WITNESS: November 1, 2014

VOL. XIV, NO. 4

PARK CITIES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

(Presbyterian Church in America)

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life." —Romans 6:22 Our 2013-2014 Annual Report........ 2 The blessings of helping and being helped...................................................6 Four generations of a family on the halls ...................................................... 7 Delighting in the Word in winter. .................................................................... 8

NOVEMBER 2014

Team Orange (Cody Burns and Beau Longino) discover a surprise hidden deep in their ice cream cones at The Presence of a Man event.

See more on page 9.

Men's Ministry kicks off with games, plans, testimonies............... 9

Jet lag and language barriers don't stop smiles ....................................12

PCPC women travel to teach in Thailand ..................................................... 18

New Children's Ministry Director ready to go ............................ 10

ICE brings missions home to Dallas................................................... ........14

Advocacy for West Dallas reaping fruit.................................................19

Women gather for fellowship and focus on the KIng...................... ... 11

Eye-opening trip fuels vision to fight trafficking........................ .........16

Voices on the phone share Gospel with joy ...................... 20

A N N U A2014 L

REPORT 2015 Generosity

new members

takes many forms, and our members and friends are privileged to both practice and observe it in our lives together at PCPC. Giving is always an act of worship of our Lord God, whether it be offering up to Him our time, our talents, or our financial resources.

The SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY fed its flock at the 2013 late SUMMER BIBLE CONFERENCE on Ezekiel, taught by Ron Williams, and at the winter AGING WITH GRACE series featuring health and caregiving issues. A bus trip to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in May, 2014 was a great outing.

Again, during PCPC's 2013-2014 fiscal year, generosity marked both our balance sheets and our ministries within our church family, to the city, and to the world. Truly, PCPC was able to pursue its vision of extending the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ to Dallas and the world due to the generosity of our members and friends.

THE ADULT MINISTRY launched two new courses this fall. GRIEFSHARE is designed to help people work through their personal grief experienced from the loss of a loved one in very helpful and meaningful ways. A pilot class is meeting weekly in a format that allows them to connect with their struggles as they navigate the grief process. They are then able to support and encourage each other.

Pat Hobin, the Director of Adult Ministry, is teaching Biblical Counseling at the Redeemer Seminary and also teaching the same class on Sunday evenings to PCPC members. Sixteen people attend weekly to hear how to deal with the struggles we all face in life through the lens of Scripture.

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Looking back on the year

The WORSHIP AND ARTS MINISTRY sponsored the return of WINTERGRACE in January of 2014 with guest speaker Tim Keller and guest musician Fernando Ortega. Guests attending from all over the Metroplex were blessed along with our body. Also, several Muslims were introduced to our church and the Gospel through our CHRISTMAS AND SPRING CHORAL CONCERTS. And three new scripture songs were produced for ESL curriculum this summer.

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ESL

Highlights for our ministry teams might be represented in a large event, a small group activity, or one soul hearing the Gospel for the first time. All of them are products of generosity, yes—that of our members and friends—but the generous outpouring of the grace of Jesus Christ creates, enables, and fuels them all.

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PCPC WOMEN see over 500 women in eight different Bible studies every year. Many participants, nearly 200, also attended the first JUST RUN, a 1.5-mile walk/run in the neighborhood ending with food, fun, and fellowship—all benefiting the Daughters of Cambodia ministry.

In May, Elizabeth Robinson and Kari Stainback led 11 PCPC women on a three-day silent retreat to Sky Ranch/ Ute Trail in Colorado. It was a life-altering event that brought deep spiritual

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refreshment to their souls as they meditated on the love of God for us revealed in His Word.

In August, Mary Haberkorn and Kari Stainback traveled to Phuket, Thailand, to speak at the first Asia Pacific Women’s Retreat hosted by MTW. They encouraged, listened to, and taught nearly 40 women missionaries and wives of missionaries.

includes all of us. Although the needs of our ministry area continue to grow, God continues to provide. Currently 37 small groups meet regularly, shepherded by 66 members of our PCPC community— men and women who bear a burden of care for the spiritually weary and needy among us. Twenty-five of those leaders have been equipped to lead as new leaders in the past year. 15 of them lead new groups that have been started and are healthily meeting today as a result of a need identified and resourced by PCPC for leadership and growth.

counseling

YOUNG ADULTS (single, married, and married with children) spearheaded SUMMER STORIES OF RESCUE in the Chapel this past summer. The reviews were nothing but positive about the community that was created as our membership told their stories of rescue.

We’ve heard of so many who were deeply encouraged by what they saw and heard. Our big church definitely became small during those weeks.

The TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY is undergoing metamorphosis as it becomes an outreach to young men and women who are hungry to hear a clear presentation of the Gospel and to study God’s very Word, some for the very first time. Looking to be fed, they are finding good spiritual food here at PCPC. Our leadership directs these hungry ones into the body and life of our church, including membership.

UNION is developing into a wonderful premarital class that is open to the community. Each class turns out to be about half PCPC members and half folks from the community. The goal is to improve the class by 10 percent using feedback from each semester. It is proving to be a place where couples can come to not “enter into marriage unadvisedly or lightly." The classes continue to grow— the current class has 38 participants led by four host couples and a different pastor each night. The involvement of PCPC members as table hosts and panelists for our panel discussion has really helped to make this a vibrant ministry.

In July of 2013, a team of 15 COLLEGE students and leaders traveled to Zambia to minister to orphans and vulnerable children and witnessed dozens of them putting their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our college students caught a vision for how the Lord is at work in other parts of the world, and they came home with new passion to live and share the Gospel on their campuses.

Through a partnership with SMU RUF that began during the 2013-2014 school year, PCPC members have developed a deeper connection to the campus, which has blessed the ministry of RUF and drawn more SMU students to PCPC who are attending corporate worship, getting involved in Sunday morning communities, joining the church, and serving the Lord at PCPC. Students who grew up at PCPC and left for college are, in many cases, finding their way back to Dallas and back to the church. In recent months, graduates have reconnected to PCPC through serving with the youth group, going to Bible studies, joining a Sunday morning community, or getting involved in the Young Adult Ministry.

administration young adults

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The SMALL GROUPS ministry is growing faster than one staff member can keep up. What a great problem! Through small groups, it seeks to serve the spiritually weary and needy among us—and that

know one another better, allowing for deepening relationships with one another and our staff.

The HIGH SCHOOL MINISTRY hit a record-breaking number this summer when the buses took over 250 students and 50 leaders to Panama City Beach, Florida, for a week-long trip. 149 of the students marked that they attended a church other than PCPC or did not attend one at all, so this trip continues to prove to be an incredible outreach to our community. There were 17 new professions of faith, 60 student requested to meet one-on-one with one of the leaders from the trip, and an incredible 122 students wanted to join a small group this fall. Even more praiseworthy is the news that 147 students who went to Florida actually joined one of our weekly high school small groups this fall which are led by our youth staff and volunteers.

This Summer we took a team of 32 students and leaders to East Asia and a team of 43 to Hong Kong where they taught English to students while working to establish relationships that would lead to Gospel conversations. Both teams had incredible experiences immersing into a different culture, stepping out of their comfort zone, and learning how to teach and reach those without access to the Gospel.

seniors

In the YOUTH MINISTRY, MIDDLE SCHOOL leaders took 60 students to Sky Ranch last year for the annual Fall Retreat that brings fifth through eighth graders together for a fun-filled weekend of activities, worship, and teaching.

70 percent of those on the trip joined a small group, and one year later are still involved. Trips such as the Fall Retreat give the kids an opportunity to get to

PCPC 2014 PCPCWITNESS WITNESS• NOVEMBER • NOVEMBER 2014

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VBS at PCPC is always a well-attended event and this year was no exception!

PCPC welcomed 539 little sluggers and 275 volunteers to the Home Run Derby in June. The children were in awe of the ballpark that took over Fellowship Hall and other areas of PCPC. More importantly, they were in wonder of the stories, worship, and fellowship centered around 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The children learned, through a series of unique baseball metaphors, that eternal life with Jesus is the only true victory. All of the sluggers enjoyed lots of singing, teaching, playing, and praying! By the grace of God, the Home Run Derby was a hit!

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ANNUAL REPORT

The Children’s Ministry hosted a fourweek series of SONG & STORY for the youngsters in July 2014. Parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends brought children of all ages to PCPC for some wiggly-giggly fun! The first week was such a success that the event had to be moved to a larger room to accommodate everyone. What a blessing! Each week, a special guest entertained the children (and parents!) through story-telling, read-alouds, and sing-alongs.

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residents. One of the participants wrote, “The countenances on everyone's faces were just a little short of glorious.”

The GOOD SAMARITAN MINISTRY reaches out to non-members who need much help. Assistance is based on mercy and compassion and is not something that must be earned. The financial gifts are exclusively for the purpose of sharing the love of Christ—both financially and with the Gospel. Last year, the seven-person committee received 147 applications and approved $74,633 in assistance for 105 families.

EQUIP is a ministry focused on assisting individuals or families in crisis, preventing family homelessness, and promoting self-sufficiency through faithbased mentoring. Faith-based mentoring is a relationship-building strategy where church volunteers (mentors) meet with individuals or families (mentees) to share known resources, knowledge, values, skills, perspectives, support, and encouragement. It equips mentees so they are able to acquire life-skills and knowledge and retain confidence while achieving self-sufficiency goals. This past year, $59,234 was used to minister to 15 families—approximately 50 people including children.

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FAMILY MINISTRY PCPC recently made a large commitment to child safety by partnering with MINISTRYSAFE, an abuse-prevention firm in Fort Worth, Texas. MinistrySafe was first introduced to PCPC staff during a training session in March 2014. The staff was informed on procedures and signs in hiring employees and retaining volunteers who will work with youth ages 17 and younger. Youth and Children’s volunteers, totaling nearly 400, were introduced to the program in early August and were provided with clear policies and procedures on classroom management and reporting. PCPC is serious about protecting its children, and the MinistrySafe program will ensure that we have a superior safety system in place.

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URBAN MISSIONS has facilitated the growth of working groups, which allow for more involvement from our many member-volunteers, and pared down the central committee to be more efficient. The goal is to broaden our base of operation to include many more members in specific areas of ministry.

In spite of inclement weather and an ice storm on Saturday, December 7, 2013, over 750 brave souls ventured out to pack 7,000 boxes of food at BOXES OF BLESSING, which were distributed to Urban Missions’ partners and small churches in the area the following week.

On a Saturday in early March, dozens of members came together for a SERVE365 project work day at Exodus Ministries. They cleaned, primed, and painted doors, apartments, and buildings while sharing the Gospel with the Exodus

facilities

God’s theme for WORLD MISSIONS AND CHURCH PLANTING over this past year must have been Send. It is evident that God is working in the hearts of PCPC members to go and make known the good news of Jesus to the ends of the earth.

Four of our families were commissioned and sent to the harvest field as FULL-TIME CHRISTIAN WORKERS. Tim and Jenny Martin with their two children, as well as Brett and Taylor Rayl and their new baby boy, were sent to Japan as missionaries. Lee and Michelle Bridgeman and their young family were sent to minister the Gospel in Richardson by starting Hope Presbyterian Church. Chris and Sarah Morrison with their son were sent just three miles away to serve the 1,200-plus international students on the Campus of SMU. We will learn more in the coming days about how God is sending PCPC members like Dick Senzig

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and Lee Jagers into the mission field to serve in unique and creative ways.

We sent a strong force of PCPC members into the harvest field on SHORTTERM MISSION TRIPS. The Lord worked in powerful ways as these PCPC members used their varied gifts to make known the Gospel in Senegal, China, Thailand, Cuba, the Bahamas, Cambodia, India, and Hong Kong. 1,558 individual PCPC members have now been on a short-term mission trip sponsored by PCPC. The Lord surprised us by calling three young adults and one college student to serve as MISSIONARY INTERNS over the past summer. The Lord also used young adults at PCPC to help establish a new micro-finance program that will assist PCPC church plants in Senegal.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of new efforts to mobilize PCPC marketplace professionals for using their expertise in Business-as-Mission. Cesar Restrepo, a member of PCPC, and his family were sent to serve at Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church with the help of HISPANIC LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE, a new and strategic emphasis of PCPC to help develop Hispanic pastors for the Presbyterian Church in America. 100+ members served in global-local missions through PCPC’s ESL and International Campus Connections ministries. To God be the glory!

SURPLUS Again this year, the generosity of our body has allowed for an additional $500,000 to be used for ministry opportunities beyond PCPC. Our total revenue budget was $12.8 million, but the expense budget was only $12.3 million.

Our congregation’s generosity allowed us to meet our giving goals, thereby providing the additional resources for outreach.

A group of elders consider opportunities and recommends to the session how these additional resources are put to use for the Kingdom. As we give generously, more is available for extending the Kingdom in Dallas and to the world.

For questions, please contact Jeff Barber, jeff.barber@pcpc.or or 214-224-2775.

NOVEMBER PCPC WITNESS WITNESS NOVEMBER2014 2014 •• PCPC

2003-14 Annual Report Membership as of June 30, 2014 DFW Communing Members Out-of-town Members Covenant Children Total Members

Giving and Revenue for July 2013 – June 2014 Given by members Given by non-members, trusts, foundations Other revenue (interest, etc.)

3,342 470 1,285 5,097

$12,913,319 $11,907,457 $955,159 $50,703

• Total Member households • Total households who give - Member households who give - Non-member households who give

2,160 1,527 1,151 376

2013 – 2014 Income & Expense Report Operating Budget for July 2013 – June 2014 Total Giving & Income Total Expenses Worship, Music, & Arts Spiritual Life Outreach (includes Outreach Funds**) Ministry Support & Facilities PCA Support Leadership & Administration Net Funds*

2014 – 2015 Operating Budget Worship, Music, & Arts Spiritual Life Outreach Ministry Support & Facilities PCA Support Leadership & Administration PCPC Foundation Support Projected Outreach Funds**

$12,800,000 $12,913,319 $12,562,733 $710,036 $3,181,355 $3,945,166 $3,599,467 $378,944 $747,765 $350,586

$13,100,000 $744,741 $3,409,162 $3,545,752 $3,879,062 $387,260 $809,023 $125,000 $200,000

* use of funds to be determined by the session at a later date ** funds to be used for outreach projects approved by the session based on budget being met

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HELPING HANDS Helping Hands volunteers gather three times a year to serve those in our church who need help with repairs around their homes.

Far Left, volunteer Boots Nowlin; Left (l to r), Laura Rodgers, Mark Harrison, Alex Lestock, Stuart Swain.

"I am truly grateful to the Helping

Hands Ministry of PCPC. Over the last several years, volunteers have graciously helped me with routine repairs at my house (chalking windows, replacing faucets and lavatories that leak, installing a shower rod, installing ceiling fans, etc). You feel safe. You are not duped out of money with the work half done.

This body of believers comes in with open hearts, prayers, and a cheerful spirit. They are anxious to get to work on the project you have for them. They are my brothers and sisters in Christ seeking to make life a little lighter for me as well as other single moms, divorcees, and widows at the church.

I'm so proud of PCPC that we are not neglected or forgotten when there is no mate or family member who is available to help us with needed repairs. I'm also grateful when my neighbors look out to see how I am cared for by my church.

It's a major witness to others. They see the body of Christ in action. The body of Christ is designed to care for its own. The world will know that we are Christians by our love. I am very much loved and cared for by my church family! Please, please—never stop this gift of LOVE!" —Annie Roberson

various ages and stages arrive early on a Saturday morning to participate in being one as a church body is something that brings me back time and time again to this service opportunity. It gives me confidence that as part of the body of Christ, we are not forgetting our own. What a wonderful way to be the hands and feet of Christ.

—Claire Acree

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When I initially signed up for Helping Hands, I looked forward to an opportunity to serve the senior adults, widows, chronically ill, and single parents of our church.

Though I can barely turn my iPhone on and know only enough about carpentry to be dangerous to myself and others, the Helping Hands team assured me that they would find a job suitable to my skill level (or lack thereof). Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to tangibly serve different people in our congregation.

Seeing the gratitude on the faces of those we serve is like nothing else. The projects are important and needed but more so are the visits and care that we show by our willingness to step out of the comfort zones of our church pews, small groups, Sunday Morning Communities, and friend groups.

Seeing so many helpers of

Being on the receiving side of Helping Hands was initially a bit awkward for me. About 13 years ago I was “lovingly harangued” into being a volunteer for Helping Hands. I was a most unwilling participant. I am of the firm belief not even the sun should be up before 9:00 am on a Saturday, much less have a volunteer event start before then!

Grumpily I dragged myself to PCPC that first Saturday morning and was ever so very grateful for the coffee.

Once I got caffeinated up, I realized early Saturdays might be okay after all. I loved the height of the top rung of the ladder—no gutter was too tall for me, no high shelf could escape my reach. It didn’t seem anything I did was really big or important—bagging leaves, washing windows, changing light bulbs. My biggest challenge was trying to program and reconnect the new HD antenna to the not-so-new VCR and tube TV for the senior lady on our list. I’m not sure who was

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God ain't got no grandchildren "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations." —Deuteronomy 7:9

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eeing these four generations of a family together at the Thursday Morning Bible Study each week is like watching Scripture promises walk down the hallway!

There are 116 references for the word generations in the ESV version of the Bible. The New Testament opens with the generations preceding Jesus Christ, an immediate confirmation of Jesus' 100% humanity as well as His 100% diety, without which He could not have died the death He died for us nor risen victorious over sin and death eternally for us who believe.

In baptism, children of believing parents receive all the benefits of the covenants the Lord has made with His people over the generations, and parents promise to raise that child in the rich legacy which God has willed to them in Jesus Christ. But every child must claim his or her inheritance in due time.

"We cannot 'inherit' faithfulness. We can only inherit the great benefit of a spiritual 'head start...' So, God doesn't have any grandchildren. Our faith demands fidelity from generation to generation, and then to extend that blessing of being a Kingdom of priests to the whole world." (Barnabas Powell) So we rejoice that He had generations before Him, and all of us called to believe are His generations proceding from Him! We are the children of God and family forever, called into the light to raise up spiritual children and grandchildren as we go!

Four generations of a family at Bible study (l to r), Lori Turpin, her mom Helen Mann, her daugher Allison Dowell, and her granddaughter Lori Dowell.

more excited when it worked. I always finished the day rejuvenated and blessed from helping someone with such small chores. I felt kind of guilty at how thankful they were for such small deeds.

Then, three years ago September, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. By all accounts from the brilliant physicians at UTSW and MD Anderson, the chance of celebrating my next birthday, only five months away, was pretty slim.

Fortunately, God had other plans. One of the biggest challenges was learning to walk again and regaining my sense of balance. I still suffer from balance issues, have a leg brace, and weakness on my right side. I now understand

"The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations." — Psalm 33:11 "To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." —Ephesians 3:21

just how big of a deal it can be to have light bulb that has been out for several weeks replaced. Before my illness, I was sure if I could just get the 20 bags of soil and mulch crammed into the trunk and back seat of my Volvo, I could get it home, unload, and rejuvenate my flower beds in one weekend.

Now that I am unable to even bend down to pull weeds, much less spread mulch, the gratitude I feel when Helping Hands volunteers come and do that for me is overwhelming.

Now I am the one thankful for the volunteers who come to my house a couple of times a year and climb the stepping stool to replace the light bulb over the bathroom sink, or pull weeds

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and plant bulbs and spread mulch, or help organize and clean the garage. I am excited to get up before 8:00 am and wait with great anticipation for the volunteers to arrive. I give a big sigh of relief when I get the call the week before from the team leader telling me I’ve made the list again.

I know there are others who have greater needs than I, and there is often concern there will be enough volunteers for all the requests. I no longer take for granted the simple pleasure of sitting on my patio with a season’s worth of dead leaves gone or the scent of freshly laid mulch in the air, knowing there will be glorious blooms and growth as the season progresses.

—Niki Rodolico 77

WINTER GROWTH

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"My soul longs for Your salvation; I hope in Your Word." —Psalm 119:81

n 1997, my wife Robyn and I spent many months praying over whether the Lord wanted us to move to Dallas with our then one-year-old daughter Rebecca so I could become the organist at PCPC. One of the questions that the Lord seemed to keep putting in my head was, “How could PCPC be a place of spiritual growth for me and my family?” The answer I received came in the profound ways PCPC sought to foster a love for God’s Word in people. Phrases such as “what goes deepest to the heart goes widest to the world” really grabbed my attention. I discovered that not only did PCPC really believe that God’s Word was transforming, but there was a distinct focus on providing great opportunities for the congregation and the community to learn God’s Word from pastoral theologians who were gifted in teaching God’s Word to both mind and heart, with both “light and heat.” The highlight of the year in this regard was the annual WinterGrace conference.

of Wales, Dr. Thomas is the Senior Minister at First Presbyterian Church (ARP) in Columbia, South Carolina.

He is also a professor of systematic and pastoral theology at Reformed Theological Seminary (Atlanta) and the Editorial Director for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals. He previously served as the Chairman of the Theology Department at Reformed Theological Seminary (Jackson) and the Minister of Teaching at First Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Jackson, Mississippi. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Wales, a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Semi-

Why WinterGrace?

The thinking behind WinterGrace is very simple: if God really uses His Word as the primary means by which He transforms us and by extension the world, then we really need to spend time in the Scriptures. One of the differences at PCPC, though, was that doing this was not a duty but a delight. WinterGrace became a highlight for me every year, a kind of spiritual oasis with the effect like the Ent-draught in Lord of the Rings. Remember when the little hobbits Merry and Pippin partake of the drink of the giant tree herders called Ents? The draught was so potent that their little bodies grew taller, even though they had been “full grown” for years. At first, they were not even aware that it was happening.

WinterGrace comes again to PCPC this January 25-27. Our guest speaker will be Dr. Derek Thomas. A native 8

Dr. Thomas will preach four sermons on the Book of Job: 1. When the ground gives way—what then? (Job 1-2) 2. Darkness descends—can a believer sink this low? (Job 3) 3. Pain and bad counseling (Job 3-37) 4. What in the world has a hippopotamus to do with my pain? (Job 38-42) nary (Jackson), and a doctorate from the University of Wales. He served Stranmillis Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Belfast for 17 years before moving to the U.S. He has published more than 20 books and contribut-

ed to many others. He and his wife, Rosemary, have two grown children and two grandchildren, a dog named Luther, and a somewhat dysfunctional cat named Chloe. He is passionate about classical music and opera.

This year's theme Attending WinterGrace has helped me in two significant ways every time: it has helped me understand portions of Scripture more deeply, and it has applied those truths to meet life’s challenges. For these reasons, I am especially excited about the theme for this year’s conference: The Book of Job. Dr. Thomas has spent a considerable amount of time thinking about this challenging portion of the Bible.

In fact, it became the topic for his doctoral dissertation, subsequently published by Christian Focus Publications, Calvin’s Teaching on Job: Proclaiming the Incomprehensible God. Among other things, Dr. Thomas discusses Calvin’s pastoral understanding of Job, themes with which we all struggle: providence and sin, meekness and reverence, patience, joy, prayer, self-denial, the spiritual battle, service, wisdom, and knowing God through adversity. He depicts Calvin’s view on prayer in the book of Job this way: It is hardly surprising that Calvin makes mention of prayer several times in the Joban sermons. Job’s cries are, after all, cries to God. Trials force us to cry unto God. Prayer, then, is an expression of our utter dependence upon God: it is a corollary of providence. Prayer is also expressive of our communion and “closeness” to God, a response to the revelation of Fatherly goodness to us. Thus, for Calvin, the Christian life is prayer; it is the greatest privilege we know. (p. 233) Please pray for Dr. Thomas as he prepares to speak to us, consider who you might invite, and clear your calendar for the evenings of January 25-27!

—Colin Howland NOVEMBER 2014 • PCPC WITNESS

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s over 500 men flowed into the Sanctuary Monday night, September 8, the kick off for the PCPC Men’s Ministry began, and the banner of The Presence of a Man was established. Mark Davis began the night by proving you can take the man out of youth ministry but you can’t take the youth ministry out of the man. Mark, never short of an illustration, left us with the powerful image of Frank Bullock’s head covered with shaving cream and cheese balls. Who says that elders have to be dignified?

As the night progressed, Mark led us through various offerings for the men throughout the upcoming year. In a change of PCPC church culture, Mark used stories of individual men to emphasize the need for several programs. Listening to stories of rescue, stories of struggle, and stories that were close to home and close to our own realities broke down walls of sin’s isolation, and the Sanctuary became a shelter, calling for men to band together and lead their families in the battle of sin. The first testimony introduced us to the planned six weekly lunch meetings called Uprooting Anger. It was the story of a man’s battle of a life filled with anger issues and revealed the urgency of men to lead their families in this important area. Next, two veterans of a missions trip to Cuba were asked to tell of their experiences sharing the Gospel there. While never dreaming about going to Cuba, these men were profoundly affected by the experience, and their enthusiasm was contagious. The most moving story of the evening was told by a man who had been a viewer of pornography for many years. Describing his journey of shame and the restoration of their marriage was only half the story. The visual of his wife sitting beside him as he told his story brought tears to the eyes of most of the men in the room.

THE PRESENCE OF A MAN

The presence of these men sharing their testimonies painted the beautiful purpose of Gospel community and the necessity for the Presence of a Man. The evening ended with Paul Goebel leading us in singing four beautiful hymns that reminded everyone of our deep need to worship. It was a powerful evening and a great challenge for our men to “man up” for Jesus Christ.

—John Hawkins

Far left: Bobby Halpin talks about his trip to Cuba as Mark Davis listens.

Left: Elder Frank Bullock just as John describes

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Welcome the Ariails New Children's Ministry Director joins PCPC staff rote memory, but it had not taken root in my own heart. At that moment, I saw and understood the greatness of Christ’s love for me in His death and resurrection. From that moment on, following, loving, and abiding in Christ has been filled with struggles and growth.

We asked Austin to help us introduce him to the PCPC family.

Tell us a little about yourself and your relationship with the Lord.

I was born and raised in South Carolina and spent the majority of my childhood when not at home on the football field, at my grandparents' house, and at church—a typical Southern childhood.

These avenues of family, faith, and football sometimes meshed and at other times collided. Each built a part of my relationship with the other, but my relationship with God was all veneer. My family attended a church where the rest of our extended family belonged. But when my dad pursued a calling as a youth minister at another church in town, my reaction, or really my behavior, to this news was a smug disobedience and defiance. My parents did not overreact; they gently and calmly loved me during this time.

Then one night my life changed. My dad sat me down and began to ask questions about what was going with me. He listened to my vague answers and finally asked, “Austin, are you a Christian?

What is your relationship with Jesus like?” I did not have an answer—I did not have a relationship. My dad retold the Gospel story to me, which I knew by 10

I experienced a great deal of growth during my years at Presbyterian College through the ministry of Campus Outreach, where I understood what community meant for my life and the lives of others, practiced spiritual disciplines, attended Christian conferences and retreats, and felt Christ’s presence greatly.

This time was filled with an incredible sweetness which left marks on my soul and character and has had continuing effects on my relationship with Christ.

Seminary was a great benefit to my relationship with Christ, too. There I gained a greater understanding of the Scriptures, theology, and church history as well as a deeper love for Him and His people.

What I have found to be absolutely crucial for my relationship with Christ to grow and deepen has come from time spent reading and meditating on Scripture and in prayer. God has also used reading about the saints throughout church history to guide me along in my discipleship journey. Augustine, John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and Abraham Kuyper have been great influences.

Tell us about your family.

I met my beautiful and wonderful wife in college. We were involved in the same campus ministry, so I knew about her but got the chance to actually meet her through a snowball fight. To capture her attention, I hit her with a snowball. In the face. Terrible I know, but it worked!

And the rest has been a great journey together. My wife earned her degree in Biblical Counseling from Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) and works in a hospital setting caring for families and kids with eating disorders. She really is the better half, and I am beyond excited for everyone to meet her. And we have a new addition to our family set to arrive

in December! Elena Katherine will be here, Lord willing, on Christmas Eve. Our excitement to meet her and hold her is building as each day passes.

What have you been doing, and what is your vision for our Children’s Ministry?

I moved to Dallas in 2005 to attend DTS. A few years into seminary, I knew I needed to start investing that education in the lives of families. I began my ministry experience at Highland Park Presbyterian Church as a parttime ministry associate, working with families and kids in the fifth and sixth grade. From there I have worked in a variety of settings, including high school guys' discipleship and youth ministry planning. Recently I assisted in mobilizing members to serve in the children and youth areas, oversaw the visitor and guest experience, and led the new members' class at HPPC. My vision for the Children’s Ministry at PCPC is to partner with families and volunteers to create an environment that nurtures the Gospel in the lives of families. My goal is to come alongside and help parents feel equipped for the struggles their families may be facing. I will work with staff and our incredible volunteer team to help disciple kids and grow our volunteer team. And of equal importance, I will ensure that our Children’s Ministry is a place of fun and comfort for kids. I’ve got some ideas on how to do many of these things and more. I look forward to working with Tommy Overnton, the Children’s Ministry staff, and the great community of parents and volunteers at PCPC to help these things come about. I will be intentional about meeting with parents and families—my office door will always be open and my calendar, too. I really look forward to meeting families at PCPC and helping build our community.

What do you like to do when you have a little extra time?

I love to work out, run, or do anything sports related. I play ultimate Frisbee weekly. Watching college football is also another thing both my wife and I love to do! And I love hanging out with her— spending time with friends, reading, and watching survivalist shows (we add our own commentary on what the participants should be doing!).

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uest teacher, Nancy Guthrie, joined PCPC Women to BEHOLD the Lord Jesus through the teachings of Isaiah on October 6 and 7. Over 400 women attended the dinner and lunch events for a time of reconnecting with dear friends, refocusing on Christ, and rejoicing in our God. Early last spring, New St. Peter’s Presbyterian Church member Julie Hickman contacted us to see if we might co-sponsor an event and ask Nancy Guthrie to be our speaker.

What evolved was BEHOLD, a fall gathering of women at which Nancy would teach, and women could choose either a dinner or a lunch version of the event. A committee was formed, and members Ann Carolyn Smith, Laura Murray, Darian Reichert, Lindsey Schardt, and Lenore Owsley came alongside PCPC staff to coordinate the event.

The team started gathering ideas in the summer and meeting regularly to pray and think of ways to make women feel welcome and comfortable while enjoying a great meal and a Christ-centered speaker. And the result—well, it was something to BEHOLD!

PCPC WITNESS • NOVEMBER 2014

The women who attended participated in table talk questions tied around their silverware, laughed at the unusual items discovered in the purse game, and enjoyed a moving video giving testimony of the life transformations taking place in the Daughters of Cambodia. The World Justice Shoppe was open for business at each event and gratefully reports record sales!

Nancy Guthrie taught us that the prophet Isaiah was enabled by God to see essentially a gallery of images of Christ, and he uses the word behold 88 times as if he is saying, “Look at this! Here is something you have to see, something you must consider carefully.

Here is something you must see and never unsee.” Isaiah saw the real King, the King that is holy, holy holy. The burning coal in Isaiah 6:6-7 that touched Isaiah’s lips was evidence that the fiery wrath of God had burnt itself out on the crucified body of Christ, our substitutionary Sacrifice, making Him the divine King, the One we need to behold. "Those saved by the Suffering Servant recognize the He is suffering in their place.

They see their own rebellion and the remedy for it in the suffering of the Servant."

Nancy taught us that when Jesus, comes again, He will come as a Conqueror. In Isaiah 63, the prophet sees a lone warrior coming up from Edom, his clothes are crimson and spattered with red, “the blood of those who have hated God and persecuted His people, the blood of those who have refused the offer of His blood to cleanse and renew them.”

Nancy went on to say, “The misery and cruelty we have witnessed, the way things have worked in a world under a curse….will be wiped away never to be seen or remembered again.”

Nancy invited us to look up and look out into the future and behold the coming conqueror, the one who when we behold Him, all our hopes will be made sure and certain. Then, in closing, she led us all in singing: Turn your eyes upon Jesus.

Look full in His wonderful face.

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace.”

What a wonderful way to end a beautiful time of BEHOLDING together.

—Kari Stainback

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HONG KONG 2014

STILL SMILING There is something special

the churches' evangelistic outreach to the youth of Hong Kong. We assist about visiting a place that has so these churches as they host SEA many wonderful memories attached (Summer English Adventure). It is an to it. For some people it could an old English camp that allows students family beach house, maybe a camp, from 10 to 18 years old interact and or even your old college campus. practice speaking English with AmeriWhenever you think about this place, cans in a fun and relational a huge grin just spreads across environment. But your face, and you can't help father-daughter duo more importantly but smile. This is how I Colin and Rebecca than practicing feel about Hong Kong.

Howland English and I can't help but smile learning when I recall the many about Westbeautiful faces of my ern culture, brothers and sisters these stuin Christ on that dents are enisland! I can't help but tering through smirk as I remember the church many pointless and silly doors.

They are games we play. I can't help meeting a fellowship but laugh when I think about of believers who can care seeing so many people fumble and shepherd them after we leave. through the intricate steps of dances that we have to learn. I can't help but smile when I receive photos of stuOur team of 45 left on a dents being baptized in churches that 16-hour direct flight to Hong Kong on care for their souls so well. The trip July 10. We landed with high energy, has reminded me that God loves His and a sea of suitcases—so ready for world, the nations, and me, too! this trip that we had prepared for for months! We spent the next few days adjusting to the time change and getThe Hong Kong 2014 trip ting our bearings. Our family groups marked my third year to join the PCPC team as we go and partner with spent time getting familiar with the

MTR, Hong Kong's metro, getting to and from the churches, and meeting church members who would be working with us over the next two weeks.

The term "over-stimulation" seems like a good word to describe the first few days of the trip—so many new smells, names, food, transportation, and more to get used to. Even being comfortable with teaching English takes some adjusting. One of the best ways to fight the overwhelming adjustments proved to be our team meetings. We would gather as a group multiple times throughout the week and share stories, emotions, and thanksgiving. We also worshipped in prayer and song together. It was a time to reflect on God's work in each of us and through us to our students.

I was personally reminded

during these moments how BIG God is! He not only made my corner of the world, but He made this one, too.

He isn't limited by language, culture, politics, or technology. He created and inspired all those things! The truth of His Gospel is the same yesterday, today, and forever! He is the same God of all the Bible, and He is mine!

I found much encouragement in the Psalms during this trip, particularly Psalm 28:6-9:

language school

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NOVEMBER 2014 • PCPC WITNESS

The team

Blessed be the Lord! For He has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. The Lord is the strength of His people; He is the saving refuge of His anointed.

Oh, save Your people and bless Your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever.

It was my prayer for myself when I was physically exhausted from my self effort as well as for the students who didn't yet know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, that He, too, would one day be their Good Shepherd and carry them forever!

I still smile when I think of

those games, dance moves, sweet faces, funny questions, and funny food.

I am still smiling as I pray for the city of Hong Kong and the political turmoil it's facing. I am still smiling because we have a God who is compassionate, gives us freedom through Christ, and knows us and His creation so intimately. I am still smiling as I recall the work I got to partake in over three years on that island. And I am smiling with thanksgiving the way God used that trip to restore to me the joy of my salvation.

—Grayson Baird PCPC WITNESS • NOVEMBER 2014

Students relate...

Jet lag hit me pretty bad the first week we were there. My human limits were making me feel weak and helpless when I wanted to be strong and courageous.

After a full day with students and trying to have conversations in Chinglish, I sat in my dorm room feeling the weight of the world on me. I looked out my window and thought of all the lost out there. How could I, with weak faith and a troubled heart, be a light? That night I was overwhelmed with the grace and love of my Father. I read, "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day" (2 Cor. 4:16). Jesus told my little heart to cheer up, for the Lord my God works through those with babbling tongues. He works through those whose minds go numb. He uses the ordinary to proclaim His Kingdom. I got through each day of teaching and relationship building by not my strength, but His. By His grace and His Spirit is how I, with little faith, can be a light.

—Elise McClure Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God" played a huge part in the trip for me. I really learned to slow down and find God in the everyday and seemingly insignificant things, and also just that God is completely in control and His plan will always be better than whatever I had in mind, and not to worry or stress about whatever.

—Kara Davis The best part of the trip was the moment God used my personal life testimony as a way to see God's love shine through the darkness that a student was feeling in her family. For a majority of the trip I felt the Hong Kongers put us as Americans on a perfect pedestal, but the truth is always that we are full of as much sin and hurt Cassi Rawson as they are. I feel while leads a small group. we shared our testimonies they were able to see how similar we all are and how God's love is everywhere.

—Spencer Fox

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a vision for justice and mercy pcpc women see reality of sin and hope for healing in cambodia It’s hard to believe that months have passed since we returned from our vision trip to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in May. During our time there, we became more deeply acquainted with the issue of human trafficking that is pervasive in our world. With the aid of PCPC member and home church missionary Carrie Jussely, we met with several non-governmental organizations (NGO’s) striving to bring about transformative change in that country. Each organization feels a strong call to bring justice to the weak.

The women who cooked our breakfast each morning and cared for our rooms are a testimony to God’s goodness and redeeming work through Daughters.

We quickly learned that the issue of sex trafficking in this country is a complicated matter, with deep roots in the heartbreaking genocidal rule of the Khmer Rouge in the 1970s. Family structure was devastated, a corrupt police system emerged, and poverty quickly set in as the country scrambled to recover from its dire past.

Our first day on the ground was

Carrie took us on a car tour along

spent worshipping God at Gospel Communion Fellowship. The congregation included university students, families, visiting pastors, and our Mission to the World team. It was encouraging to worship with fellow believers and to realize that Christ’s presence transcends all language barriers and cultures. Throughout our trip, we prayed that the people of the Khmer Church would acknowledge and be convicted of the issue of trafficking in their own country.

This is also the main objective of Carrie’s initiative, The Freedom Project (www. plantingcambodia. com)—bridging the gap between local churches and NGOs in the city to rise up as a strong, unified voice to transform the city.

Street 51 where many of the entertainment businesses operate under the guise of karaoke bars. We saw many tourists at outdoor bars adjacent to other establishments. An open door to one establishment revealed benches lining both sides of the entry way occupied by young women waiting to “go to work.” As we drove by, we prayed that God would do a mighty work in Phnom Penh and Cambodia, transforming this country into one

that seeks justice and mercy and the truth of the Gospel. Driving Street 51 exposed us to the harsh reality of trafficking on the front line, and it broke our hearts for these people.

Though we were faced with the reality of sin in new ways, the most redeeming part of our trip was visiting the operations center for Daughters of Cambodia, which includes a day care center, sewing room, screen-printing room, and clinic. We were privileged to bring toys from Texas donors to the children and see their little eyes light up with surprise and joy.

Daughters rescues approximately 100 girls annually from human trafficking, and of those that complete their training, 98% never return to the sex industry. At Daughters, which was founded by Ruth Elliott in 2007, young girls and women are empowered through emotional and spiritual support. They also receive education, job training, medical services, and employment. Each young woman working in the sewing room makes her item from beginning to end, providing her a new sense of confidence, success, and dignity from its completion. Many of these beautiful items are sold around the world and are available for purchase in the World Justice Shoppe, which is open at various PCPC events.

We stayed at the

In 2010 Daughters

White Linen Boutique Hotel, operated by one of our ministry partners, Daughters of Cambodia.

From its beginning in 2007, Daughters has grown to eight businesses that provide dignified work for those rescued from sex trafficking.

established Sons of Cambodia, seeing the need to provide the same opportunities to "lady boys" (young male prostitutes) shunned and brutally victimized by their own society. During our visit, we met about 15 young men who are learning t-shirt printing and woodworking.

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We also had the pleasure of attending the weekly worship service held at the operations center that afternoon.

What a beautiful scene to witness singing, dancing, and the Gospel shared with rescued women and men—in a language we couldn’t even understand! A guest speaker preached about Bartimaeus, whose blindness was healed because of his faith in Jesus, and that we too can be healed by the blood of our Savior despite the sins of our past. Through the generosity of our supporters, we were able to serve lunch to over 125 women and children, volunteers, and staff. As recorded in Acts, we enjoyed the intimacy of a shared meal with our new brothers and sisters and had the opportunity to hear a few of their stories firsthand.

Another organization we met with was Love 146, which strives to provide resources and information for capacity building for other NGOs. Its team in Cambodia has spent copious hours identifying that segment of the population vulnerable to trafficking but not often addressed. They are PCPC NOVEMBER2014 2014 PCPCWITNESS WITNESS • NOVEMBER

The purpose of a vi-

now working on advocacy through awareness. The current perception is that young girls are the vulnerable and need protection, but most people fail to acknowledge the same for young men who are viewed as being resilient.

The team shared with us the need for trained Khmer social workers to reach out to this vulnerable segment of the population. Currently only one home exists in Phnom Penh to provide safe housing for these boys. A critical need exists for jobs outside the sex industry and garment industry for these men to earn a living in dignified ways.

sion trip is to identify the ways in which we can use the gifts of our church to further the work that God is already doing to address the issue of trafficking in Cambodia. The reality of this horrific issue can no longer be ignored.

We understand that it is an uncomfortable issue with many challenges, but we are reminded and encouraged by God’s truth to “Seek justice, rescue the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless.

Plead the case of the widow” (Isaiah 1:17).

—Caroline Light and Charlotte Medley

Top, the Cambodia team Front row (l to r): Jenna Walter, Charlotte Medley, Jenna Tenpenny, Susan White, Katy Kim Middle row, far right: Kaelyn and Christian Kim Back row: Carrie Jussely, Annie Roberson, Caroline Light, Eda and Dr. Lloyd Kim (Coordinator for MTW) Above, A karaoke bar located on Driving Street 51 Far left, Caroline Light shopping at the Daughters of Cambodia gift shop.

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Refreshment for God's daughters in the field

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Kari Stainback, Jessica Young, Mary Haberkorn, Carrie Jussely, Becky Bronson

The nearly 40 women who attended the retreat came from Australia, Japan, and all over Southeast Asia to soak up three days of teaching, discussion, and free time on the resort island of Phuket. They were joined by members of the MTW Spiritual Life Team, who led seminars on common struggles for women in missions.

he mission field can be a lonely place. For singles, the lack of a peer group or even a trusted friend can be isolating, and for families, par“This has been a huge need among the ticularly mothers, caring for children Asia-Pacific ladies, as a women’s rein a foreign culture leaves little time treat had never been planned before,” for community. It’s easy for depressaid Becky, who is based in Thailand sion and discouragement to creep in. with her husband, Andrew, and two And while this seclusion has been children. “The men have lots of opsomewhat alleviated by advances like portunities to travel internationally Skype and Facebook, for various there’s no substitute confer“I can’t tell you how much I for real, in-the-flesh ences and support and spiritual trainings, needed to be with women who nourishment. and this is ‘ get’ me...’ I was really in a dark one small It was this challenge thing we place, and I feel as though life that sent PCPC can do for staff members Kari ladies.” was breathed into me.”

Stainback and Mary Haberkorn to ThaiKari and land in August to conduct a womMary taught on Matthew 6 and 7— en’s retreat for Mission to the World God’s perspective, protection, provi(MTW) staff in the Asia/Pacific region. sion, and peace—topics which resoThe idea came from PCPC home nated with the women. Attendees also church missionary Carrie Jussely and cited the chance to speak and worship was planned largely by PCPC home in English as a needed respite from church missionaries Jessica Young and their typical routines.

Becky Bronson. The retreat gave the women an opportunity to relax and “I can’t tell you how much I needed compare experiences as well as hear to be with women who ‘get’ me,” one teaching from the PCPC women’s attendee wrote in a post-event survey. leaders.

“I was really in a dark place, and I feel as though life was breathed into me.”

“It was a privilege to spend time with women on the front lines,” Mary said. “I loved the opportunity to be poured “I was overwhelmed and humbled by into in contrast to our normal being the experience.” poured out for the sake of the Gospel,”

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another said. “I loved being with other women and hearing that life is the ‘same, but different’ for us all as we seek to live life for Christ away from our passport home.”

The conference also provided an opportunity for many of the women who had become friends on Facebook to meet in person, building relationships that can be maintained electronically until the next Asia-Pacific women’s retreat, which will hopefully take place in 2016.

“The women were hungry for interaction with each other, staying up late to hang out and talk,” Mary said. “They are so normal and needed to be together. They want community.”

As the women scattered back toward the various countries where they live, they reported feeling refreshed and encouraged, but the isolation of foreign ministry still awaits them when there. So what can you do to help?

• • • •

Send a card to a missionary Put together a care package Write an encouraging e-mail Write notes at Missionary Mailings on November 2 in Fellowship Hall • Skype with a missionary • Pray for PCPC missionaries • Go on a mission trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand, February 24-28, to care for MTW missionary kids from East Asia while their parents attend a marriage conference.

For more information on any of these ideas or events, contact Cindy Rhea, 214-224-2552, cindy.rhea@pcpc.org —Julia Schwarz NOVEMBER 2014 • PCPC WITNESS

moving from awareness to involvement to:

PCPC=Passionate Committed People in Community It is so encouraging to witness the levels of involvement of PCPC’s members in missions throughout our city, serving alongside our ministry partners. We praise God for the three families of Urban Home Church Missionaries who serve in the West Dallas community—Trey and Melissa Hill, Annie Roberson, and Reid and Ellen Porter. These men and women have heeded the call to participate in the Lord’s mission in our city. They live and work inter-culturally among the diverse groups of people who reside in West Dallas and elsewhere.

Christopher Wright notes: “Fundamentally, our mission means our committed participation as God’s people, at God’s invitation and command, in God’s own mission within the history of God’s world for the redemption of God’s creation."

This is the thrust Urban Missions— seeking to disciple PCPC members to live out their faith publicly. Our call is to invite our members to move from awareness to involvement and eventually become Passionate Committed People in Community! We long to realize mutual transformation within our members as well as the city, realizing that God is as much at work in the city as He is at PCPC. In his discussion of developing a Christian understanding of transformation, Bryant Myers notes the importance of seeing God at work in the history of any community, including our city. Myers urges PCPC’s members to bring their personal and cultural stories and the Biblical story to a community like West Dallas and converge them with the history of that community as well as the story of how God has been working there. That is what our Urban Home Church Missionaries have been so keen on doing.

West Dallas, they often speak of the poverty, racial divisions, and high crime. A 1992 Dallas Morning News editorial note: “If Dallas has a netherworld, it is the bleak area west of the Trinity. Maligned, misunderstood, a place of crime, poverty, disease, and neglect—this is West Dallas.” Unlike most communities in the greater Dallas area, West Dallas is predominantly Hispanic, comprising some 67% of its population. How can the transforming presence of the Kingdom of God effect change in such a divided community?

Carl E. Braaten notes, “God and not the church is the primary subject and source of mission. Advocacy is what the church is about, being’s God’s advocate in the world.”

Evidences of transformation In their willingness to participate in what God is doing in the city, the Hills, Roberson, and Porters have been sent from PCPC as advocates, not adversaries, of the community where they live and serve. Through their collective witness, signs of transformation are emerging. While there have been gradual improvements in educational, economic, and other social indicators, one major sign of fruitfulness is the deeper levels of ethnic integration and reconciliation that has been coming to the fore. On October 4,

there were clear signs that West Dallas is being transformed in the truer sense of the word. While passing Mercy Street’s Field of Dreams, I was deeply moved as I witnessed hundreds of West Dallas residents spectating and fellowshipping as they supported their African-American, Hispanic, Anglo, and other ethnic groups participating in football, baseball, and soccer. Each team had a significant representation of ethnic and gender diversity.

Immediately Revelation 7:9-10 came to mind: “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

May each of us continue to pray that the Lord would bring crowds of people to Himself as His Word is faithfully proclaimed in both speech and deed. May the Holy Spirit continue to encourage all who serve to raise their heads up from time to time and witness signs of transformation, and may the dreams and hopes of many become a reality as the Gospel transforms those who spectate, participate, and support God’s mission to our city.

—Julian Russell

West Dallas has often been referred to as the third city in a divided metropolis (with North and South Dallas). When most people speak of PCPC WITNESS • NOVEMBER 2014

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Volunteers hear the stories in every call

Vol. XIV, No. 4 • NOVEMBER 2014 Park Cities Presbyterian ChurCh 4124 Oak Lawn avenue, DaLLas, texas 75219 www . PCPC . Org

Periodical Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas

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wenty volunteers and their spouses came together to celebrate the tenth anniversary of PCPC’s Billy Graham Call Center (BGCC). The delightful evening filled with laughter and fellowship was graciously hosted by Houston and Betsy Hunt.

This ministry provides the opportunity and privilege to fulfill the command found in Mathew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

At the Call Center, volunteers take calls from people all across the country on Wednesday nights and occasionally on other days specified by the Billy Graham Evangelical Association. People call, at the Lord’s prompting, after seeing a phone number displayed during a Billy Graham television program asking them if they want to start a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. There is a story in each call, and God in His wisdom, love, mercy, and grace provides just the right words and Scripture to encourage and comfort each caller. This forum for sharing the Gospel couldn’t be easier. The heartwarming calls come directly to volunteers at the center.

Sadly, there are occasions when hundreds of calls sit in queue and go unanswered because there are not enough counselors.

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

It is amazing to see what the Holy Spirit does when people offer Him their time and talents. God uses any and everyone who has a passion for the Gospel and a heart to serve.

To be a part of this wonderful ministry, you don’t have to be a Bible expert or have any prior experience in evangelism—all it takes is a small time commitment and a desire to help others in their relationship with Jesus Christ. As a volunteer, you will be trained how to share your faith using straightforward steps, appropriate Bible verses, and a simple prayer.

Find out how to become a volunteer and join others who have already led people to the Savior and experience the joy that comes from sharing the gift of eternal life. To learn more, contact Myrna Dunn at drdmtd@gmail.com.

Seated left to right: Diann Addison, Shirley Quine, Sherry Schietler, Bob Sutton, (name withheld), Ann Harris from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Myrna Dunn Standing left to right: Houston Hunt, Raymond Turner, Bob Heinonen, Walt Waldie, David Quine, Steve Tenpenny, Bill Sutton, Ed McDow, Doug Dunn