In South Sudan there is a fragile peace and a surprising veneer of normalcy, but just below the surface lurks layers of ethnic violence, severe food shortages and exponentially growing inflation. Still, the Rev. Debbie Braaksma returned to the U.S. last week with a sense of hope that minor miracles are happening daily that may lead to a more lasting peace.
Refusing to succumb to political upheaval, economic uncertainty or mass emigration, the Evangelical Theological Seminary at Matanzas, Cuba has remained open and focused on preparing the next generation of ecumenical leaders.
Presbyterians interested in seeing firsthand what countries are doing about climate change have an opportunity to join the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Environmental Ministries and World Mission on a two-country tour next year. The ministries are hosting a travel study seminar to Guatemala and Costa Rica January 9–20.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) is suggesting a “second mile” contribution in honor of Hunter Farrell’s 30 years of mission service to Presbyterian World Mission. Farrell leaves his post as director of World Mission, a ministry area of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Friday, October 14.
At the Presbyterian House in Merida, Venezuela, Dr. Edgar Moros-Ruano, a former Presbyterian mission co-worker, says “the gospel is proclaimed not only by word of mouth, but also through deeds.”
World Mission, a ministry of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA), has announced a transition plan effective October 14, when Hunter Farrell leaves his position as director. PMA interim executive director Tony De La Rosa announced the two current associate directors of World Mission, Tamron Keith and Rachel Yates, will jointly lead the department until a new director is hired.
Following a failed popular vote to ratify the peace accord between the government of Colombia and FARC rebels on Sunday, partners in the Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia issued a letter of thanks to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for its support.
Nearly 30 members of the Presbyterian Sudan/South Sudan Mission Network met at Law’s Lodge October 3 and 4 on the campus of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to discuss the Network’s ministry and strategies for ongoing engagement as the region experiences instability and leadership challenges.
Members of Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester, New York believe more needs to be done to improve education in their city and they’ve launched an initiative to do just that. According to a report by the Rochester Area Community Foundation, Rochester is the fifth poorest city in the country with the highest concentration of extremely poor neighborhoods.
Congolese security forces clashed with demonstrators in the nation’s capital, Kinshasa, on Monday reportedly killing dozens. Further protests erupted in Kinshasa and around the country over the next several days. These seem likely to continue—or even intensify—as President Joseph Kabila nears the end of his second term of office without calling a national election to choose his successor.
