wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] World Mission Challenge connects presbyteries with mission workers

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This story available online:

www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09174<http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2009/09174

World Mission Challenge connects presbyteries with mission
workers

Emphasis on partnership reflects essence of mission

>by Bethany Furkin
>Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE - Gary Payton

[www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/paytong.htm] has
traveled as far away as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland
in his work as a mission co-worker. But this fall, his
travel will be limited to the States.

That's because Payton, regional liaison for those four
countries, will be one of dozens of mission workers within
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participating in the 2009
World Mission Challenge
[www.pcusa.org/missionchallenge/index.htm].

The challenge is a "churchwide blitz," according to an
event brochure. From Sept.25-Oct. 18, mission workers will
travel from presbytery to presbytery, sharing with
other Presbyterians about international mission work and how
they can support it. The challenge will end with the World
Mission Celebration [www.pcusa.org/missioncelebration], an
educational and networking event Oct. 21-24 in Cincinnati.

"They are sharing the stories of what God is doing," said
Ellen Dozier, missionary in residence in World Mission and
the organizer of this year's activities. "A mission worker
isn't out there by him or herself."

That idea of community is reflected in this year's emphasis
on partnership.

The first Mission Challenge was in 2007. Of the PC(USA)'s
173 presbyteries, 144 were visited by mission personnel.
Speakers gave 1,400 presentations in 700 churches and 200
presbytery, school and civic gatherings, reaching 56,000
people.

The reason for such a response probably had a lot to do
with curiosity and concern, Dozier said. People had heard
that the number of mission workers was decreasing but had
not had much contact with them. The challenge connected
smaller congregations with mission workers, and by meeting
them and learning more about their ministries, people were
inspired to support them through prayer and donations.

"It was a moment in which people were interested and they
really wanted to make contact with PC(USA) mission
workers," Dozier said. "It's really nice to get a card from
some women's group in a church saying, 'We're thinking of
you.'"

Although the World Mission Challenge isn't designed as a
fundraiser, churches and individuals will learn about the
ways mission workers rely on giving and how to contribute
both prayerfully and financially.

The emphasis on partnership doesn't apply to just the
challenge - it's an essential part of effective mission
work, said Pix Mahler
[www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/mahlerp.htm],
partnership facilitator for Haiti and a participant in the
challenge.

"I believe very strongly in partnership," she said, adding
that mission works two ways and that all parties should
both give and gain.

Mission work isn't about stepping in and pushing for big
changes that might not be realistic or even wanted. By
understanding the background and context of a
local situation as well as the broader culture of a country,
mission workers can be in a true partnership with people.
Mission is about the heart, but it's also about the head,
Mahler said.

"When you do have that information, the heart is warmed and
fed and you can be more of a servant," she said. "God gave
us a brain, and let's use it."

This idea of having both a heart and a head for mission is
one Mahler hopes to get across to the presbyteries she
visits. She also will take her own advice and do research
about groups' past mission experience before she arrives so
that she can tailor her presentation to their interests and
experiences.

The opportunity to share with others about

international mission work is an honor, Mahler said, adding
that she's also excited to meet with other mission workers
at a group orientation before they all spread out to
presbyteries. Mission work can be an insular experience,
and it will be good to hear about others' joys and
challenges, she said.

The chance to meet with other mission workers was also
valuable to Payton, who participated in Mission Challenge
'07. Payton said he also appreciated the opportunity to
expand Presbyterians' awareness of mission work. He visited
many small and medium congregations, and saw in them a real
hunger to know more about what the PC(USA) is doing in
mission partnership around the world.

Payton plans to put his experience in 2007 to good use this
year. While speaking to churches two years ago, he learned
the value of storytelling. Although he is used to speaking
broadly, the challenge taught him that personal stories are
often the best way to communicate.

"When we hear stories of the impact of our mission
engagement, it often sticks more," he said, adding that he
hopes to reach out to Presbyterians who haven't ever had
contact with a mission worker, perhaps inspiring some to
take up future mission work themselves.

"It's humbling to be able to share this message and to have
the opportunity to enhance the support that has flowed," he
said.

Also humbling is the chance to work alongside the church
that God has lifted up, Payton said. In his work in
post-Communist countries, he has regularly encountered
Christians who kept the church alive in the face of
extraordinary adversity and persecution; these people have
encouraged him in his faith.

Payton said he often thinks of Romans 1:11-12, where Paul
is encouraging the young church in Rome: "For I am longing
to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift
to strengthen you - or rather so that we may be mutually
encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine."

That idea of mutual encouragement is important to mission
work, Payton said.

"This is not just about Presbyterians moving out from North
America and being present in the world to do things for
others there," he said. "Rather, it is about both sides
being transformed through the spiritual journey which is
international mission."

So far, more than 70 presbyteries have signed on for the
challenge. To learn more about hosting a speaker,
presbytery representatives can contact Dozier by e-mail
[ellen.dozier@pcusa.org] or at (888) 728-7228, x5916.

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