In a year-end video message from the Rev. Hunter Farrell, director of Presbyterian World Mission for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), he says, “In 50 countries around the world, and in your community as well, Presbyterians are gathering hope—bearing witness to the hope we have in Jesus Christ.”
“As we look across the events of the last year—as we think about the wars and random acts of violence all of us have seen—it makes us wonder, ‘What is it that holds us together as the human family?’” he asks, answering by citing examples of Presbyterian World Mission work around the world.
Two places where Farrell sees significant progress are Egypt and South Sudan. In Egypt, the government is asking Presbyterian partners in the country to build churches and schools “so that we can encourage people in the values that we’ve always stood for: tolerance and respect for all people.” Education programs run by Presbyterian partners in South Sudan are providing schooling to 40,000 students.
Farrell concludes his message by making an appeal for financial support, saying, “We’re at a crossroads. We won’t be able to continue the life giving work that our mission co-workers and global partners together are doing in the name of Jesus Christ without your special gift.”
Musical accompaniment in the video is provided by Sera Chung, PC(USA) associate for Gender and Racial Justice, performing “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
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A matching grant is currently available for gifts made to support mission co-workers through December 31, 2015, up to $68,000. Please write “matching gift” in the comments field of the online donation form.