Presbyterian Mission Agency joseph russ Archives

Sowing the seeds of peace

Posted October 1st, 2024

The local laundromat in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was Linda’s chapel. It was where she first shared a prayer concern that had been weighing heavily on her mind — and on her family’s heart — to say nothing of their budget. At the time, Linda was dealing with stage 4 cancer. “Since I got sick, my washer and dryer can’t handle the volume of blankets and bedding,” she confessed to the pastor and volunteers from the Presbyterian Church of Waynesboro. “And the expense of doing my laundry would have been difficult to handle without your help.” The help that had become a lifeline for Linda and other families — for whom the escalating cost of health care was threatening to drive them even deeper into poverty — was the church’s “Fresh Start: Loads of Love” laundry outreach program.

Ministering to migrants on the brink of despair

Posted September 17th, 2024

The plight of the thousands of migrants in her native El Salvador keeps Carmen Elena Díaz awake at night. “Knowing their experiences, their stories, and in ministering to the migrant people, my life has been transformed,” said Díaz. “Their stories mark you, transform you, sensitize you. They make you realize what a hard and difficult subject this is.”

New PC(USA) mission network begins work in earnest

Posted May 9th, 2024

Following up on their historical meeting in March, which brought together a large group of diverse church partners and groups, the Mesoamerica Mission Network (La Red de Misión y Migración en Mesoamérica), previously referred to as the Central America Mission Network, now turns its attention to the day-to-day work required for building an intercultural solidarity network around migration issues and justice.

An oasis of peace on the migration trail

Posted April 4th, 2024

As a fundamental pillar of our Christian experience and testimony, justice is inseparable from peace and a fulfilling life for every human being as proclaimed by the good news of the Kingdom of God. Currently, there is a grave deficit of both justice and peace in many countries around the world, particularly in Central America.

New World Mission appointment fulfills a General Assembly mandate

Posted February 24th, 2022

Joseph Russ’ appointment as Presbyterian World Mission’s coordinator for migration issues, advocacy and mission in the Northern Triangle of Central America, a new mission co-worker position, is the fulfillment of an overture passed by the 223rd General Assembly, held in St. Louis in 2018.