WITNESS: February 1, 2009

Presbyterian Church in America

pcpc

Vol. XX, No. 1 • Park Cities Presbyterian Church • FEBRUARY 2009

Growth brings changes at seminary

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Tim Keller to speak at inaugural convocation

"The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice.

A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is He." —Deuteronomy 32:4

Children led in exploration of Bible

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Workshop elves make something lots better 3 Scandalous grace and bewildering mercy 4 Confessions of a rogue angel

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Kingdom moments in West Dallas 6 Tending your relationship garden

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Pastors and counselors hear from expert 7 Natural disaster opens doors for Christians 8 Growing our stateside Asian ministry

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Mobile medicine that transports the gospel 10 Non-billable hours bring true justice

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RUF ministries flourish at A&M and Tech 11

Some optimistic soul once said, “If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.” But cynical comedian George Carlin complained, “I put a dollar in one of those change machines.

Nothing changed.”

Transition is a known quantity at PCPC. Plenty is happening here as we emerge from our own period of change and move forward joyously with our new senior pastor.

Now the seminary that was birthed at PCPC, Westminster Theological Seminary, Dallas, is in a metamorphosis of its own. Westminster began the campus in 1999 and now in 2009 is launching it as an independent seminary with a new name—Redeemer Seminary. It has a new board, its own president, Steve Vanderhill, and a new chancellor, PCPC’s former senior pastor, Skip Ryan. ”Westminster Philadelphia is launching us as an independent seminary to allow us to continue our growth under regional leadership,” says Steve, a PCPC elder. ”The board and president of Westminster have fully supported this launch since we will continue the mission of the seminary with a ministry shaped by our region but oriented to reaching the world with the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Already the board reflects a commitment to the region and to the ministry objectives of the local community. Members include Brad Bradley (Southwest Church Planting Network Chairman), Mark Davis, Russell Johnson, Keith Mitchell, Leo Schuster (senior pastor of Christ the King Presbyterian Church, Houston), Blake Woodall, and Steve Vanderhill.

Continuity and new distinctives

Redeemer’s vision will stay much the same—to be a seminary committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ as it is revealed in the inerrant and infallible Word of God and summarized in the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, systematic expositions of biblical truth and the reformed faith. Yet at least three distinctives will also become apparent as it takes advantage of its location and the opportunities available to it in particular: 1) Redeemer will not own its own property. The cost of acquiring and maintaining adequate property represents too great a portion of an educational institution’s budget. Instead, a high percentage of funds given to the seminary will be used for substantial scholarships to attract and support worthy students.

2) Redeemer will replicate its model in three other Texas cities, prioritized as Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. With the ease of air travel in Texas, professors can teach in several locations. Having thriving sister churches in those cities will also facilitate finding space and local staff and sharing some services.

3) Redeemer will be more selective in its admission of students, not to seek special or exclusive status but to insure that only those with a clear sense of calling attend.

Donors will also be encouraged when they see the great majority of their gifts being applied to scholarships for students who will pursue gospel ministry upon complecontinued on last page

What brings joy?

What causes sorrow?

YOUNG FAMILIES MINISTRY

Explorers take creative paths to truth

Carl Long and Brent Baker play a Bible game with Explorers.

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ho were Noah’s three sons?

Where did Noah’s ark land after the flood? Who was Adam and Eve’s third son? Bible Explorers have uncovered the answers to questions like these this year.

PCPC’s first through third graders meet every week at 9:30 am for Bible Explorers. This year we began a survey of the Bible by working our way through the stories in Genesis. In addition to the Bible, we are using The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos as our guide.

Our goal for Bible Explorers is to come alongside the parents in establishing a bedrock of biblical understanding. This foundation is the rock upon which a Christian life can be built. The underlying theme that we have established is “Obedience to God brings great joy; disobedience to God brings great sorrow.” We see this every week through stories like Adam and Eve’s sorrow at the Fall and Abraham and Sarah’s joy with the birth of Isaac. By learning these stories, the children and the leadership are able to see biblical principles of faith, hope, love, and God’s providence come alive.

These principles are not presented by staid, dry lectures. Bible Explorers is dynamic and fun! We use engaging storytelling, skits, games, and songs to emphasize the story of the week. We 2 • PCPC WITNESS

also break off into Expeditions to dig deeper into the story and review what we have learned. To make these stories more real to the children, we focus on their perspective. How would Noah’s children feel when people made fun of their father for building a huge boat?

What would it be like if one day they were playing with their friends and suddenly they started speaking another language, like what happened at the Tower of Babel?

Special visitors drop by from time to time, too. This semester, two pilgrims from the Mayflower came to talk about the first Thanksgiving.The sheik from the Middle East, the richest man in the entire world, visits occasionally to get help from the Bible Explorers. Each time, he discovers that God is all the treasure he needs. On fifth Sundays, we change up our regular schedule for Movie and Review. We’ll have a game to review all the stories that we have learned and then watch a movie about one of the stories.

We have not only been shocked by how much knowledge is retained by the children, but also by how much we, the leadership, have gained from reviewing these stories. We talk about the pain of sin, but it becomes more vivid when we think about the pain that Adam and Eve felt when they realized their sin ultimately caused Cain to kill Abel. We vaguely talk about faith, but it becomes tangible when we reflect on Abraham’s faith in taking Isaac to be sacrificed.

If you have children who attend Bible Explorers, we encourage you to follow along with us in The Child’s Story Bible and to discuss these stories with your children. We invite all first–third graders who haven’t attended to come and try us out. If you have been wishing you could learn more about Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and Joshua, we’d love to have your help in teaching the children these stories.

—Claire Baker Answers to questions at the beginning: Ham, Shem, and Japheth; Mt. Ararat; Seth. If you didn’t know the answers, maybe you need Bible Explorers!

Grace Long and Brent Baker show Explorers what the Bible says.

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The Christmas Basket Project PCPC elves of all ages pack up love

Katie and Mason Farquhar Joanna Dawson with Laura and Sarah

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to wi Da fr th lla om lo s v PC e, PC

magine Santa’s workshop. All around you hammers clang and paintbrushes swish as each little elf plays its vital role. PCPC had its own version of this cheerful bustle at its annual Christmas Basket Project!

On December 13, about 350 people from PCPC gathered in a Love Field area warehouse to assemble Christmas baskets. A helpful crew of men assembled large cardboard boxes and placed them at the starting ends of long conveyor belts. These boxes then traveled speedily along 100 feet of track as volunteers of all ages stuffed them with flour, sugar, canned fruits and vegetables, oil, and other food items.

At the end of the line, paper notes of Christian encouragement were added, and the boxes were taped up. Trucks then shipped the 2,000 boxes of basics to ministry partners: Mercy Street, Holy Trinity Catholic Center, Voice of Hope, and People’s Missionary Baptist Church. It was a beautiful example of Christ’s body working together to accomplish a common goal.

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Not only was the outcome wonderful, the participants report that the process itself was a delightful experience. Everyone, regardless of age, could help and know they were serving others. Eager seven-year-olds worked steadily side-by-side with retirees. Often separated from each other on Sunday mornings in various classes, people of different ages were happy to forge new friendships as a result of this opportunity.

Some families brought grandparents along and watched three generations serve together. Nancy Brown, mother of three boys, relished the opportunity the project offered. “We are so thankful to the church and the Williams family for giving us the ability to have a project where we can involve each person, from our preschooler to our boys’ grandmother, and come to help out together as a family,” she said.

Conveyor belt fellowship sprang up all along the line. As a high school student, I might not have met my

Brooke and Nathan Daves and Lilly

packing partner anywhere else. As we worked across the belt from each other, I learned that she had recently moved to Dallas. For her, the event provided an opportunity to make friends in her new church home in a relaxed, Christ-centered environment.

This event was hosted by BCW Food Products, which is the family business of PCPC members Campbell and Anne Williams. The project was similar to other projects hosted

by Campbell and Anne’s previous churches (Second Presbyterian, Memphis and Redeemer Presbyterian, San Antonio).

Through the generosity of the Williamses and the cheerful army of PCPC volunteers, we were able to bless many families. We pray these Christmas gifts were as eagerly received as those from Santa himself, and that they conveyed the love with which they were prepared—the love of the greatest gift, Jesus Christ.

—Cotty Kerridge PCPC WITNESS • 3

women’s ministries

In View of God’s Mercy

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t is that time of year again. Christmas lights have all come down, the tree has been put on the curb, and the nativity scene has been tucked away in storage. I have heard it said that this is when the real work of Christmas begins. The angels have returned to the heavens, the star has faded, the shepherds have returned to their flocks, and we have the opportunity to live the gift of Christmas. What if this year is different? What if this year we make the conscious effort to live Christmas?

Such was the challenge from speaker Andrée Seu at the Women’s Ministries fall event. As a writer for World Magazine, Andrée Seu’s ministry has pointed many to Christ. I was inspired by her stories of faith and calling to live life with hope, in view of God’s mercy. My reflections from the luncheon stayed with me through the holidays and,

by God’s grace, transformed the way I entered the Advent season. Andrée reminded us that in view of God’s mercy, we have rich hope.

Veiled in flesh, the Godhead see

Christmas reminds us that God came near. Before the birth of Christ, we were lost in the depth of our transgressions.

“Long lay the world in sin and error pining.” We were separated from righteousness because of the magnitude of our sin. But, you see, the gospel is scandalous. God saves those who do not deserve it. He has planned kindness for those who hate Him. Divinity reached out and captured a world broken from despair and aching with self-inflicted pain. Heaven came down and the world was changed.

Illuminated with eternal light, mastered by the hand of a loving Father, commanded by a severe mercy, and cradled in a humbled manger—Mercy came to save us. The Father broke all barriers, and in a moment of brilliance and miraculous design, Christ stepped from heaven’s glory to a stable’s simplicity.

A new year stands before us. May we see 2009 in view of God’s mercy, which is more spectacular when we see it through the lens of our deserved fate. His mercy is bewildering. Andrée reminded me that to appreciate it, we must know that we have been given an unimaginable gift. Sin is a debt that must be paid, and Christ on the cross has paid it in full. In view of God’s mercy, we have hope!

I love the psalmist’s plea in Psalm 116:12, “How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?” Receiving God’s mercy is humbling. Each day given becomes an act of mercy, and we are called to live in joyful abandon in it.

has done on our behalf, it seems absurd to question what He will do in the future.

Andrée reminded me that knowing that I am loved allows me to love. It is humbling to realize how generous the Father has been to me. I have witnessed a severe mercy; therefore, I can afford to be generous to others. The truth of the gospel revolutionizes our relationships. We love because He first loved us.

In view of God’s mercy, there are times in life when I must learn to preach to myself. Andrée referred to this as “talking to yourself as opposed to listening.” Psalm 116:7 is a beautiful example: “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Knowing that my words reach the very heart of God, I am learning to pray with greater assurance. I was struck by Andrée’s perspective on praying: “I would not have the nerve to pray if I knew that God would answer all of them.” The Holy Spirit intercedes for us. The Lord, in His sovereignty, has a beautiful plan (Jeremiah 29:11) for my life, and by faith, I am learning to pray with confidence. I have a dear friend who has mentored me for years. As we have prayed together, her faith in the goodness of God has been a great encouragement to me, and by God’s grace called me forward as a woman of faith. And, as Andrée reminded us, it is beautiful to pray with someone who believes that God answers prayer.

When we learn to see things in view of God’s mercy, life has beautiful perspective. C.J. Mahaney said that, “for me, grace is never more amazing than when I’m looking intensely at the cross.” Christmas and meditation on the cross of Christ has captivated me anew this season. Andrée Seu said that “believing that God is good will change your life.” By God’s grace, I believe that I am changing. May we be gratefully overwhelmed as we survey the wondrous cross and consider 2009 in view of God’s mercy.

—Ann Higginbottom Left, new Women’s Ministries moderator Susan Jarrett Below, featured speaker Andrée Seu

A future of hope because of the past

Andrée spoke of learning to move forward in faith-led confidence. We cannot see around the corners and we do not know what lies ahead, but we have great hope in a God who designs each day to draw us closer to Him. All of history is the story of redemption, the story of His loving pursuit of His people. When we consider what the Father PCPC WITNESS 4 4• •PCPC WITNESS

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women’s ministries

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Rogue angel speaks to PCPC women

t was a distinct blessing and honor for 200 people to welcome Mary Kay Beard, founder of Angel Tree, to a Christmas brunch at Oak Lawn West on December 12.

It came about because PCPC member Selby Harrison has birthed a ministry outreach to women prisoners in Dallas.

After reading the materials of Chuck Colson, following the work of Prison Fellowship (PF), and hearing from friends

Dorothy Rembert, Julie Moore, and Suzanne Robertson enjoy the morning event sponsored by PCPC Women’s Ministries.

involved in prison ministry, Selby visited the PF unit at the Dawson State Jail in downtown Dallas. The leaders of this unit had been praying for someone to lead a women’s Bible study, and with this visit it all came together. After hearing Mary Kay Beard speak last April at a national meeting, Selby realized what a treat it would be for women from Dallas to hear her testimony, and how it would be an encouragement for further participation in PCPC’s urban outreach efforts.

Mary Kay has a compelling story that is humorous, shocking, and heartwarming. Growing up as the middle child in a poor family of nine children, she was bold and outspoken from the start. She had a prayerful and loving mother named Grace, who never gave up on her, and an alcoholic and abusive father whom she was not afraid to confront.

Though she grew up going to church with her mother and siblings and enjoyed and excelled in Bible knowledge, Mary Kay did not transfer what was in her head to her heart. At 15, she married her first husband, not for love, but to escape from her family, primarily her father. She was able to finish high school and went on to get a nursing degree, but as her husband became very controlling, Mary Kay’s heart grew harder and harder. After five years, she left her husband and two children.

On the road to near ruin

Ten months later she met her second husband, who impressed her with his expensive clothes and extravagant lifestyle. She married him eight days later, not knowing the source of his money. She jumped at the chance to have the expensive clothes, jewelry, and furs he lavished upon her, enjoying all that money could buy. She later discovered that he had a gambling habit. Her conscience initially bothered her because of her Christian upbringing, but she eventually rationalized that it was fine for them to gamble with their own money. She began to help him, enjoying the risk factor, and as he began to trust her more, he revealed he was actually a bank robber and safecracker. Little by little she became his willing partner in crime, ending up on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted list.

She finally landed in prison with 11 federal indictments and 35 charges against her in four states, ranging from grand larceny to armed robbery. She was extradited to Alabama and locked up in Birmingham. In despair, in solitary confinement, she picked up a Gideon Bible and saw the phrase “a new heart” in Ezekiel 36:26-27. She knew she needed one of those, because hers was stony, filled with hatred and bitterness. As she read, she finally understood that God could change her heart. Salvation was not about anything that she did, but all about what God did in her.

She fell to her knees and prayed, “Father, if you mean that verse for me, if You will give me a new heart and make me the kind of person You want me to be, I’ll give my life to You. Wherever You want me to go, whatever You want me to do, that’s what I will do.”

God began her transformation in prison to be the person she is today. She earned two masters’ degrees and then started the Angel Tree Ministry through Prison Fellowship.

She has lived in total dependence on God and His provision since her conversion. (Her book Rogue Angel is the story of her life and ministry.)

The prison Bible study meets twice a month on Friday mornings in the God Pod at Dawson. It is a unique opportunity to pray with and disciple women, many of whom know Jesus as their Savior and are hungry to grow in their faith. Interested women may come as guests several times. A training class is required to be involved on a regular basis.

Let’s take heed of Jesus’ words in Matthew 25:40, “Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” —Mary Pate

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PCPC WITNESS PCPC WITNESS• •5 5 Selby Harrison and Mary Kay Beard

Staff Christmas celebration

Geraldine

Geraldine, a tall, willowy woman wearing a thin, red jumper safetypinned at the waist and a close-fitting black hat, answered our knock with he PCPC staff always gathers think knew Christ as his Savior, but a smile. She invited our group inside, for a Christmas celebration. also for his mother. We asked Ida then began to show us around, telling That’s no surprise, but the origiif we could pray with her, and she us that the front room was her living nal parties that meant punch, cookies, welcomed it. We enveloped Ida in room, the next was her dining room, and white elephant gift exchanges in our group and began to pray. I knew then the kitchen; she even showed someone’s home have morphed into in that moment that I was glimpsing us her bathroom delightful fellowship with our urban heaven. Brothwhere the city ministry partners. On December ers and sisters had recently 10, the staff joined our West Dallas in Christ who A Story of Rescue: made some impartners at Voice of Hope. The lunch may, apart from a Rita, senior in West Dallas provements. was delicious; the company delightChristmas basket, On December 10, God answered ful; the testimony of elder Dick Steele never have met Rita’s prayer with a knock at her Geraldine gave highly surprising, redemptive, and this side of glory front door. She opened it to a us lessons in encouraging; and our musical worwere embracgroup of PCPC staff members optimism and ship glorious. But the highlight of the ing each other with a beautiful basket full of positive thinking day was the delivery of Christmas in prayer to our food. Rita recounted that she had as we toured. All baskets to neighbors in the commuFather. been praying with other women in West Dallas that the Lord would of our reformed nity by our staff covenant groups. My provide for her needs during the minds began group made deliveries to Ida, Joan, As we were leavlong month of December. The racing to think and Geraldine—three women in their ing we asked visit meant so much more than of how we might sixties.

Ida if we could the food. Her only visitors for the gently correct her carry her heavy holidays were those at her door, self-empowered Ida Christmas basket and they took time to pray with thinking and perDespite the very cold day, when we into her house—a her. She counted herself blessed suade her for the arrived at Ida’s place she was waiting small, blue, dilapibeyond measure for the provicross of Christ. for us outside. We had called ahead dated, craftsmansion of daily bread that filled her empty shelves, but most of all for We would most to tell her we were on our way, and style shelter from a sweet time of fellowship. These certainly have she, knowing that we also planned the elements. She new friends remembered her had to interrupt to deliver a basket to her best friend apologized, saywhen all others walked on by.

Geraldine to do Joan, asked if we could leave Joan’s ing that she was so. She’s a talker. basket with her. Seven of us exited too embarrassed.

She serves on a the PCPC van with a basket for each.

She added that she DART board, for which she received As I placed Joan’s basket in Ida’s car had recently taken her house back recognition last year. Our hearts for her, she began to relay Joan’s story from the drug dealers, and it was bebegan to warm towards her as she told us of her love for people. She has taken in several young people in the neighborhood who are her only family now; she never had children of her own. As our way of departure, we asked if we could pray for her.

Then, as we headed for the door, she launched into recitation of scripture with a fervor and countenance that would make the Holy Spirit proud.

If we didn’t leave quickly we might have had to stay for the full sermon.

The group that delivered baskets to Ida and Geraldine: Robby Higginbottom, Gale Emerson, We walked out assured of our sister Jeff Barber, Caroline Lamberth, Christiana Spruill, Will Nielsen, (front) Amy Tassos. in Christ and with some action items to take care of her needs. to us. Joan’s son had died after being ing repaired. I don’t think any of us These two ladies may have taught us shot in the head. “He was just begincomprehended what that meant, nor more about the Kingdom of heaven ning to come around” she said, on did we ask. With hugs for our sister, the verge of tears. She was grieving, we climbed back into the van to make than we can ever learn in the pew.

—Amy Tassos not only for the boy who she doesn’t our next delivery.

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and receiving gifts g

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Pastoral Counseling

Learning to tend your relationship garden

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Dr. Cox addressed conaiting for a seed to flict resolution and taught

sprout, grow, and couples how to address bloom is exciting, but their problems in a way after the oohs and ahs of that takes care of both the first flower, you bespouses. He continued come used to your plant, with a segment pertainand you may even neing to needs in marriage. glect it. Then weeds pop Since marriage doesn’t up, and sometimes you meet every need a person don’t know how to get has, our keynote speaker rid of them. Our relationinteracted with couples ships are the same way.

Dr. John Cox about how to apWithout the proper tools, propriately meet individual our relationship gardening will be needs. Over lunch, the audimore difficult. Because relationships ence enjoyed a time for quesrequire grace, it is vital for couples tions and answers with a panel to learn tools to help spouses extend of marriage veterans. Couples grace and love to each other because who had been married from less of the grace extended to us on the than a year to more than thirty cross by Jesus Christ. years shared stories and gave practical advice. After lunch, Dr. To learn how to tend their relationCox led couples in a discussion ship garden, couples considering about leadership and submission marriage gathered together on Octoand encouraged them to think ber 31 and November 1 for a seminar about how to have a loving marsponsored by PCPC’s Counseling riage with godly roles. To finish off Ministry—Foundations of Marriage: the seminar, Patrick and Christy LafSowing the Seeds of a Great Relationferty led a segment about intimacy ship. The keynote speaker was Dr. and broke into gendered groups for John Cox, a clinical psychologist from further discussion.

Jackson, Mississippi. Over the course of the weekend, speakers presented The seminar was an encounter with information to help not-yet-marrieds the wonderful and growth-producprepare for their future together. Dr. ing reality of marriage. This was Dr. Cox opened with a segment on comCox’s second visit to PCPC as a keymunication and connection, in which note speaker, and his humor, expericouples learned about levels of interence, and insight engaged listeners. action and what to do He gave them practical, helpful tools when one person for creating and maintaining thriving relationships.

wants more intimacy and the other person doesn’t understand. I offered help in learning practical ways to listen and respond to each other better, and Dr. John Bercier shared financial wisdom and instructed couples in biblical financial stewardship. Next, FEBRUARY 2009

If you are considering engagement or are engaged, you will have the chance to hear Dr. Cox again on Saturday, March 7. Be on the lookout for Boot Camp for Lovers (aka Foundations of Marriage) so that you can begin gathering the tools to nurture your future marriage into healthy, blossoming growth.

—Caty Coffey

Counseling network hears from leading Christian scholar

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n October 24, PCPC hosted

Dr. Diane Langberg, an author, teacher, speaker, and practicing psychologist. Dr. Langberg has 35 years of experience working with survivors of sexual abuse and with clergy, and she speaks internationally on topics related to women, trauma, ministry, and the Christian life. In addition to serving as a faculty member of Westminster Theological Seminary, Dr. Langberg has authored several books, including Counsel for Pastors’ Wives and Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse.

At PCPC, Dr. Langberg first met with a group of pastors and their wives. The group enjoyed a powerful and real discussion about the challenge of life in ministry. Next, because sexual abuse is a prominent reality, Dr. Langberg shared her knowledge and expertise about working with sexual abuse survivors in an afternoon lecture for Christian counselors.

PCPC partners with dozens of Christian counselors in the DFW area. Periodically, the counseling ministry hosts events where these network counselors can gather together for fellowship and learning. The counselors learn new information and hone their professional skills as well as learn about the practices of their contemporaries. We are honored to have hosted Dr. Langberg, and we look forward to future events for Christian counselors.

—Caty Coffey PCPC WITNESS • 7

Natural disaster has supernatural aftermath Tsunami opens doors in Indonesia

(l to r) Lee Jagers, Laurie Butterfield, Michelle and Lee Bridgeman, Jeff White

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few weeks before Thanksgiving, a small group from PCPC traveled to Indonesia to offer a pilot counselortraining program to local believers, and they received it with great appreciation. Jeff White, Laurie Butterfield, Should we and Michelle mourn these Bridgeman taught various aspects of losses or counseling theory, delight in the spiritual perspectives, and skill opportunities? development.

Our answer is Dr. Lee Bridgeman supplied “Yes, both.” devotional and prayer support while laying groundwork for potential dental mission trips.

The need for counseling has opened the door for a cooperative coexistence with Muslims. Laurie and I held individual training sessions with the local Tengku (the Indonesian title for an Imam), the Muslim spiritual leader of twelve villages in the area. I also had the privilege of meeting with students at an underground seminary in the area.

In 2004 the world’s attention shifted to this area when an underwater earthquake just off the coast of Indonesia triggered a wall of water six stories high that crashed upon the city.

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In addition to wiping out 44% of the local population, these waters carried huge ships like corks and left some of them stranded three miles inland.

Prior to the tsunami this Aceh (pronounced “Ah-chay”) region was one of the most dangerous places in the world for non-Muslims. Yet the tsunami’s flood waters opened the flood doors for aid and relief work to come in from the outside world. Not only were non-governmental organizations and expatriates welcomed for the first time, but also other Indonesians who were barred entrance before. Even more amazing was the tolerance for many of the Christians (both Indonesian and foreign). Nearly four years later, these open doors allowed our group to come and serve alongside our Christian brothers and sisters. Should we mourn these losses or delight in the opportunities? Our answer is “Yes, both.”

While God has moved to create a large network of seminaries and training sites

across Indonesia, our Christian brothers and sisters there still lack proper training in the Bible or in counseling.

Nevertheless, I was very impressed and humbled by how they put into practice everything they know. If we proportionally used the resources we possess here in the U.S., we would turn our whole country on end for Jesus.

I saw Indonesian Christians who are bold, but not reckless. They are active in sharing the gospel, but they are careful to stay under the radar. When I asked the seminary students if their plans to plant churches in this area were dangerous, they looked at me with puzzlement, as though saying, “Of course. Isn’t it dangerous to be a Christian?”

Yes, we mourn the tragic loss of so many lives and structures, but we rejoice in the opportunity to help rebuild with the people and to train them beyond what they could have known before. The long plane rides and the mosquitoes spawned by the rice paddies are but a small taste of the discomfort our Lord encountered when He left the intimate presence of his Father to bring us His salvation. PCPC is on the cutting edge of carrying Kingdom righteousness to our brothers and sisters in this part of Southeast Asia. We continue to scope out possible opportunities for counselor training, English-as-a-foreign-language training, and medical missions.

—Lee Jagers

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LPF emphasizes gospel transformation PCPC ministry to Laotians and Thais gets new life

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he Lao Presbyterian Fellowship (LPF) actually started over 25 years ago at Highland Park Presbyterian Church. It serves primarily Lao (and some Thai folks) who originally were refugees from the Communist government in Laos. LPF serves about 50 people, plus a number of extended family and friends in the DFW area. (Did you know that there are more Laotians living outside Laos than inside Laos—10 million vs. 6 million?)

Last September, a renewed emphasis was begun in a number of areas. King Sribounheuang (Director of LPF), pastoral intern Josh Anderson, and I led a series of messages on Gospel transformation and what it means to be a true believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Sue Dobbs started a new women’s Bible study that led to a new men’s Bible study led by King and Josh. One of the Sunday morning services featured the LPF youth presenting the Gospel Fuzzies.

LPF also hosted in September an annual event for the DFW Lao Christian Fellowship, where 60-75 believers from all over the Metroplex met to worship, socialize, and discuss how to reach out to each other in mercy ministry.

There is a new excitement in LPF as attendance is up and Bible studies are in full swing. The September festivities closed with an after-church dinner. Of course, the meal featured

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that famous Lao delicacy—pizza! In December, the annual LPF Christmas pageant and luncheon had more than 60 people in attendance and featured a full-costume depiction of the Christmas narrative by LPF’s children.

More is to come. Please pray for these Southeast Asian people in our midst as PCPC seeks to grow the Kingdom through outreach to others in Southeast Asia!

In partnership with PCPC’s World Missions group, LPF is involved in ministries in Laos, including helping to start 12 house churches, theological training of pastors, a private Christian school, and medical missions through Dr. Craig Hobar’s LEAP Team.

—Curt Dobbs

Director of Missions & Church Planting

Short-Term Mission Trips 2009

February 25-March 8 Cambodia Medical/Various June 2009 Chiba, Japan 20+ Community/ Open Monterrey, Mexico Women’s Ministries July 2009 Asia Undisclosed July 9-21 Kiev, Ukraine Open Siberia/GAiN Open England/Scotland Choir July 8-18 August 2000 Cusco, Peru Young Couples Class India Theological education Indonesia Counseling ministry Juarez, Mexico Young Families Ministry

Aug. 5-8 Philippines Theological education October 2009 India Justice ministry

LPF children present Gospel Fuzzies.

Below, the DFW Lao Christian Fellowship gathers at Oak Lawn West.

PCPC PCPC WITNESS WITNESS • 9• 9

A Cambodian doctor and patient pray together.

PCPC medical team goes mobile The Cambodia Mobile Clinic/Medical Mentorship, a ministry of Mission to the World (MTW), is the work of Eda Kim, a doctor and MTW medical missionary in Cambodia. PCPC has worked with Eda and her husband, Lloyd, for several years. The mobile clinic goes out once a month to villages where Bible studies and church planting have started. It is an arm of mercy for the Cambodian church and also an opportunity for the missionary medical staff to mentor medical students on a regular basis. The 8-10 regular students get to sharpen their medical skills while developing a heart for the poor, and many stay for optional Bible studies aftewards. Eda and her team are excited to be mentoring non-Christians in the group. One student, when asked if she would like to join the study, told her, “I am not a Christian, but I would like to know more about the Bible because I see many Christians doing kind things for the people of our country.” Eda has had good discussions with her about Christianity.

PCPC’s Dr. Clanton Harrison will lead a small team of PCPC doctors along with three doctors from the clinic PCPC supports in Thailand February 25–March 7 to participate in a mobile clinic with Eda. The team will spend five days working in and around Phnom Penh.

——Sarah Bagby 10 • PCPC WITNESS

Careers for God’s glory A PCPC group of 11 professionals including attorneys, law students, and business partners traveled in October to Bangalore, India, to serve with the International Justice Mission (IJM), a Christian organization that works to promote justice worldwide. IJM works in India to help free bonded slaves and women and children forced into prostitution. PCPC has been partnering with this organization for several years to share the gospel in word and deed.

The 27-hour journey to Bangalore served as an opportunity for team bonding and lawyers-in-the-trenches stories as BlackBerries, iPhones, and billable-hour requirements disappeared and conversations began.

The first three days in India were spent acclimating to the culture and attending seminars on the Indian legal system and bonded slavery. The highlight for most of us was journey-

ing in a large blue bus (Cloud 9 was its name) into rural villages to meet former bonded slaves that IJM had worked to set free. We drove through hills, parked the bus, and hiked for about 10 minutes to get to a small community of about 10 concrete homes. We were all amazed that such secluded communities existed! The village gathered together under large trees and spread blankets for us to sit and hear their story of forced slavery in a brick kiln and how the IJM had rescued them. They then proudly led us on a tour to show us their crops, animals, and motorized water pump.

Meeting real people with real stories of rescue was great inspiration as we offered a two-day litigation CLE (Continuing Legal Education) teaching writing skills and witness preparation to IJM advocates from across India.

The team of attorneys did a great job of utilizing their individual skills to create a dynamic and informative presentation. Team member Brian McKay had prepared an Indian legal brief to give to IJM to use in future cases.

We were all blessed by IJM’s hospitality and their awareness of PCPC’s continued efforts to support their mission. We were encouraged by their excitement to help serve God’s purposes abroad with a true joy.

The Dallas Volunteer Attorney program often says that pro bono work is “billable hours for your soul.”

By journeying to India and partnering with IJM, we were refreshed, renewed, and ultimately charged to expand justice abroad by serving God’s people. A billable blessing indeed!

—Lindsay Stengle

The IJM team gathers to learn more about the Indian legal system and slavery.

FEBRUARY 2009 FEBRUARY 2009

Meet the new RUF ministers at A&M and Texas Tech It is PCPC’s great privilege to support the Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) ministries on numerous college campuses in Texas and Oklahoma. In August, we welcomed two new RUF ministers to the ranks:

that upon graduation I could work with RUF. We returned in 2008 with great excitement to do the very thing we desired.

Marc and Amy Corbett began the work at Texas Tech seven years ago, and it has been great to begin Ben Hailey engaging with a Texas A&M University group of students God brought me to Christ that already has through RUF, and my heart an established has been in this ministry ever sense of comsince. For the last four years, we’ve munity.

Marc’s The Haileys been serving RUF at Hinds Commufaithful work at Ben, Beth, Hannah (4), nity College in Mississippi.

Tech has created and We are very excited to be working an environment Nathan (2) at A&M. For over 20 years, God has where we have been at work on the campus of A&M instant credthrough the ministry of RUF, blowibility. Students ing His Spirit into are ready and the lives of students willing to allow through campus us into their world. ministers and those This semester in who support them. large group we will While a ministry consider the wondershould never be ful truths in Colosevaluated solely by sians: those of us numbers, we are who were alienated very encouraged. from God are now RUF at A&M has reconciled through been in transition Christ’s death. Our for several years— record of debt has the current seniors been cancelled, The Percifields have had three nailed to the cross, Steve, Kelly, Lillian (9), Connor (7), Holt (5), and Ella (1) different campus and all this is so ministers. So we have been surprised Steve Percifield that we may be presented holy and to average 50+ students at our largeTexas Tech University blameless to God in Jesus Christ. Our group meetings. Katy Simpkins, our The stars at night are big and bright… desire is that truths like these would intern, has been a large part of reachclap, clap, clap, clap… deep in the become a comfort for our students, ing out to new students. heart of West Texas. And the Percimany of whom are unfamiliar with A network of small groups also field family is glad to be back in the the richness of the doctrines of grace. meet regularly. Relationships, roomLone Star State.

Further, we pray that as they come to mates, abuse, neglect, sexual imKelly and I were married in 1996, understand these better, they would morality, death, you name it, we’ve right after I finished my studies at then seek to minister to those around talked about it. And while we’re TCU. We spent our first eight years them out of the comfort and joy that sometimes overwhelmed, our graof married life in Fort Worth, where they have experienced. cious Savior gives us the freedom to we were active volunteers for RUF at PCPC’s support of RUF across dive in and sort through the tough Texas Tech. The opportunity to work Texas is instrumental to the minisissues of life. alongside and learn from Dustin try of biblical, reformed teaching on Pray for me, for Katy, and for our Salter was instrumental in the life our college campuses, and I am now students. Pray for eyes to see and ears of my family and our call to gospel experiencing the generosity of PCPC to hear. Lives are changed through ministry. firsthand. Thank you! these tear-filled and difficult converIn 2004, we moved to Philadelphia —Steve Percifield www.texastechruf.org sations, and we see a lot of evidence so that I could attend Westminster of the Spirit’s work during these Theological Seminary with the hope FEBRUARY 2009

times. Love is being renewed, hope is being restored, and change is possible because God raised His Son from the dead.

PCPC WITNESS • 11

Growth brings changes continued from page 1

tion of their degrees. A donor might even fund a scholarship for a particular student he or she knows. The focus for scholarships will be intensely on MDiv candidates, but funds will also be directed intentionally to candidates for vocational theology degrees where gospel ministry is lived out and the whole body of Christ enriched in occupations such as counseling, or teaching.

The mission, the message, and the man

Redeemer’s mission won’t change: to train educated leaders for the church.

Its message won’t change: the Bible.

But a new, intentional emphasis that is close to Skip’s heart will be placed on the man (the person, the student—man or woman). In the past, seminaries have rarely taken responsibility for the personal spiritual care of their students. Redeemer will stress ministerial formation in at least three ways: Devotion: teaching students how to have a devotional life by equipping them with the appropriate resources.

Seminary students often miss this vital element of a spiritual life that is deepening over time and preparing for inevitable hardship and temptation.

Integration: helping students understand how the gospel effects the deepest reaches of their own personalities.

How does sin attach to their particular flesh? What are their besetting sins?

How does the gospel address their inner lives and bring its transforming power to them?

Vocation: exploring with students the reality and nature of their calling. Are they truly called to gospel ministry?

Where will it lead them? Students will be assisted in exploring these questions three times: when they enter the seminary, halfway through their education as they begin to specialize, and at the end as they leave.

“I look forward with great anticipation to how Redeemer will truly prepare men and women for the call God has placed on their lives,” says Mark Davis. “The emphasis on teaching them

Steve Vanderhill and Skip Ryan discuss the many changes that are occurring at Redeemer Seminary.

to abide in Christ, caring for their souls, is a worthwhile goal.”

the clear and compelling call of Jesus Christ on all His believing family.

Like a three-legged stool

Being involved

The work of planting and nurturing new churches rests on the three legs of a supporting church, an equipping seminary, and a sending network.

PCPC, Redeemer, and the Southwest Church Planting Network seek to advance the dream first expressed by the earliest members of PCPC, to bring the glory of the gospel to Dallas and beyond. With the church at the center, lifting high the cross in its worship and various ministries, the seminary will equip those who will lead the many churches the Network will plant in this region of the country. The body of Christ has a long arm with the sharpened tools in hand to fulfill

FEBRUARY 2009 • Vol. XX, No. 1 Park Cities Presbyterian Church 4124 Oak Lawn Dallas, Texas 75219 www.pcpc.org

Celebrate with Redeemer Seminary at its inaugural convocation on Monday, February 16, 7:30 pm, in the PCPC Sanctuary. The keynote speaker will be Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York, and author of the best-sellers The Reason for God and The Prodigal God. All members and friends of PCPC are welcome.

Steve and Skip ask for your encouragement and prayers for the seminary as this big vision is launched. They are thankful for the PCPC community and pray for a future together that brings great glory to our God. —Terri Speicher Periodical Postage Paid at Dallas, Texas