A letter from Tim and Marta Carriker in Brazil
April 30, 2009
Dear Friends,
Just a short note to thank you all, once again, for your continued support and prayers for the ministry we do through the PC(USA) and to give you an update on that work.
In January, we were thrilled to participate in a consultation between key church leaders of three Presbyterian denominations in Brazil, Ghana, and Egypt. This was the third of three annual encounters to share our respective visions of mission and dream about possible partnerships among these Two-Third Worlds churches.
The interaction was fabulous, and we learned and profited greatly from the conversations—so much so that currently all three denominations are in the process of formalizing the partnership. I had the special joy of accompanying Dr. Tharwat, a young Egyptian Professor of evangelism from Cairo, during a week-long teaching engagement at our seminary in Fortaleza. As he shared with our students, a vision of and excitement for world evangelism began to grow in the hearts and minds of these students, as they became better informed about that part of the world. It is hard to say where all this will lead, but our hope and prayer is that Christian witness to Christ will be furthered through these efforts.
From March until November this year I am traveling all over Brazil, which is just a tad larger than the continental United States. I’m coordinating continuing education seminars for the 800 plus pastors of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. That probably does not sound so exciting to you, but I enjoy actually giving the seminars, which are well received. We listen to and discuss lectures by Eugene Peterson about Christ’s leadership style.
Please note that Marta and I will be in the United States in January and February of next year (2010) and then again from September 2011 through February 2012. More than likely we’ll be based in Charlotte. We would love to visit your church during this time to share our ministry and learn from each other. So, let us know soon if and when you are interested, especially for the January-February 2010 period.
Also, please note that once again the PC(USA) is promoting World Mission Challenge this year and your support is greatly needed. Forty mission personnel will be visiting hundreds of congregations across the United States this fall to tell how God is at work around the world. The event is a reprise of a similar event in 2007. It’ll be held September 25–October 18, 2009. Learn more at the Mission Challenge Web site or call Ellen Dozier at 888-728-7228, x5916.
World Mission Challenge will conclude with World Mission Celebration, a large gathering for Presbyterians who care deeply about mission. The event will be held October 22–24 in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the adjoining Duke Energy Center. Learn more at the Mission Celebration Web site or call Lis Valle at 888-728-7228 x5279.
Yours in Christ
Tim and Marta Carriker
The 2009 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 295
