News from Presbyterian World Mission – September 2020

Mission Matters Recently, I attended a protest in Louisville that demanded justice for Breonna Taylor, the 26-year-old Black woman who was shot and killed by Louisville police when they entered her home with a no-knock warrant. It was a sobering moment; it was a moment of grief; and it was a moment of young adults. As I looked around at the crowd, people of all ages and backgrounds were there. However, the young adult presence was visible and inspiring. Young adults continue to carry the banner of justice in our country in ways that give hope for the future. They chanted, "Say her name — Breonna Taylor." I was deeply encouraged by the many ways that diverse young adults are showing their care and boldness in times of racial unrest in the U.S. Read mission matters →

Support mission co-workers As COVID-19 continues to challenge our mission personnel who serve the world’s most vulnerable people, many mission co-workers are sheltering in place or have returned to the U.S. to continue their life-changing work. But thanks to your generous gifts to Presbyterian World Mission, mission co-worker Nadia Ayoub has been able to remain in Greece to stand with "the least of these," including refugees in crowded camps for whom the pandemic poses an even greater threat. Nadia needs your prayers and support now more than ever as she continues to bring Christ’s light to those in need. Thank you for your prayers and your continued financial support, which allows mission co-workers like Nadia to act as the hands and feet of Christ both across the globe and here at home. Read more →

Church partners join with NGOs to help displaced families in Beirut Relief efforts are underway in Beirut to help the more than 300,000 people displaced by the Aug. 4 port explosion that was among the five strongest blasts in human history. (Photo provided on Facebook by Najla Kassab) Read more → Education can change the lives of children in Malawi Mission co-worker the Rev. Cheryl Barnes partners with the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian to reimagine schools. (Photo by the Rev. Cheryl Barnes) Read more →

‘Healthy Church’ in Taiwan is a blessing for mission co-worker The Rev. John McCall, who has served in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan for more than 20 years, has learned that each invitation is different and sometimes challenging to navigate. But when he leaves, he always feels blessed. Read more → International Peacemakers Virtual Symposium begins Sept. 27 A two-week International Peacemakers Virtual Symposium, Sept. 27–Oct. 10, will feature peacemakers who have visited the U.S. in the past. The International Peacemaking Program, a partnership of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and Presbyterian World Mission since 1984, is supported by gifts to the Peace & Global Witness Offering. Learn more →

Questionable election results send the people of Belarus to the streets Recently the people of Belarus have declared, "no more," and have taken to the streets by the thousands. Read more → A yellow tricycle and a magical plate of biscuits The Rev. Shelvis and Nancy Smith-Mather find joy during transition forced by COVID-19. Read more →

Cuba Partners Network Virtual Gathering 2020 The PC(USA) Cuba Partners Network (CPN) invites you to celebrate connections on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1–3 p.m., Eastern Time. This year we celebrate the 130th anniversary of Presbyterianism in Cuba and CPN’s 20th anniversary of building and strengthening partnerships between our two churches. Watch an engaging Cuban-produced documentary on the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba, learn how you can advocate here in the U.S. for the Cuban church and people, and engage in worship from Cuba. Rev. Dora Arce-Valentin, moderator of the Cuban Synod, will offer the sermon, based on Philippians 2:1–5, with special music from Havana. Learn more →

World Communion Sunday resources Oct. 4 is designated as World Communion Sunday, which celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. This year, PC(USA) partner churches contributed to the resources to provide an international perspective. (Photo by Sarah Henken) Find resources →

YAV is ‘virtual’ in 2020–21 and ‘in-person’ in 2021–22 Sign up for "virtual" YAV service in 2020–21 by the Sept. 29 deadline. Application season for "in-person" YAV service in 2021–22 opens Oct. 1 (pcusa.org/yav). Be a "virtual" YAV! →

Matthew 25-Actively engaged in the world The Matthew 25 invitation was officially launched in April of 2019. Over a year later there are over 600 churches, groups and mid councils that have made the commitment to become a Matthew 25 church and work towards building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. Explore our bold vision →

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