(PNS) It has been three weeks since the Southern African countries of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe were slammed by Cyclone Idai, packing winds of more than 120 miles per hour and torrential rains that produced catastrophic flooding. Following Cyclone Idai, the Chikunka Campsite in Malawi has 1,360 people. This is one of the only two toilets available. (Photo courtesy of ACT/Bellah Zulu/NCA) But, as first response rescue efforts continue, it is becoming clear to aid agencies such as Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) that recovery is going to be a long process in this region. That brings with it the challenge of keeping people’s attention focused on recovery in distant nations when the media gaze is turned to newer disasters, maybe closer to home. “That’s why you have a national office in a church that has a stated commitment to providing attention and care to all of God’s children, not just the ones that are obvious, interesting or beneficial to us in some way,” says … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — At its recent spring meeting, the Presbyterian Mission Agency board unanimously voted to increase the impact of Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Student Loan Debt Forgiveness program. The Presbyterian Mission Agency board has increased the impact on the PMA’s Student Loan Debt Forgiveness program. Under the Financial Aid for Service (FAFS) plan, which came through the PMA’s Nurture the Body Committee, the maximum loan available to pastors will increase to $5,000 with a lifetime maximum of $25,000.  The term of service after which the debt is forgiven is reduced from 18 months to 12 months. The PMA program pays down the student loan debt of pastors serving small churches and new worshiping communities in part-time, designated and temporary roles. Many of these roles are filled by people of color and women — especially second-career women. These pastors have been found to borrow more to attend school and are less likely to be called to full-time … [Read more...]

(PNS) International students at Columbia Theological Seminary say they want their voices heard as controversy has erupted on campus. The controversy began Jan. 31, when seminary president Dr. Leanne Van Dyk announced a strategic realignment in the seminary’s Office of International Programs. Students represented by the Coalition of International Students and Allies say their voices weren’t heard when the decision was made, and that the move effectively dismantled the program. International students and supporters pray on the campus of Columbia Theological Seminary. (Contributed photo) Before Van Dyk made the announcement, the seminary’s International Programs coordinator, the Rev. Kim LeVert, had already resigned to care for aging parents. Shortly after the strategic realignment became public, the program’s director, Dr. John Azumah, resigned to return to Ghana to work on a Christian-Muslim dialogue project, according to Van Dyk. In addition, the contract with Dr. Kevin … [Read more...]

(PNS) New Creation Presbyterian Church, a 1001 New Worshiping Community in Hendersonville, Tenn. that became an official PC(USA) chartered congregation last year, has been a named as a winner of a $50,000 2019 Sam and Helen R. Walton award. Walton awards are given to new worshiping communities for excellence in furthering Presbyterian mission. New Creation is bursting at the seams with energy and excitement. At its first service seven years ago, 11 people showed up — if you count the Rev. Keith Gunter, wife Amy and their three children. Now with more than 100 adults and 50 children on the charter roll — most were either non-believers or de-churched — worship at New Creation takes place in a warehouse.  Despite having two services, the church has outgrown the space, with more than 75 children 6th grade and under moving through worship. New Creation Presbyterian Church, which is running out of space in a warehouse it rents, hosted a barbecue as part of its celebration after … [Read more...]