The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) concluded its April 2016 meeting with an approved 2017-18 bridge Mission Work Plan and a budget with 15 percent reductions over the same period. The board also approved a work restructuring plan that includes job reassignments, elimination of programming and staff reductions.

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a approved a budget and work restructuring plan that will reduce the agency’s overall budget by 15 percent over the 2017-18 period. In addition to job reassignments throughout the agency, eight positions and five program areas were eliminated in actions taken by the (PMAB) at its April 26-29, 2016 meeting in Louisville.

Landon Whitsitt, synod executive and stated clerk for the Synod of Mid-America and chair of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) Board’s executive director search committee, gave the board a brief update on the committee’s progress on April 28.

First Thai-Laotian Presbyterian Church is the sole recipient of the 2016 Sam and Helen R. Walton Award of $50,000. First Thai-Laotian began in 2002 with 15 people who wanted to reach the estimated 15,000 Thai and Laotian persons living in Las Vegas. The majority of the first generation of these immigrants attended Buddhist temples, but due to the language barrier the younger generations had begun to drift from the faith of their parents. 

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) approved today—as amended—the comments proposed by its Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) Review Committee Response Writing Team Task Force. 

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has approved a plan to restructure its work. The design does not change the number of board members, although it does include additional voices in issue-based ad-hoc ministerial teams, and does not require the approval of the General Assembly.

The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) heard a presentation on April 27 on the comments proposed by its Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) Review Committee Response Writing Team Task Force. 

It is estimated that as many as half a million people have been impacted by the recent earthquake in Ecuador. The 7.8 magnitude quake on April 16 and aftershocks have claimed more than 500 lives, injured thousands and left communities in ruins. Despite the devastation, rescue crews continue to find survivors amidst the rubble.

Jesus used stories and parables to educate and inspire his followers. Presbyterian World Mission and New Castle Presbytery are carrying on that tradition in creative ways by publishing resources that engage readers in the work, prayers and practice of mission.

For the Ivyland Presbyterian Church, the Middle East was something many members read or saw in the news. There were no personal connections to the refugee crisis and displacement of Christians overseas. Members weren’t connected to the trials and tribulations facing people in war-torn regions.