Friday, March 15
The Presbytery of Redstone
Pennsylvania
Long ago, fishermen on the shore of the Sea of Galilee dropped their nets and followed Jesus, becoming the first disciples. In the mission partnership between the Presbytery of Redstone and the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC), there is a divinely inspired reversal: disciples are being encouraged to take up their nets to feed God’s people.
In 2005 the Presbytery of Redstone and SPEC began a partnership that has blossomed into a relationship characterized by prayer, presence, and hands-on ministry. In searching for ways to help support the Southern Presbytery of SPEC, one hands-on ministry proposed by SPEC leadership is a fishing project to help congregations take advantage of the plentiful supply of fish in the Nile River.
Rev. Tut Kony reminded the presbytery on a September 2011 visit that South Sudan, as the newest nation on Earth in a war-ravaged region, faces many challenges. One of the most urgent humanitarian issues is hunger. Tens of thousands of refugees continue to flee from hostilities and are streaming into camps in the Upper Nile State. Food is scarce. The Redstone/SPEC fishing project will provide funds for nets, motors, and two fishing boats as start-up aid to help feed hungry people. Glenn Hart, commissioned ruling elder for Harmony Presbyterian Church, noted that children in his congregation are eager to contribute: “They come forward enthusiastically on Sunday mornings with their coins. We have a container that has been filled again and again through their joyful giving!” He smiled and remarked, “They inspire the rest of us.”
In December 2011, Rev. Ismail Kanani visited our congregations, and we prayerfully reaffirmed our partnership with the marginalized SPEC congregations in the Nuba Mountains and northern parts of Sudan.
The presbytery’s 80 congregations have 14,329 total members.
—Rev. Donna Havrisko, Redstone Presbytery Mission Committee
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
Steve Benz, interim executive presbyter
Rev. Gary Close, stated clerk
Cheryl Croushore, associate for Christian formation
Bobbie Shaffor, administrative assistant/bookkeeper
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Sheldon Dennis, Board of Pensions
Terry Dennis, Board of Pensions
Rev. Roger Dermody, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray
Almighty God, on the steep path of our calling, we ask that you keep us faithful. Lead us to weep with those who weep and to rejoice with those who rejoice. We praise you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, who is alive in all that is good. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Morning Psalms 22; 148
First Reading Jeremiah 23:1-8
Second Reading Romans 8:28-39
Gospel Reading John 6:52-59
Evening Psalms 105; 130
