P R E S BY T E R I A N G I V I N G C ATA LO G STORIES OF IMPACT
Lives Changed The Presbyterian Giving Catalog is filled with gifts that exemplify the work prayerfully carried out by ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. These ministries work in collaboration with congregations, mid councils, and global partners. Every gift has the power to fulfill a need. To change a life. To foster hope and faith. The generosity of Presbyterians around the world helps power the education and development of people and communities. Collectively, we are making a difference. These stories of impact are intended to be shared with your congregation in celebration of, and gratitude for, the magnitude of God s gracious and abundant work in the world. A Prayer Generous God, you have given us the riches of grace without measure. In response we have offered a portion of what we have. For all the ways you have used our gifts, we give you thanks and praise. Bless all of those who benefit from these good works. In Christ, you have made us one. Help us to remember those who still hunger and thirst, those still in search of refuge and opportunity, those still awaiting your justice and peace. Guide us in this compassionate work, which is to be our way of life. Amen. Ephesians 2
Grain Banks Support Refugees in Central Africa Giving Catalog Related Item: Grain Bank $250/share $1,500/full ITEM OG10026 Women s Empowerment in Uganda Giving Catalog Related Item: Women s Empowerment Project $100/participant ITEM OG10030 Presbyterian Ministries Provide Water and Hope in Flint, Michigan Giving Catalog Related Item: Water Filter $50 ITEM OG30012 Triennium Ignites God s Calling for Our Youth Giving Catalog Related Item: Presbyterian Youth Triennium Registration $505/youth ITEM PO20006
Valéry Nodem Grain Banks Support Refugees in Central Africa Since 2005, RELUFA has been working to provide community-led, sustainable methods of food security in the central African country of Cameroon. Their work in developing 42 community grain banks throughout the northern region of the country has helped to support an average of 25,000 people through leaner growing seasons and difficult times. In recent years, unrest has led to an influx of refugees from Nigeria, putting strain on local grain banks trying to help these displaced families. In early 2016, RELUFA received support from the Presbyterian Hunger Program to build a new grain bank and two storage facilities, provide grain stock, and help organize grain banks into clusters, working together to address hunger concerns.
United Sisters Group/Cameroon Women s Empowerment in Uganda Naigaga Monica, a mother and farmer in eastern Uganda, serves as a Community Agriculture Trainer through an initiative supported by the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Supplied with improved seed and educated in new farming techniques, she and 59 other women greatly increased the yields of their farms and improved the food and economic security of their families. On two acres, we used to harvest 100 kilograms of maize, and on a quarter-acre, we harvested only 10 kilograms of beans, Monica said. With the new seed and techniques, we harvested 700 kilograms of maize and 70 kilograms of beans in the first season. Above all, my children will no longer go to sleep hungry. We have plenty of cassava, beans, and sweet potatoes to eat.
Mike Fitzer Presbyterian Ministries Provide Water and Hope in Flint, Michigan For years, citizens in Flint, Michigan, have been trying to bring awareness to high levels of lead leaching into their water supply from aging pipes. In late 2015, news broke nationally of just how bad the crisis was stories of the thousands of residents who have already experienced health issues due to lead poisoning stories of government corruption and cover-up. But also, there are stories of citizens coming together to help one another and stories of relief pouring into the city of Flint as organizations provide water supplies, filters, and crisis counseling centers. With a long history of community involvement, First Presbyterian Church of Flint (FPC) has become a trusted refuge for community members seeking relief from the crisis. With support from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, members from FPC and the Lake Huron Presbytery have been on the ground assisting in distributing emergency water supplies, representing their community on the local recovery committee, and supporting the spiritual care and reconciliation in a community that feels betrayed. The news cameras have all pulled out, but the crisis is expected to continue for years while the government updates the city s water system. With continued support from fellow Presbyterians and the Presbyterian Mission Agency, FPC intends to play a key role in restoring their community.
Andrew Yeager-Buckley Triennium Ignites God s Calling for Our Youth The Rev. Perryn Rice was 16 when he attended the Presbyterian Youth Triennium in 1986. He stood side by side with thousands of other teens worshipping, asking the same questions about God and their lives, and growing together in their faith. It was there that he felt the call to ministry. It was the Youth Triennium that rekindled the fire of my faith. I left Triennium knowing what the Lord was calling me to do. Rice is now pastor of Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. Nearly 30 years after his first Triennium, the event is still special to his work as a minister. He has had a role in five other Trienniums serving as a preacher, small group leader, chaperone, or exhibit hall worker. Over the years, he has observed youth begin to deal with indecision and internal conflicts at Triennium. They sense their parents, friends, society, and church pulling them in different directions. Triennium helps youth to personalize their walk of faith, and learn to put their faith into action when they return home to their schools and communities. The last sermon of the week is always a commissioning sermon, Rice says. It s sending them back home so they can begin to change the local setting and the world in which they live.
Learn more about the impact of Special Offerings at presbyterianmission.org/specialofferings Cover Photo: Nature for Life Conservation Initiatives