Being a Christian in the Global World
More than 2,000 youth from three denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), saw a snapshot of the world last year through the lens of faith.
These youth experienced a sampling of international cultures at the Faith in 3D weekend at Walt Disney World’s Epcot. Against the backdrop of Epcot’s international showcase, participants were encouraged to consider how their faith impacts the way they live in a world made smaller by the forces of globalization.
Through a special arrangement with Disney, the youth entered the park before it opened to the public. “We had discussions with the kids about what it means to be a Christian in the global world,” says Adam Bowling, associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Morganton, NC. “We talked about what it means to love your neighbor and what does ‘being a neighbor’ mean. We discussed international mission partnerships and partnerships with mission co-workers.”
MLK’s Legacy Inspires
Held on the weekend when America was honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Faith in 3D wove King’s themes of the beloved community and nonviolent change throughout the programming.
Mason Streppa, a high school junior from First Presbyterian, Morganton, said he was struck by the relevance of King’s message for the present day. “What he said back then (about racial justice) is still very much on the minds of people and it is still being heard today.”
Empowering Future Leaders
Mason’s involvement at Faith in 3D set him on a course that led to his ordination as a youth deacon for mission and outreach. Prior to his ordination, he went to Guatemala on his first international mission trip and discovered that what he had learned at Faith in 3D proved helpful. “At Faith in 3D, I was able to stick my foot in the water of foreign cultures,” Mason says. “When I got to Guatemala, things started coming back to me from Faith in 3D about the different cultures, languages, and food.”
Adam has taken three different youth groups to Faith in 3D since 2009. “The preaching is always excellent, and it provides a witness to Dr. King’s legacy and the plan and dreams God has for you,” he said. He has seen youth reorder their priorities and even change career ambitions after attending Faith in 3D.
You Help Make This Possible
The Pentecost Offering helped make possible these life-changing experiences. Sixty percent of the Offering goes to the national church to support ministries with youth as well as children at risk and Young Adult Volunteers. Forty percent of the offering is retained by our congregation.
By supporting the Pentecost Offering, we are helping to shape a positive future for young lives, for our church, and for our world. Please give generously.
Let Us Pray
God of the Future, We give thanks for young people who commit themselves to your vision for our world. Encourage them and strengthen them as they work for your purposes. Help all of us to be faithful disciples who listen for your call and do your will. Amen.
Join Us
For more information and resources related to the Pentecost offering, visit presbyterianmission.org/pentecost.
This post is based on the Minute for Mission script which can be found on our website as a script.
Please give generously to the Offering:
- Through your congregation
- Text YOUNG to 20222 to give $10
- Donate online