began to pray and to seek
O
God’s leading for my own life.
ne day while I was reading Genesis, my eyes were opened by Abraham’s call in Genesis 12. God called Abraham to fulfill his redemption, and Abraham obeyed His call. While reading Abraham’s call, the Holy Spirit told me that God called Sarai as well as Abraham though He did not appear to her. Later, God confirmed it in Genesis 17:15 as He changed her name to Sarah. God called her to be the mother of nations too as He called Abraham to be the father of nations. I was convinced that God called me to mission through Daniel’s call and He wanted me to be with him. We were married in 1999 and ready to be sent but did not know where to go. (Continued on page 6)
SUMMER CHAPLAIN AND WORSHIP AT MONTGOMERY BELL STATE PARK If your travels take you through middle Tennessee this summer, consider stopping by the park and joining in the weekly worship service held in the chapel at the Birthplace Shrine Chapel. Worship is at 9:00 a.m. every Sunday beginning May 27 (the Sunday before Memorial Day) through September 2 (the Sunday before Labor Day). The Rev. Lisa Cook will serve as the park chaplain this summer for the fifth year in a row. Part of her ministry is to make visits in the park on Saturday afternoon meeting visitors and inviting them to the service the next morning. She says that worship attendance is usually connected to those personal visits. Rev. Cook shares not only the good news of Jesus Christ, but also the good news story of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. S U M M E R 2 018
MISSIONARY MESSE NGE R 5
(Continued from page 5)
REFLECTIONS • Read Genesis 12:1-7. Discuss Abram’s call at age 75 and notice that Sarai, who was not called, left her home and went with Abram. Read verse 7. How do you think Abram and Sarai felt when God promised the land to their offspring when they had no children? • Read Genesis 17:15-16. Some 35 years after Sarai left her home to follow God’s call to Abram, she is included in the promise. Discuss the idea Kay Jang introduced about being called through her husband’s call. Describe how her faith may have been different if she had received God’s call on her own.
CALL TO ACTION
We had been to Vietnam for a short-term mission and had seen the needs of missionaries there, so we prayed that God would send us to Vietnam. But for a long time, God neither opened the door to Vietnam nor told us where He would send us. In the meantime, we participated in a missionary training program and came to the Philippines for a mission field training. While we stayed in the Philippines, we both felt that God was calling us there. God called us to a country that we had never thought about going to. It was a challenge for us to follow His call but we were able to obey since we knew that His calling is irrevocable and irresistible. We had a two-year-old daughter at that time. To be honest, as a mother, I could not stop worrying about her future and the safety of our family. Many bad things might occur in the mission field despite my decision to obey God’s call. We came to the Philippines in September 2006 and for the first six months I struggled with homesickness. The first house we rented here was near the airport. I often went out of the house in late afternoon to see airplanes landing and taking off, and I said to myself, “If I boarded that plane, I would go to my country and meet my parents and friends.” Looking back on those days, I realize that what enabled me to overcome fear, worries, and homesickness was God’s call. I have not forgotten the rainbow I saw out of the plane window as our plane was landing at Iloilo airport 11 years ago. It looked to me like God’s welcome banner for me and a sign of His protection. God does not look for a person who has extraordinary faith but who has a willing heart. I believe that God will show us a sign of protection when we respond to His call, “Send me.” MM 6 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 018
• List times and ways we are called through someone else’s call. Who might God use to call you to serve? What positions may God be calling you to by laying it upon someone else’s heart? Possibilities include Sunday school teacher, elder, youth leader, cook, etc. Name some reasons God uses others to call us to serve. Why do we sometimes need this affirmation? • Consider whether God may be using you to extend a call to someone to serve.
PRAYER O God, give us wisdom before we speak, that we may speak truth with love, that we may know your will and your way, that we may be used to hear your call to us and to extend your call through us. We pray for Kay as she serves you beside her husband. Free her from fears and homesickness. May we do our part to encourage her so that she may live out her calling to be your servant in the Philippines. Amen. Kay’s story is one of twelve different call stories in the new 2018-2019 Women’s Ministry Bible Study based on this year’s theme of “Send Me.” Through this study you will get a chance to learn how many of our CP women missionaries were called into their ministry, along with the stories of ordained and lay women in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Several reflection questions and action steps follow each story, making the study resource appropriate for use in women’s groups, youth classes, and Sunday school classes. Pat White, of North Central Presbytery and a past Women’s Ministry secretary edited the studies. You can access the resource online at https://cpcmc.org/mmt/cpwm/bible-studies/.
HERE AM I; SEND ME!
By Lynn Thomas
7
The story of the kingdom of God on earth is a history of people answering a call from God. Noah, following God’s direction, built an ark despite the laughter of his neighbors. Abraham and Sarah left home, at God’s request, to a new land where they knew no one. Moses agreed to come out of retirement and guide a nation to a new land. Rahab joined the people of God, people she barely knew, leaving behind her people. Daniel remained faithful and pious even when threatened by lions and ridicule. Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene stood by a crucified Jesus when most of Jesus’ friends went into hiding. Tabitha gave her time and talents to those who could not repay her, demonstrating her faith in Christ. The stories of “Here am I” are numerous. We do
SEND ME ; TO HAITI Over the years many CP work teams have traveled to Haiti to lend a helping hand. As a result of those trips new relationships were made with Haitian pastors and their congregations. A few years ago it was realized that we had an opportunity to start CP churches in Haiti. The years of trips and relational connections produced willing, capable and available pastors and churches in Haiti that trusted the CP Church. These pastors and their churches were new church developments and unaffiliated with any other denomination. The churches were the result of a training program these young men had all been involved in which required they establish a church. These six pastors started studies to become ordained pastors with the CP Church. With the help of Memphis Theological Seminary, Dr. Michael Qualls and Dr. Stan Wood, and the guidance the Haiti mission liaisons Rev. Jimmy Peyton and Rev. Pat Driskell these men are ready for ordination. The work in Haiti has expanded to include a hot lunch program to feed children, as well as continued efforts to provide meeting places for worship and schools. Haiti is not an easy place to work or serve. All who have made a commitment to this mission field have had a moment when they said, “Here am I”.
not have to look to the past to see expressions of “Here am I”. There are inspiring examples all around us in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Let us look at a few of them:
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SEND ME ; TO THE PHILIPPINES The work in the Philippines continues to grow. Young men and women are answering the call to ministry. Several hours outside of Iloilo City, out in the countryside, the CP Church has started a new mission. A family with connections to the Iloilo CP Church opened their home for worship services. One of the new candidates for the ministry goes out to the new mission point to conduct the worship services. Clarice Anne C. Sapu-ay is a seminary student and lives in Iloilo City. She helps each Sunday morning in the Iloilo CP Church, and then she takes a bus two hours into the countryside. Once off the bus she takes a tuctuc (motorized rickshaw) down the dirt roads to the house where the mission is located. She sings, leads the worship service, and preaches. After the service she visits with the families that have come, and then she makes her journey back home. “Here am I.”
SEND ME ; TO GUATEMALA
In 2010 the Missions Ministry Team took a youth team to a city called Coban in Guatemala. Coban is a town about six hours from Guatemala City. The CP youth team worked in a school for several days. In one of the evangelistic events a young 12 year old girl accepted Jesus Christ. She maintained communication with one of the team members after the team left Guatemala. That relationship continued throughout the years and expanded to include CP missionaries living in Guatemala. This young girl is now a law student. This year she introduced our missionaries to the group of Christians in Coban that she and her mother have joined. The group meets each Sunday in a home to worship. This group was formed in the past several months by several Christians that have the hope it will someday be a church. This young law student told them about the CP Church and her friends in the CP Church, both in Guatemala and the USA. Our missionaries visited Coban and started a conversation with this group. The group is thrilled someone is interested in them and wants to invite them to be part of the CP family. They will be the core group of a new CP church development. Many opportunities are now opening to us in Coban. Our missionaries were recently invited to an all-girls public school (over 600 students) in Coban to do an assembly. The missionaries saw it as a great opportunity to plant seeds and introduce themselves to the community. “Here am I.” God continues to call men and women to serve. One does not have to look far to see God’s spirit moving and people responding. What is God calling each of us to do? Is God calling you to renew your commitment to your local church? Or is God calling you to seek a leadership position in your local church? Maybe God is calling you to be a pastor or even a missionary. “Here am I; send me!”
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God’s Masterpiece: Shaped to Serve
Shiloh
Cumberland Presbyterian Church By Pam Phillips-Burk & Angie Schroll
Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in North Central Presbytery has been without a pastor for seven years. Their previous pastor, the Rev. Albert Smith, retired in July 2011. At that point, the church was struggling financially and unsure if they would be able to afford a full-time pastor. The session decided to delay a pastor search process. They organized themselves to provide leadership in preaching and worship, care for the membership, and outreach in the community. They thought this would give them the time to become financially stable and enter into a full pastor search process at a later date. What started as a temporary arrangement blossomed into a new way to do ministry in their church and community. People have identified gifts in themselves and each other that they did not know were present, blessings have been abundant, worship is rich and vibrant with a schedule of lay preachers. An active elder is trained and approved annually by North Central Presbytery to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion on a regular basis. Instead of decreasing in attendance and participation, this new way of ministry has resulted in an increase of attendance and participation. Meet one of those new members as she shares her experience with the Shiloh CP Church. 10 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 018
Why choose a church without a Pastor? “My husband, Steve and I chose Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church for a couple of reasons. First, my husband’s sister and brother-in-law and their family has attended Shiloh for more than forty years. They are very active in the church and knew we were looking for a church and wanted us to give Shiloh a try. Second, Steve and I attended Shiloh for a couple of months before deciding to join Shiloh’s church family. We felt welcomed in the church, even though the elders share leadership instead of a pastor. Shiloh is alive with the Holy Spirit not only in the Sunday service but also in the Adult Sunday school and Bible study classes.”
What does it mean to be in a church with shared leadership? “Shared leadership means learning, working, and worshiping with a variety of perspectives on scripture and faith journey. Isn’t that how the Bible is written in the New Testament? There are different accounts and perspectives of Jesus ministry. My husband and I appreciate having different perspectives through shared leadership by Shiloh’s elders. Ultimately, we go back to the Bible to test our knowledge and understanding.”
Do you miss having a designated pastor? “To be honest, only recently have I missed not having a designated pastor. Even though Shiloh doesn’t have a designated pastor, I have found the answers I needed through prayer, Sunday school discussions, fellowship and the Sunday message. My reason for being part of a church family isn’t so much about a single pastor leader but more about if God is present in that church through individual leadership in a pastor or shared leadership by the elders and the congregation. I attended a church in Pennsylvania, New London Christian Life Center with, a congregation of between 900-1,200 members before moving to Illinois and attending Shiloh.”
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ngie and her husband Steve joined Shiloh CP Church and immediately got involved in many areas of the church life. She has three adult children. She was born and raised in Wilmington, Delaware and retired from DuPont Company after 30 years working in Research and Development. They moved to Beardstown, Illinois two years ago. Shiloh CP Church has decided to embrace the reality in which they have found themselves in at the place and time. They don’t know how long this model will work for them and their vision. Right now, they believe they are doing just what God would have them do. Lay leadership is a great model for any church that struggles to find a minister because of low membership, decreased finances, or changing demographics. An elder in the congregation can be trained and approved annually by a presbytery to serve the sacrament of Holy Communion. For the sacrament of baptism, a retired minister or neighboring minister can provide this leadership. It takes teamwork but Shiloh has been able to make that happen and not just survive but thrive! Way to go, Shiloh! Some churches practice the lay leadership model particularly while they are in a pastor search process. Lubbock Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Texas has used a similar model during their search process this past year. Interim pastors are not readily available in the denomination, so this is a model that has and is working for them right now in the life of their church. Way to go, Lubbock!
Another model for pastoral ministry is bi-vocational. This model is not “part-time” because it is difficult to think of ministry as part-time. There are a number of ministers and churches that have this model for leadership. Like the lay leadership model, it takes a lot of planning, teamwork, and communication to make it work. Unfortunately, in many churches “bi-vocational” really means full-time ministry for part-time compensation, which only leads to confusion, unmet expectations, and resentment. Bivocational pastors have another job that may restrict time requirements. A bi-vocational model definitely needs a written contract of expectations for both the minister and the church. Once these details have been articulated for all to understand, it can lead to many, many years of fruitful ministry together. There are some congregations that are “yoked” either formally or informally with a larger church for worship and pastoral care. It is better for a yoked model to be established formally by presbytery, so that there are no misunderstandings. This is an excellent model for very small membership churches and it is a huge help to a pastor that needs additional compensation for a salary package that maybe the larger church is unable to provide. There is certainly a “give-and-take” approach needed for this model to work, but several churches across the denomination are making it work for their setting. MM If you would like to discuss any of these models for your church or presbyteries, contact Rev. Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org or Rev. T.J. Malinoski at tmalinoski@cumberland.org. S U M M E R 2 018
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God’s Masterpiece: Shaped to Serve
YOUNG WOMEN’S MINISTRY By Taylor Sandiford & Pam Phillips-Burk
“Retreats are always so refreshing! This past February I had the opportunity to attend the Young Women’s Retreat at Camp Clark Williamson. It was such a relief to escape day-to-day life for a few days surrounded by sweet fellowship. This was my first time at the Young Women’s Retreat and I hardly knew anyone. However, it was so easy to get to know the other women. We were in a small setting and everyone was so welcoming. I felt at home in the beautiful lodge we took over for the weekend. We played tons of games, ate way too much food, and laughed until midnight. I took home many artsy creations with the reminder that we are God’s favorite and most treasured masterpiece. As I look back, I really appreciated our devotion and worship time. There was a lot of honesty in what was shared and I think it was very applicable to all of us. I love when the Church comes together to worship and fellowship. It’s always a special time.” 12 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 018
Taylor Sandiford has a social work degree from Greenville College, and is a librarian at her local public library. She is originally from Casey, Illinois and is 21 years old. She and her husband, Holton are newly married as of August 12, 2017! Holton serves as the youth minister at the Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Fairfield, Illinois, where she is also very much involved. After three years of intentional and focused emphasis upon young women who are post high school to age 30, it was decided to move it under the Young Adult umbrella of the Discipleship Ministry Team. This will provide a better structure to young women to plan and organize for this growing ministry. The Young Women’s Ministry will function as a part of the Young Adult Ministries with a standing planning/ coordinating committee with a liaison between the Young Adult Council and a Women’s Ministry representative. Abbey Prevost will continue to serve as the consultant until the transition takes place in September. We are so appreciate for her work and ministry these past three years to help get this new ministry off the ground and running. Please keep this ministry in your prayers as we continue to discern God’s plan for the young women in the CP Church. MM
God’s Masterpiece: Shaped to Serve
LATINA RETREAT
SPRING 2018 By Pam Phillips-Burk
The second ever Latina retreat was held in March 2018 at Camp McDowell near Jasper, Alabama using the same theme as the young women’s retreat in February. There were over 50 women and young girls in attendance representing five different Cumberland Presbyterian churches. The unique aspect of this retreat is that all of it was conducted in Spanish making it completely accessible to every woman. Retreat leaders Francia Ortiz, Lidia Aguilar, Nona Thomas, and Rev. Diann White provided outstanding leadership and encouragement to the women in attendance. Please continue to pray for this growing ministry in the CP Church. We have already scheduled another retreat for March 2019 at the same location and plans are in the works for a fall women’s event in West Tennessee. Here is what one young woman had to say about her experience: “My name is Lismerlin Peralta, I am a freshman in the ‘Christian Leadership’ degree program at Mid-South Christian College. Last March, I had the opportunity to participate along with other women from Comunidad Amor y Fe CP Church in Memphis in a women’s weekend retreat where we met with other Cumberland Presbyterian women in Alabama and Tennessee. For me, it was a very special and stunning weekend. The teachings, the harmony, and love of the sisters, and the beautiful place surrounded by nature painted the perfect scenery to make it an unforgettable time. I felt that God truly dealt with me as the leaders shared about us being “God’s masterpiece” (which was the theme of the retreat). I was reminded of how valuable I am in the eyes of God and that it is through them that I must see myself. It was a very beautiful experience that allowed me to meet wonderful sisters in Christ, serve in some ways and enjoy a great weekend. I hope to be able to return for the next retreat. I would love to return because I know that every time I will enjoy it more. Thank you!”
“Hola, mi nombre es Lismerlin Peralta, soy una estudiante de primer año en la licenciatura “liderazgo cristiano” en Mid-South Christian College. El pasado marzo tuve la oportunidad de participar junto con la iglesia “comunidad amor y fe”, de un campamento de damas donde nos reunimos con otras mujeres de la zona del sur de E.U. Para mi fue un fin de semana muy especial e impactante, las enseñanzas, la armonía y amor de las hermanas y el hermoso lugar rodeado de naturaleza donde estábamos; pintaron el escenario perfecto para que fuese un tiempo inolvidable. Sentí que verdaderamente Dios trató conmigo al las líderes compartir acerca de que somos “la obra maestra de Dios” (que fue el tema del campamento). Pude ser recordada de lo valiosa que soy a los ojos de Dios y que es a través de ellos que debo verme. Fue una muy bonita experiencia que me permitió conocer hermanas en Cristo maravillosas, servir de algún modo y disfrutar de un grandioso fin de semana. Espero poder volver para la próxima ocasión, me encantaría regresar y se que cada vez lo disfrutaré más. Gracias!” MM
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M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 13
Cumberland Presbyterian Church Planting Efforts in the United States CPs Are Saying,
“Here Am I; Send Me” By Johan Daza
L
et us imagine that all of us are members of a presbyterial board of missions. As a board, we have the funds needed to start a new church, have completed demographic and geographical studies, and identified a suitable location; but then, a question comes to the table: “Whom shall we send, and who will go for us to start that new church?” You may think this imaginary exercise was just a supposition; however, it is not far from reality. Some presbyteries feel deeply called to start new churches. They have the funding and tentative locations but if they do not have a church planter, everything might stop there. Church planting is a ministry; it needs to be recognized as a call from God. We are so fortunate as Cumberland Presbyterians that there are some men and women, ordained clergy, probationers, and lay Christians willing to answer to this call and say as the prophet Isaiah spoke, “Here am I; send me”.
FLORIDA New Church Development
God´s ministry of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is demonstrated through common human beings that God made church starters. God made Isaiah a prophet. What if God wants to make you a church starter, a church planter. If so, what would be your answer? “Oh no! I do not have the training and skills required.” Well Isaiah was more dramatic, saying, “Woe to me! I am ruined!” For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” As soon as he said that, God touched his lips to clean him and made him ready to answer to God´s call. Please pray to God for new church starters, and when you pray ask God if you might be one of those in progress in God´s list of CP Church planters. MM
Comunidad Biblica of Miami, Miami, Florida - Rev. Dr. Mardoqueo Munoz Nacion Santa Internacional, Naples Florida - Rev. Ramon Garcia New Exploration Initiative Hialeah, Florida – Yoel Rodriguez Miami, Florida – Rev. Aida Diego Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Jose Tejada Jacksonville, Florida – Janina Barrios & Jhonathan Hernandez Homestead, Florida – Carlos Daza
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We want to share with you a list of church starters and explorers serving in the United States and sponsored by their presbyteries
MASSACHUESETTS
and / or the Missions Ministry Team.New Exploration Initiative Boston, Massachusetts – Heidy Alecio
MASSACHUSET TS
New Church Development
Comunidad Cristiana Amor y Fe, Memphis, Tennessee – Paul Puluc Williamson County, Franklin Tennessee – Rev. Ellen Hudson New Exploration Initiative La Vid Verdadera, Memphis, Tennessee – Cesar Cordova, Tennessee – Luis Coro
NEW MEXICO
TENNESSEE
GEORGIA TEX AS
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
New Church Development GJH Ministry, Duluth, Georgia – Rev. Peter Jung
GEORGIA
TENNESSEE
TEXAS
New Church Development
New Church Development
New Church Development
GJH Ministry, Duluth, Georgia – Rev. Peter Jung
Comunidad Cristiana Amor y Fe, Memphis, Tennessee – Paul Puluc
Maranatha, Fort Worth, Texas – Rev. Soledad Martinez
MASSACHUSETTS
Williamson County, Franklin, Tennessee – Rev. Ellen Hudson
Agape, El Paso, Texas – Rev. Lyvia and Freddy Rincon
New Exploration Initiative Boston, Massachusetts – Heidy Alecio
New Exploration Initiative
NEW MEXICO
La Vid Verdadera, Memphis, Tennessee – Cesar Vasquez
New Church Development
Cordova, Tennessee – Luis Coro
Las Cruces, New Mexico – Rev. Yu S U M M E R 2 018
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 15
BEING A
BI-VOCATIONAL MINISTER By T. J. Malinoski
J
ust a handful of years ago, I was a bi-vocational minister. Let me restate that; I was a quint-vocational minister. I served a Cumberland Presbyterian congregation part-time, owned and operated a landscaping business, had secular work in the field of intellectual disability, served as a presbytery pastor and preached at another Cumberland Presbyterian congregation once a month. Each occupation helped eek out a livelihood, sustain an internal calling to serve and achieve personal fulfillment. I did not intentionally start out wanting to have five jobs but over a period of
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years, I would take on another trade/task hoping that task would lead into more stability that would allow me to shed one or more of the current occupations. In retrospect, I was like a toddler trying to smash puzzle pieces together while the pieces belonged to multiple puzzles. The result of being quint-vocational is that I was not home much and did not do any one vocation very well. While in the midst of working on one task, my mind would be racing ahead to the next one that needed to be completed. I felt pressured, tired, frustrated, overextended and disconnected.
A
t the same time, having occupations along with servminister viewed and measured by his or her orator skills alone ing the church allowed me to be a part of people’s lives but also by their pastoral theology and care. It was not until that are not faith connected, who do not have a relapost World War II, that there was an uptick in the number tionship with God, who rarely or never have experienced worof full-time ministers serving congregations. This movement ship, who have been hurt by the church in the past and who lasted several decades, however, the Cumberland Presbyterian have a distain for organized religion. The opportunity to develChurch finds itself with other mainline denominations incorop these relationships would not have been possible if I was in porating more and more bi-vocational ministers. full-time ministry. In fact, some of the deepest theological conCurrently, the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is findversations were with people who would not identify themselves ing creative ways to address the reality that most of our congreas Christians or any other faith. Having secular work allowed gations are unable to financially support a minister in full-time me to meet others who are genuinely inquisitive; searching for ministry. Ministers are having to diversify their education and meaning and understanding in their work, their family and professional skills so that they can have both secular and sacred life situations. I had to deliberately let go of some “church” lanwork. An offshoot benefit guage: religious words, euto having a bi-vocational phemisms, and acronyms minister is that our conthat are readily understood I did not intentionally start out gregations are increasingly in Christian communities having to share in the rebut serve as a barrier in wanting to have five jobs but over sponsibility of caring for trying to articulate what a a period of years, I would take on and leading the church life with Christ is like. In in worship, visitation, the doing so, I encountered another trade/task hoping that administration of the sacpeople who became adult task would lead into more stability rament of the Lord’s Supfollowers of Christ, reconper, etc. This is creating that would allow me to shed one or nected with their faith stronger church memberroots from childhood, more of the current occupations. ship, more involved memjoined a church and bebership and a dispersal came active again in their of leadership. Now again, previous church home. none of this is inherently While there are frustranew to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. I believe what tions and difficulties in being bi-vocational, the advantages of is occurring is that our ministers and those in training are bebeing able to serve the Church and actively meet those who are coming better prepared for bi-vocational ministry than just a not faith connected is impressive. decade or two ago. I also believe that our congregations are The current reality in the Church is that the bi-vocational becoming more self-sufficient when there is the absence of a minister is becoming more prominent. This is not a new realminister due to having vocational commitments outside of ity in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In B.W. McDonthe local church. Every one of our new church developments nold’s book, History Of The Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a are being served by ministers and laity who are bi-vocational. chapter entitled, The Transition From Missionary Evangelists To Many of our seminary and Program of Alternate Studies stuPaid Pastors, is devoted to the creation and evolution of minisdents enter into a bi-vocational ministry following graduation. ters being financially compensated for their ministry. As early Many second and third career individuals entering into minas the 1830’s there was an endeavor to define the role of the pasistry maintain their secular vocation while serving a congregatoral office, serving one congregation as opposed to being an tion. There are challenges of juggling the spiritual and finanitinerant circuit rider, among ministers and laity alike. By the cial realities for both the minister and the congregation. The beginning of the 20th century, congregations and its leadership challenges of bi-vocational ministry can be frustrating, tiring gradually had adopted the pastoral role moving away from the and difficult. These very same challenges are also creating optraveling evangelist. However, this shift did not always equate portunities to meet people who have yet to encounter Jesus to full-time ministry as a sole vocation. Many ministers continand these very same challenges are equipping and strengthenued to farm, teach in schools, own and operate businesses. This ing our congregations to be more actively involved in the daily shift in view towards ministry was crucial. No longer was the pastoral care and workings of the church. MM S U M M E R 2 018
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 17
NEW EXPLORATION INITIATIVE
IN JACKSONVILLE, FL By Johan Daza & Janina Barrios
T
he Missions Ministry Team is highly motivated to begin new Cumberland Presbyterian churches in the United States with the biblical reference of Matthew 28:18-20. In this context, a new exploration initiative is when the Missions Ministry Team or a presbytery explores a geographical area where a Cumberland Presbyterian presence may be formed. The goal is clear: to see if a group can be formed and gathered to worship and glorify God with the potential to become an organized Cumberland Presbyterian church. Janina Barrios and Jhonathan Hernandez are originally from Colombia, South America. They are Cumberland Presbyterian “explorers” in Jacksonville, Florida and are members of el Camino Cumberland Presbyterian Church (Miami, FL). Janina became a licentiate in the spring meeting of Grace Presbytery and Jhonathan is a candidate for the ministry and currently enrolled in the Program of Alternate Studies. They moved to Jacksonville at the end of 2017.
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Here is their story and what they are doing in Jacksonville as church explorers: “After living three years in Miami, we realized that Miami is really a touristic city where it is too expensive to live. We began to face difficult times and we asked the Lord what we should do. Suddenly, a job opportunity arose for my husband. We did not know if it was something serious, we did not know the persons who offered it, nor the city (Jacksonville, Florida); but we saw it as an answer from God and we decided to believe him. It took us two weeks to organize everything in Miami before moving. We returned the apartment, transferred our two girls from their schools, we packed our suitcases and moved. We left everything; packed only the basics; we got into our car and moved to an unknown city, without the language (English), without knowing the culture, and without even beds to sleep. But surely we had faith to believe God. Even though everything looked uncertain, we had God with us. Since we arrived in Jacksonville, God has provided and cared for us. My husband has had a lot of work (with a real estate company). We have seen how our economy has changed. God has prospered us in all aspects. Our daughters are attending a school with a high academic level. In my case, God opened an opportunity for me to work at a Christian college. God has been immensely good! While in Miami we served the Lord among the youth in our church (El Camino CPC), yet we wanted to serve the Lord in this new city where there is not a Cumberland Presbyterian presence. So, my husband started by sharing the gospel to the only person he knew; the same person who offered him his job. Jhonathan started sharing about Jesus
Christ to him and we noticed it was a great opportunity for evangelism. Two weeks later, this friend started coming to our home, and the following week a friend came with him. Then this friend brought her two teenage daughters. One of the teens brought her boyfriend and suddenly, God started bringing more people to our Bible study meetings. Today, there is a core group and together we enjoy learning the word of God. Every week we see how they are spiritually growing and they are committed to this new group. It has been three months since we started the Bible study group and we can say we are a family. We pray for one another, God is answering our prayers, and we have heard amazing testimonies about what God is doing in their lives.
Above: From left to right Samara, Jhonathan, Janina and Avril
This is an example of what we do every week: We eat together (good meals are always important), we have fellowship (we check on our families, daily lives, etc.), we study God’s word (God speaks to us in special ways), and at the end after sharing prayer requests we pray together. It is a time to study the Bible and build lasting bonds of friendship.� MM S U M M E R 2 018
M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R 19
GIVING NEWS Second Mile Projects for Missions
HERE I AM, SEND ME!
2018
Cumberland Presbyterian T-Shirts Are Available Now!
Brazil – O Caminho “The Way” – Project #34440 Our missionaries in Brazil, Rev. Jacob & Lindsey Sims, are starting an outreach by using a storefront in Salvador, Brazil. They are renting a storefront in a new office/retail building to use for outreach programs. They plan to do women’s meetings, men’s meetings and English classes as a way to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our missionaries report that the space where they are renting has a great location in the Stella Maris community. Interestingly, the name of the building is O Caminho Center, which translates “The Way Center.” This second mile project is asking for donations to cover the cost of renovating the space to function as a meeting place for the CP mission work in Brazil. The Second Mile funds will buy chairs, tables, paint, and an air-conditioning unit. The financial goal is $5,000. Amount contributed to date is $2,227.02. For more information contact: Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com, (901) 276-4572 ext. 261. For more information about all of these projects go to cpcmc.org/missions/2nd-mile. 2 0 M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R S U M M E R 2 018
Small-Extra Large $15.00, XXL $18, XXXL $19
Order online at: https://tinyurl.com/y7tkclhp or contact
Matt Gore at (901) 276-4572, ext. 252,
mgore@cumberland.org.
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.
ADDRESS CHANGE: send new address and label from a recent newspaper 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.
NEXT CONECTADOS Guatemala Missions and Immersion Trip December 27th, 2018 - January 3rd, 2019
Total for Trip: $1,600
To register visit:
www.cpcmc.org/conectadosguatemala.
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR CONECTADOS:
December 26 th: (possibly gathering in Nashville or Memphis for orientation) December 27th: Travel to Guatemala City December 27th-29th: Youth Camp December 30st: Visit local CP churches
January 31st: Helping at local CP church January 1st: Exploring Guatemala City January 2nd: Exploring Antigua January 3rd: Traveling back to USA
CONECTADOS Youth Camp: As a missions team we will help to plan and run a camp for young people in CP churches in Guatemala City. We will lead them in small groups, recreation and worship. Each person will be assigned to a team and will be helping to lead those activities during the camp.