An anonymous donor has contributed $2 million to the mission agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to fund ministries in the United States and overseas.
“This generous gift will enable us to continue our faithful mission efforts and also allow us to expand ministries to meet pressing needs,” said Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Mission Council (GAMC). The donor designated half the gift for Presbyterian World Mission, one of the GAMC’s six ministry areas, and the other half for GAMC mission efforts in the United States.
“We are grateful to God for this donor’s generous gift and commitment to Christ’s mission,” Valentine said. “This gift will be a significant boost to our efforts to address the root causes of poverty, share the good news of the gospel, and help people who have suffered rebuild their lives.”
The donor’s pastor, she noted, helped communicate to the donor the importance of the GAMC’s work. “We are grateful to pastors and others who are witnessing the good work of the General Assembly Mission Council and encouraging Presbyterians to make financial contributions to our ministries,” Valentine said. “We are also thankful that Presbyterian congregations are hearing the story of Presbyterian mission and are responding generously to the invitation to support the General Assembly Mission Council.”
In the past 12 months, the GAMC has received three gifts from individuals in excess of $400,000. In 2011, another anonymous donor gave $480,000 to support the work of mission personnel around the world. In April, the Rev. Jane Hays of Lakewood, Colo., contributed $500,000 to support mission personnel who work to empower poverty-stricken women and children.
“We pledge to be faithful stewards of every dollar that is given to support Presbyterian mission causes,” Valentine said. “We at the General Assembly Mission Council need the prayers of all Presbyterians as we seek to inspire, equip, and connect people across our denomination for effective ministry in Christ’s name.”