THE MISSIONARY MESSENGERAPRIL 2012

“ M E ETI NG PE OP LE W H E R E TH EY A R E ”

p a g e s 4 - 6

{ I n T h i s I s s u e }

http://ministrycounci l.cumberland.org/missionsministry

FOR MORE INFORMATION

ways tOSTEP

OUT

march of missions

1234

678

Evangelize

Grow

Give

Adopt

Lead!

Plant

Pray

Train

May 6, 2012

April 8, 2012

May 27, 2012

April 15, 2012

April 22, 2012

April 29, 2012

May 20, 2012

May 13, 20125

Each year March of Missions, the season from Easter to Pentecost, invites congregations to emphasize missions and evangelism in their Sunday worship services. For over forty years this seven-week period of study and mission focus for Cumberland Presbyterians has encouraged individuals and congregations to share their faith and show their compassion in the world God loved so much that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. This year’s March of Missions theme picks up on the new evangelism movement approved by the 2011 General Assembly called “Step Out!” In this packet you’ll find a poster suitable for a church bulletin board and eight “Minutes for Missions,” one for each Sunday of the season beginning with Easter (April 8) and continuing through Pentecost (May 27). Also there are worship aids for Pentecost (World Mission Sunday) or other occasions. The “Minutes for Missions” are designed to be shared with the congregation by a member of the church in Sunday worship. Action words from the ten-year “Step Out!” plan are the basis for the resource this spring. Additional posters and March of Missions information may be downloaded as well from the Missions Ministry Team website:

http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/marchofmissions

Please join with other Cumberland Presbyterian churches to explore

“Eight Ways to Step Out.”Observe March of Missions season April 8 to May 27!

1 | M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2

2ND MILEPROJECTS

COVER PAGE 2

PAGE 4 MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE

2012 CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN’S REGISTRATION FORM

PAGE 6 LETTER FROM JAPANAND NEWS FROM MEXICO

PAGE 7

MISSIONARY MESSEN-GER AND QME NEWS

“MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE”

PAGE 3

MISSIONS MINISTRY TEAMof the Cumberland Presbyterian Church

8207 Traditional PlaceCordova, TN 38016-7414 phone 901.276.9988

fax 901.276.4578e-mai l : messenger@cumber land.org

Please note ex tens ion numbers

Member:

Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211

George R. Estes: ext. 234

Pam Phillips-Burk: 901.276.4572 ext. 262

Lynn Thomas: 901.276.4572 ext. 261

Robert Watkins: 901.276.4572 ext. 263

T.J. Malinoski: 423-972-1239

Jinger Ellis: ext. 230

Sowgand Sheikholeslami: ext. 211

A1 Printing

Memphis, Tennessee

• Associated Church Press

• Evangelical Press Association

• Subscriber:

Evangelical Press Service (EP)

News Network International (NNI)

Publication Manager:

Editors:

Art Director:

Printer:

MISSIONARYM E S S E N G E RTH

E

2 | M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2 http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry

SUMMARY OF ADDITIONAL SECOND MILE PROJECTS – APRIL 2012For more information about all of these projects go to www.ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/secondmileprojects. Click on the Second Mile Project link for downloadable posters and expanded project descriptions.

Website Redesign - PRoject #320006Funding to help build a new denominational web site that will be more efficient and effective in sharing news and resources with both seekers and Cumberland Presbyterians.Amount Needed: $12,000; Amount Contributed to Date: NoneFor more information contact: Mark J. Davis at mdavis@cumberland.org, 901.276.4572 x216Send contributions to the Communications Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova TN 38016-7414.

cleRgy cRisis Fund - PRoject #35004Funding to provide financial support to clergy who are in crisis and in need of support and care.Amount Needed: $12,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $7,803.34For more information contact: Milton L. Ortiz at MOrtiz@cumberland.org, 901.276.4572.Send contributions to the Pastoral Development Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016.

inteRnational youth PaRticiPants – PRoject #33097Funding to bring two representatives (from each country where we currently have CP churches) to Triennium and the Cumberland Presbyterian Youth Conference.Amount Needed: $24,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $200.00For more information contact: Susan Groce at scg@cumberland.org, 901.276.4572 or Bob Watkins at watkr@mac.com, 319.431.0990.

Contributions for the following projects should be sent to the Missions Ministry Team, 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414 indicating on the check the project number.

MissionaRy to Mexico setuP Fund - PRoject #34056 Funding for a Set-up Fund which will be used to handle onetime expenses such as: plane tickets, visa legal expenses, furniture, appliances,

office equipment, deposits for school enrollment, etc.Amount Needed: $12,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $19,332.83For more information contact: Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com (205.408.9400)

MissionaRy inteRnshiP PRogRaM – PRoject #34034Funding to pay for travel and lodging expenses for missionary interns, including a small stipend.Amount Needed: $10,000; Amount Contributed to Date: $3,000.00For more information contact: Lynn Thomas at lynndont@gmail.com (205.408.9400)

yec 2012 – FolloW! – PRoject #34202Funding will help make it possible for the young people of our church to attend the 2012 Youth Evangelism Conference.Amount Needed: $5,000; Amount Contributed to Date: NoneFor more information contact: Pam Phillips-Burk at pam@cumberland.org, 256.837.6014 or Susan Groce at scg@cumberland.org, 901.276.4572.

2MISSIONS

MINISTRIESProject #34379

SupplementalSecond

Mile Project

“English as a Second Language”

Missions Ministry Team

8207 Traditional Place Cordova, TN 38016

(901)276-4572

One of the roles of the Christian church is to explore opportunities to show Jesus’ love to people around us and to be able to serve the community based on their needs and circumstances. One response to an evident need is an “English as a Second Language” class for adults in the community of Memphis. The program’s focus provides opportunities for a group of 20 immigrants to participate in an ESL pilot program. The class is based on a nontraditional methodology, focused on the development of basic conversational skills in order to face the daily life demands of many immigrants.

The class is taught by an ESL teacher that is well experienced working with non-English speakers. Additionally, volunteers are working with the students. The ESL Department of Memphis City Schools is providing some of the materials required for the project. The class is offered in partnership with Memphis Theological Seminary and meets in its facilities. This is a great opportunity for the Seminary to serve the community, and also it provides a model applicable for use in local churches.

The Need

Financial Data Amount Needed from Second Mile $580.00Amount Contributed to Date $ 0.00Total Amount Needed for the Project $580.00

Duration:April 2012 - December 2012

Contributions: Please make check payable to the Missions Ministry Team and mail to 8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN 38016-7414.

For More Information:Contact George Estes, gre@cumberland.org, 901.276.4572.

2nd Mile progect

M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2 | 3http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry

This past year, as women, we’ve been seeking God’s direction for our lives and our

ministries, and we have seen and done some amazing things! One thing that we’ve done is join together in an effort to accomplishment a

few financial goals. The two projects designated for this past year are:Faith in 3D – this ecumenical event was held this past January in

Orlando, FL involving youth from three different denominations. This project was to assist in funding the missions component to that event. Lynn Thomas, Director of Global Missions, participated in that event along with other missionaries from around the world. Together CP women contributed $2,985.47 to this project. Even though the event is

past, you can still contribute to that effort. Make your check payable to Missions Ministry Team (8207 Traditional Place, Cordova, TN, 38016-7414) and indicate that it is for “Faith in 3D - #34052.

2013 Chaplain Salary for the CP Children’s Home – this important ministry was embraced as another project for Women’s Ministry. Has your group found some creative ways to participate in this effort? So far the project total stands at $1,889.16. Make sure you indicate on your check that it is for CPCH Chaplain Salary #34053.

At the 2012 Convention women will have the opportunity to Step Out and share the gospel with those who need to hear it around the world. The Convention Offering will be Prep 1:8 – a new missionary recruitment and training program. There have been two training events to date with more planned for the future. Through Prep 1:8 the CP Church will be prepared and ready to go whenever and wherever God may call us to go. You can make your offering at Convention during the closing worship service, or anytime before or after Convention by mailing your check to Missions Ministry Team. Be sure to note that it is for the 2012 Convention Offering – Prep 1:8 (#34051).

Show me your waySthrough giving

PREPPING IN PREP 1: 8

55

55

55

Q.M.E . NewsThe Quarterly Missions Emphasis bulletin insert, available to churches by

subscription, has been around a long time. Through this brief piece, missions news has been shared periodically with over 19,000 church members in the worship bulletin of 204 churches. At a meeting in January, the Missions Ministry Team elected members reviewed many of the programs and publications of the Team and determined that the QME will be discontinued at the end of 2012. Congregations that have subscribed will continue to receive their QME packets through this year. The decision was made, also, to change the format of the QME for the remainder of 2012, and to utilize the writing gifts of elected MMT members to relate inspirational and motivational material for the insert. The QME has served an important function, but today this kind of information can be shared on the Ministry Council website and in other publications of the Missions Team. A special Thank You to the congregations that have faithfully subscribed to and used QME over the years! And we trust you will enjoy the remaining issues this year.

The new Prep 1:8 program of the Missions Ministry Team is a means of identifying and equipping those who feel God calling them into missionary service. The name “Prep 1:8” arises from the declaration of

Christ in Acts chapter one, verse eight: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the

earth.” In a recent training session eight Cumberland Presbyterian young adults became more thoroughly acquainted with the missions program of the denomination and recognized afresh that God is opening

doors of mission around the world. Right now there are needs for church planters in Guatemala (to serve with Anay Ortega pictured here), and for missionaries and church planters to complement our Cumberland

Presbyterian work in South Korea, and the Philippines, among other places. Further, this group and all Missions Ministry Team members are praying for God’s guidance in the selection of a new mission field for

Cumberland Presbyterians. Is your church interested in helping to support a missionary as part of its response to the Step Out

evangelism emphasis in this decade? You’re invited to contact the Missions Ministry Team to find out how!

The Missionary Messenger

As a reader of The Missionary Messenger please help us communicate as effectively as possible. Often today, electronic communication is the mode of choice. If you wish to discontinue receiving this publication as a “hard copy” and would prefer to receive it electronically, please send an e-mail to messenger@cumberland.org with your name as it appears on the address label and your current e-mail address. Or you can email Jinger Ellis through the website: http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/contactus.

Whoever want to be my disciples must deny themselves and take up their cross and FOLLOW me. (Mark 8:34b).

This conference is for youth, grades 6 through college Freshmen, and includes youth leaders and parents who work with and alongside them. Worship, energetic music, reflection groups, conversation, and hands-on outreach opportunities in the Little Rock, Arkansas area will make this YEC as meaningful and memorable as past events. YEC Follow will be held at the Arkansas 4-H Center in Little Rock, AR, December 27-30, 2012.

Keep watch for registration information and more conference details. BJ Mathis is the conference coordinator and you can contact him at bjmathis83@gmail.com. Visit the YEC website for more info and to register your group online.

FOLLOW

SHOW ME YOUR WAYS

Awhile back the Arkansas Cumberland Presbyterian Women had the pleasure to have Glenn Watts, our missionary to Hong Kong, as our guest speaker at our

annual retreat at Camp Peniel. He shared with us what it’s like to live in Hong Kong and some of the daily struggles of the people living there. He showed us pictures of our two excellent Cumberland Presbyterian High Schools in Hong Kong and told us of his plans to start a music program geared for young adults. He even taught us how to say “God Bless You” in Chinese (It sounds like Joke Folk L-a-a-y). Some of us were surprised to learn that our Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries now have to raise their own funds to go to the mission field and, therefore, may be delayed in returning overseas. We were so inspired that we were glad to collect a love offering for him of over $500. Glenn spent the rest of the weekend with my family and spoke at my church in Russellville on Sunday morning. That evening he went to a nearby rural church to talk, and when he got back he told me “Man, those people are serious!”

Ever since then I’ve been thinking about what Glenn said and wondering…Are we serious? Are we serious about our missionaries? Are we serious about stepping out to evangelize? Are we serious about finding our own individual role in God’s plan? It is so easy to keep on doing what we are doing because, well, that’s the way we’ve always done it. Sometimes we get so comfortable at our church and our role there that we lose sight of what we could be doing.

Last year while attending the workshop for Christian Education Consultants I was grouped with an older woman minister, two Choctaw Native American women, and a young African American woman (who must have been a model). I thought this was a good example of the diversity of the CP Church and it gave me a broad range of ideas about the CP Church and where we were going. We discussed all kinds of issues, but the one problem throughout seemed to be

that today we have a lack of commitment. Are we serious about commitment? Wasn’t it commitment to spread the gospel that started the Cumberland Presbyterian Church? Isn’t it commitment that today sends our missionaries like Glenn out to foreign countries? They are “stepping out” in faith. And, even though we can’t all become missionaries, we can commit to doing our part to support them.

Dr. Henry Bradford, speaking at General Assembly in 2005, said “We can’t do everything, but we can do something.” What is your something? Maybe it’s pledging to have “Missionary Monday” and donating the money you would have spent on food or eating out to a different CP missionary each month as well as learning and praying for them during that month. Or why not commit to making sure that each child in your church and one of his/her friends is encouraged and financially able to go to camp this summer or the youth to the Youth Evangelism Conference this December. Better yet go with them! Maybe you could commit to start “stepping out” by deciding to invite one person to your church each week (when’s the last time you did that?). Or, start off with a small step and pledge to mention once a day to someone how God is blessing your life. If every Cumberland Presbyterian was serious about making 2012 the year to renew their personal commitment to God and to finding that “something” that He has planned for them there’s no telling the things we could do.

Before Glenn left to go home I took him to Mount Nebo which is in Yell County, AR, home of the Gum Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church -- home church of Mattie Ross, the fictional character in the movie “True Grit.” Mattie Ross was a brave,

confident and determined pioneer girl and was focused on finding the outlaw

Tom Chaney

who killed her father. One might

even say she had True Grit herself. And, she

didn’t hold back when given the opportunity at the trading post in Oklahoma to tell another lady “I’m Cumberland Presbyterian and proud of it”. Maybe we need to be a little more like Mattie Ross...serious, committed, willing to step out and proud of being a Cumberland Presbyterian!

Is Evangelism For Me?

Meeting People

Where TheyAre

The concept of meeting people where they are implies that the messenger (you) must leave the confines of your personal space and venture into areas frequented by unreached people. And, you must carry the message of salvation and find a way to deliver it. If you look at this from the perspective of the Great Commission, you

must go with your personal testimony of the power of God in your life to areas where the message of Christ is seldom preached to an unreached audience.

Effective evangelism is intentional evangelism. Every person and every church needs a plan with specific goals and a system for evaluation and accountability. This only happens when a pastor leads the church through a program of evangelistic goal setting. There must be a plan; this is what we intend to do; this is how we will do it; and, these are the results we expect.

This ministry of evangelism can cost money and should be funded by every believer and every local church. Here are some specific ways to meet new people. Does your church provide money to those that take the great commission seriously?

At Home: Begin with two days at McDonald’s from 9-10 p.m. You will find an audience of people during that time frame that is both un-churched and lonely. It is a great place to gradually build trust with an entirely new audience. As time goes on, you will find these people reaching out with their problems and needs. It would be good if you or

your church could allot $50 a month to assist this group of receptive people.

Nationally: Your church should have a line item budget to send at least two of your most aggressive evangelists for additional training at a national conference. You can find a conference near your residence by entering “Evangelism & Conferences” in the Google search bar of your computer.

A Samaria Site: There are always a number of so-called unreached people within a thirty minute drive of your home. These are international residents in your community that are open to a cultural experience in their new country. This can be achieved through an invitation to dinner and the “The Messiah.” With a little study you can be prepared to talk about Handel, his faith, and the profound content of the “The Messiah” during the dinner and then allow the Holy Spirit to work during the presentation. Later, you can launch some creative questions with your friend in order to help him/her decide to accept or reject the message. If this idea strikes you as an effective tool, you can read more about “The Messiah” at http://www.greeleygazette.com/press/?p=12564 and a host of other sites.

International: People are traveling more and more internationally, but most people have no strategy for sharing their faith with people that have never met a Christian. If you met a non-Christian, how would you meet them with your faith experience wherever you find them? There is an incredible harvest waiting for the workers!

By Bob Watkins

Meeting People Where They Are

Are We Serious?By Melinda Reams, F i r s t C u m b e r l a n d P r e s b y t e r i a n C h u r c h , R u s s e l l v i l l e , A R

4 | M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2 http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry

Glenn Watts

hat is evangelism? Why do evangelism? Who is to evangelize and to whom?

The definitions and strategies for evangelism are undergoing pivotal changes in Christian circles. When we hear the word, evangelism, individuals with unique and particular skills come to mind. We think of specialists who are very good at witnessing to others about Jesus Christ. We think of programs and methods and look for that “silver bullet” that can be adopted as individual Christians and congregations.

Evangelism is…

SEEING PEOPLE AS PEOPLEMale or female, elderly or young,

married or single, wealthy or poor - we

categorize people by the limits of our vision and external circumstances. We fail to think of others as fellow human beings made from the same basic stuff as we, molded in the same divine image. The Good Samaritan will always remind us to remove the definitions of society from our spiritual eyes and see people as people. If the Samaritan had first considered that the wounded man was Jewish, maybe he would not have stopped and administered first aid because the Samaritans and the Jews had no dealings with one another. But the Samaritan saw an injured human being first, who happened to be Jewish. Seeing people as people looks beyond the external circumstances and discerns the inner qualities that make us human and therefore, sisters and brothers.

Evangelism is…

THE CAPACITY TO EMPATHIZEHaving pity is an impersonal concern

which may prompt us for the mailing of a check. An expression of pity, devoid of true empathy, leads to a form of paternalism. True empathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one’s time, talents and gifts. Empathy grows out of a concern, a feeling for the person in need – her/his pain, suffering and burdens. Our missionary and evangelistic efforts will fail when they are based on pity rather than true compassion. The capacity to empathize moves us from doing something for the “non-christian”, the “un-employed”, the “widow/widower”, to doing something with. When we have the capacity to empathize, we are journeying with the person in need, sharing how God has moved in our lives during times of trial and of suffering.

Evangelism is…

DEALING WITH OUR FEARSWe often feel ill-equipped and inadequate

in sharing our faith with others. Fear motivates us to be silent in times when people need to know how we made it through a tough time. Our fear of how we will be perceived in sharing our faith will immensely be diminished if we come up with a short, simple story of how we came to have faith in God. Keep it simple – we don’t often know how much or how little people know of the Christian faith. Briefly speak on

how God’s grace changed you. Keep it short – attention spans are limited, if people have questions they will ask. You may find yourself engaged in a conversation of faith.

Evangelism is…

BOTH PRAYER AND OUR EFFORTS

We all need to pray for God’s help and guidance with our participation in the Great Commission. But we are gravely misled if we think people will know God by prayer alone. God will never allow prayer to become a substitute for work and intelligence. God gave us minds to think and bodies to work. It is neither prayer nor human effort; but it is both our prayers and our efforts. We must earnestly pray for evangelism in our individual lives and in our congregation. But along with our prayers we must work vigorously for identifying people and communities where the Good News is needed and share that Good News in our actions. For example, we can pray for a family going through a trying time such as a house fire. We can couple our prayers with finding them temporary shelter, driving them to the insurance company, or providing meals and clothing. We can adopt this family, whether a part of the church or not, until they can get back on their feet again.

Evangelism is…

STEPPING OUTPlacing evangelism on the “front-burner”

of our individual lives and the life of the congregation can be a daunting endeavor. Our faith helps us to acknowledge our struggles and short-comings but also challenges us to step out of our comfort zones; the familiar. Faith is the source of our inner strength, instilling in us with an inner equilibrium needed to face burdens and fears that inevitably come. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, our faith imbues us with the conviction that we are not alone in any circumstance. Knowing and embracing this, we can step out into places and circumstances where the Good News needs to be heard and experienced. We are stepping out not for ourselves but for those who need to know they are valued, who need

compassion, who need both prayer and assurance that fear is minimized by the love of God.

Is Evangelism For Me?

International missions have always been under-funded in most church contexts. Missionaries often fret over whether their monthly support will arrive. Mission executives struggle for adequate cash flow. One has to wonder, “why?” Could it be the bottom line reads, “we have not, because we ask not?” Hudson Taylor’s writings are informative in this regard. He elaborates on Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Taylor insists, “If the work we do is at the command of God, then we can go to Him with full confidence for the

workers we need. And when God gives the workers, then we can go to Him for the means. He sustained three million Israelites in the wilderness for forty years…God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supplies.” Day 1 of a Thirty-Day Devotional Treasury.

Taylor’s prayer for funding could well be used in our own lives. “Father, how easy it is to assume that our faith is strong and healthy, when in fact our faith lies dormant and our lives remain unchallenged to believe You for great things. Challenge my faith with a new sense of what You want me to trust You for. Amen”

I am learning from my own experience that I almost always get what I ask for from God. I am convinced that when my prayers of faith are unanswered, it is for one of two reasons - I am too impatient or I have prayed for something that was not compatible with the will of God.

“Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and constantly loves those who love him and obey his commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9

Should Denominational Mission Projects

Be Included in My Investments?

By Bob Watkins

By T.J. Malinoski

W

http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry

Thank you for your continuing prayers and contributions for the unprecedented earthquakes and tsunamis which crippled the nuclear reactor of Fukushima Nuclear

Power Plant we experienced in Japan on March 11th last year. Your prayers have always been our encouragement in the aftermath of March 11th.

It has been almost a year since then and we at the presbytery have been supporting eleven churches and organizations, and one hundred and fourteen individuals with our relief funds, including contributions we have received from various sources of Cumberland Presbyterian organizations and individuals during the period.

We are getting close to the day when we are planning to have a memorial service on March 11, 2012, the second Sunday of March, which will include a worship service, sharing reports on the current situation in the suffering sites and supporting activities, and the time for prayer.

Japan Presbytery extended the invitation to all the churches in our denomination to join us in prayer on March 11th, the memorial day of the disaster.

Now we are focusing on two areas. The first is one of the most severely damaged sites called “EMMAUS” - The Tohoku District Center/United Church of Christ in Japan (Kyodan) which not only our church but also other churches and supporting organizations have helped in the past. And the other is long term support for seminary students who are not able to take classes because of the disaster.

The following is just a quick note for ins and outs of the relief funds. Contributions:JPY 14,012,048 ($175,743.76US)

Breakdown: Relief funds from overseas: (USA, Hong Kong Presbytery, Korean churches, Brazil):

JPY 11,835,748 ($148,447.88US) Relief funds from domestic: JPY 2,162,500 ($27,122.79US) Others: JPY 13,800 ($173.08US)

Disbursements:JPY 7,612,910 ($95,483.64US)Breakdown: Support for individuals (114 cases): JPY 2,050,000 ($25,711.78US) Support for organizations (11 cases): JPY 4,200,000 ($52,677.79US) Travel expenses for volunteers: JPY 849,973 ($10,660.64US) Expenses for fixing wall of Fuji Mineyama Chapel: JPY 500,000 ($6,271.17US)Office expenses: JPY 12,937 ($162.26US)

Balance as of Dec. 31, 2011: JPY 6,399,138 ($80,260.11US)

On Tuesday, February 7, 2012, the Reverend Betty Youngman received the Distinguished Minister Award for Specialized Ministry from the Brite Divinity School

Alumnae/i Council. It was awarded at the annual Brite Divinity School Luncheon during the Brite/Texas Christian University Ministers Week. The Distinguished Minister Award for

Specialized Ministry is presented to a Brite alumnus who has rendered outstanding and continuing service in a focused ministry. Specialized ministry includes missionaries, chaplains, campus ministries or directors of unique ministries. Reverend Youngman lives in Fort Worth, TX and is a member of Red River Presbytery. She will celebrate 28 years of ordained ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on May 27, 2012.

T he work in Mexico is expanding rap-idly. A Cumberland Presbyterian council of churches was

formed about 1½ years ago with 6 churches and missions. Three churches are located in Mexico City and three in Juarez, across the border from El Paso, TX. The council meets every six months and consists of pas-tors, candidates for the ministry, and lay representatives from each church. It is designed to look and function like a presby-tery, until an official presbytery can be organized. The council voted a year ago to call a mis-sionary to work in Mexico and

help the council. The recruitment process resulted in endorsing Rev. Carlos Rivera and his wife, Luz Dary, as our missionaries. He is a CP pastor from Andes Presbytery (Colombia). As of this writing, they are in the final stages of the visa process to relocate to Mexico.The council met in Juarez in January and added two more churches and pastors, giving the council a current total of 8 churches and missions. The council noted there are many opportunities for continued growth through the many rela-tional connections to other pas-tors and churches in Mexico who are seeking a denominational

identity and would be a good fit in the CP Church of Mexico. The challenge will be to assimilate these pastors and churches, as well as administratively continue to build the infrastructure of the council. The council affirmed this will be a primary focus of the missionary, dedicating time to growth of the council and help-ing with some of these adminis-trative issues. The Riveras have made a three year commitment to the Missions Ministry Team and the Council of CP Churches in Mexico. They will live in Mexico City, traveling when needed to Juarez to assist our churches there.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN EXPANSION IN

M E X I C OBy Lynn Thomas

Reverend Betty Youngman Receives Honor

Return your completed registration form and a check to Jo Ann Shugert, Convention Coordinator, 5208 Bellis Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76244. If you register after May 1, the Late Registration fee (an additional $15) applies.

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address :_________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ _____________ State: __________ Zip Code: ________________

Telephone Number: ________________________________Cell Number: ________________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Congregation: _____________________________________Region: ___________________________________

Credentials Information: Additional credential information will be taken at Convention._____ Regional Delegate _____ This is my first time at Convention _____ Yes, I plan to attend Fun Night – Tuesday, June 19, after Worship_____ Yes, I would like to participate in a Convention Choir – NEW THIS YEAR!!

Fees & Meals:Please indicate the number of tickets or fees you are paying in the blank in the left column; calculate the total cost in the right column.

Make checks payable to the Missions Ministry Team. _____ Registration - $30 $_____ (before May 1) _____Late Registration - $45 $_____ (after May 1) _____Regional Delegate Dinner - $15 $_____ (REGIONAL DELEGATES ONLY) (The Evening Meeting will be Monday, June 18) _____Luncheon - $20 $_____ (Thursday at 12:00 NOON – note time change) _____One Day Only Charge - $15 $_____ Total $__________

Workshops – Meeting People Where They Are Place 1, 2 and 3 for your three preferences____Meeting people in your back yard ____Meeting young women where they are____Meeting people in the world ____Meeting people with special needs____Meeting people through evangelism ____Meeting people through life transitions____Meeting people on the street ____Meeting people through service projects/outreachSome changes in workshops may occur between now and Convention. Everyone (men included) attending GA/Convention may attend our workshops – spread the word!You are invited to attend the workshops offered by GA on Monday, June 18. More info to follow.

A packet of information will be sent to those who register by June 1st.If you have questions please contact Jo Ann Shugert at shugertr@yahoo.com or 682-593-0350

LETTER fROM

Japan2/16/12

By Ted Shirai, Stated Clerk of Japan Presbytery

6 | M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2 http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry

Return your completed registration form and a check to Jo Ann Shugert, Convention Coordinator, 5208 Bellis Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76244. If you register after May 1, the Late Registration fee (an additional $15) applies.

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________

Address :_________________________________________________________________________________

City: ________________________________ _____________ State: __________ Zip Code: ________________

Telephone Number: ________________________________Cell Number: ________________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________

Congregation: _____________________________________Region: ___________________________________

Credentials Information: Additional credential information will be taken at Convention._____ Regional Delegate _____ This is my first time at Convention _____ Yes, I plan to attend Fun Night – Tuesday, June 19, after Worship_____ Yes, I would like to participate in a Convention Choir – NEW THIS YEAR!!

Fees & Meals:Please indicate the number of tickets or fees you are paying in the blank in the left column; calculate the total cost in the right column.

Make checks payable to the Missions Ministry Team. _____ Registration - $30 $_____ (before May 1) _____Late Registration - $45 $_____ (after May 1) _____Regional Delegate Dinner - $15 $_____ (REGIONAL DELEGATES ONLY) (The Evening Meeting will be Monday, June 18) _____Luncheon - $20 $_____ (Thursday at 12:00 NOON – note time change) _____One Day Only Charge - $15 $_____ Total $__________

Workshops – Meeting People Where They Are Place 1, 2 and 3 for your three preferences____Meeting people in your back yard ____Meeting young women where they are____Meeting people in the world ____Meeting people with special needs____Meeting people through evangelism ____Meeting people through life transitions____Meeting people on the street ____Meeting people through service projects/outreachSome changes in workshops may occur between now and Convention. Everyone (men included) attending GA/Convention may attend our workshops – spread the word!You are invited to attend the workshops offered by GA on Monday, June 18. More info to follow.

A packet of information will be sent to those who register by June 1st.If you have questions please contact Jo Ann Shugert at shugertr@yahoo.com or 682-593-0350

CP Women’s Ministry ConventionJune 19-21, 2012

Florence, AL at the Marriott Shoals Hotel

Our Theme: Meeting People Where They AreScripture: 1 Cor. 9:22b-23 New Living Translation

“I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”

Keynote Speaker: Rhe Ann White, Music Director: Chuck Brown - Convention will have a choir this year!! Be sure to sign up.

You will receive an informative registration packet after you register. We will start mailing these after April 1.Your CPWM Executive Committee invites you to join in prayer for this meeting.

ExEcutivE cOMMittEE:President: Mary Ann Cole, President-Elect: Carla Bellis, Past President: Martha Chambers, Secretary: Glenda Corbin,

Secretary-Elect: Sondra Gould, Director of Women’s Ministry: Rev. Dr. Pam Phillips-Burk, convention coordinator: Jo Ann Shugert

Contact Jo Ann at shugertr@yahoo.com or 682-593-0350 if you have any questions.

You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations:Shoals Marriott, 800 Cox Creek Parkway South, Florence, AL 35630 256-246-3600, Room Rate-$127 double/king * Cut-off Date-May 1, 2012 *

Check-in 4 pm * Check-out 11 am, Convention will be held in the Conference center, which is adjacent to the hotel.

In order to receive the special rate, reserve your room online at:http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mslmc?groupCode=cpccpca&app=resvlink&fromDate=6/16/12&toDate=6/22/12

GROUP CODE: cpccpca

Meeting People

Where TheyAre

2012 Cumberland PresbyterianWomen’s Ministry Convention

Meeting People Where they AreJune 19 – 21, 2012-Florence, Alabama

NEWONLINE REGISTRATION

http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/

2012cpwmconventionregistration

M I S S I O N A R Y M E S S E N G E R A P R I L 2 0 1 2 | 7http://ministrycouncil.cumberland.org/missionsministry