Wednesday, December 29
The Presbytery of Grand Canyon
Arizona
Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” is an appropriate metaphor for the life of Presbyterian missionary Charles H. Cook, known as the apostle to the Pima Indians. Born Karl Koch in Germany, he was orphaned at an early age. Raised by Christian relatives, he was well educated, but to support himself he became a sailor, arriving in New Orleans in 1855. He worked for a pharmacist, went to sea again, returned to America, served in the Civil War, and anglicized his name. He recognized his call on hearing the need for someone to teach native people in Arizona. His path toward answering, however, like the flow of most rivers, was circuitous, but he reached Sacaton in the Arizona Territory in 1870. Seven of the Native American churches that the Rev. Cook built still serve in this presbytery. The first, Sacaton, is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Established in 1889, it is third oldest in the presbytery.
The presbytery’s location in the desert offers special appreciation for rivers of living water. From the Navajo Reservation on the northern plateau, through central Arizona, to the Gila River Reservation south of metropolitan Phoenix, the 70 churches and their 15,644 members continue to share in the living waters of Christ’s love through church partnerships. Other partnerships have sprung up between Native American churches and sister churches in presbyteries throughout the denomination, all drawn like Charles Cook to this harsh, yet beautiful land where only Christ’s love is more precious than water.
Information about partnering with a Native American church in the Presbytery of Grand Canyon is available through the Web site or presbytery office. The accompanying map indicates the location of these eighteen churches.
Let us join in prayer for:
Elder Mary Lynn Walters, member, GAMC
Presbytery Staff
Dick Coffelt, stated clerk
The Rev. José Olagues, associate for congregational resourcing
Robert Lewis, interim associate for Native American ministries
The Rev. Renato Alvarez, director, Ministry to the Rural Poor
Paul Frieling, accounting coordinator
Carolyn McBurney, office manager
Linda Bailey, manager, records and publications/assistant stated clerk
Don Swanson, administrative property manager
Starr Luteri-Hicks, director, clergy spouse ministry
Kate Wilmoth, director, resource center
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
The Rev. Richard Young, BOP
The Rev. Sharon Youngs, OGA
Prayer
God of all creation, we thank you for Charles Cook and all the missionaries who persevered so that the living waters of Christ could flow through their believing hearts. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 96, 147:1–11 and Ps. 132, 97
Isa. 12:1–6
Rev. 1:1–8; John 7:37–52
