A letter from Claire Zuhosky preparing to serve in Niger
Winter 2014
Dear Friends and Family:
It is with great joy and happiness that I write this letter to inform you of the amazing opportunity God has provided for me to serve on the mission field. I have been appointed as a mission co-worker through Presbyterian World Mission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). I will be the Youth Center Development Specialist serving the Evangelical Church in the Republic of Niger (EERN) in the Maradi region for a term of four years.
As a quote by Frederick Buechner states, “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” My prayer is to be "a light in the darkness" by sharing the love of Christ with the youth of Niger through incarnational and holistic ministry, encouraging them to realize their full potential. Using the opportunities presented to me to build friendships, to mentor and to teach, and to empower them with vocational and life skills so that they may have the resources to meet their basic needs. Within this community of ministry I appeal to the Lord for His guidance in addressing the root causes of poverty, eradication of injustices, and the restoration of harmony andunity where there is chaos and discord. May His Holy Spirit working within me provide the courage for leaps of faith in bringing about His Kingdom here on Earth!
As I begin orientation in Louisville, Ky., I invite you to prayerfully consider joining me through your time, talents, and financial contributions in carrying out God’s mission in the PC(USA) and in Niger. There are several ways to become involved in this work. From March through May 2014 I will visit churches, presbyteries, and other groups to share the story of my call and the ministry I will engage in with our partner, the EERN. I would like to schedule a time to visit with you before I leave the U.S. Please contact me at the following email address: Claire.Zuhosky@pcusa.org.
Please note that I will receive a salary during this time of itineration, so an honorarium is not necessary. However, the hosting congregation generally covers travel and is asked to provide meals and lodging; homestays work well. Travel expenses can often be shared between two or more congregations in the same general area, and World Mission is able to help in some cases.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration. I hope you will join me on this amazing journey as God works through our lives, relationships, and commitment to reach the lost and hurting of this world. I will be in touch through letters and other media to share how God is bringing His healing to the region of Maradi, Niger, and would love to hear your ideas and reflections as well!
May His Face Shine Upon You All!
Claire Zuhosky, M.Div.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5).
Read more about Claire Zuhosky's ministry
The 2014 Presbyterian Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, Niger, p.125
Write to Claire Zuhosky at Claire.Zuhosky@pcusa.org
Individuals: Give to E200517 for Claire Zuhosky's sending and support
Congregations: Give to D507578 for Claire Zuhosky's sending and support
