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Presbyterian Church in America

pcpc "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you." —1 Peter 1:3, 4

Vol. XX, No. 2 • Park Cities Presbyterian Church • MAY 2009

Going beyond ourselves again Army of servants sees God’s grace working in West Dallas

Tom Chiles’s memories are PCPC history 2 Navigating the economy of 2009

Learning dependence on Christ by serving

Bill Hill learns to invest in eternity

Feeling fired in the empty nest 7 Worship, work, and witness around Dallas 8

(l to r) Courtney Lewis, Megan Matter, Hannah Jarrett, and Grace Newman paint a fence at Mercy Street.

Youth become doers of Word, not just hearers 9 Voice and instruments celebrated in concerts 10

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all and therefore all died. And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.”

Interweaving theology and mental health 11 OohRah! basic training in relationships 11 Creating art in love to give God glory

Struggles and grace cross cultural lines

Applying Bible stories to Indonesian lives 14 Aggressive partners claim Hindu territory

Forget the easy way in college ministry

(2 Corinthians 5:14-15)

In an era of economic instability and global recession, it is beautiful to see the love of Christ compelling one community to serve another. On Saturday, February 28, volunteers from our church body came together to serve the urban communities of Dallas. Beyond Ourselves 2009 was an extraordinary display of our growing desire to change the world, one life at a time. Over 500 volunteers from PCPC joined hands cleaning, painting, fixing,

and landscaping. It was a stunning picture of 2 Corinthians 5, “that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them.” The hands and feet of Christ crossed the Trinity, and in an effort to live for something more, gave their day to meet the needs of others. The love of Christ should compel us to no longer live for ourselves, but rather for Him. If we truly understand the gospel of grace, continued on page 6

Tom Chiles’s second home Retiring property manager cared for PCPC facilities from the beginning

“Working at PCPC has been the highlight of my caShe remembers him coming around and saying, “Just reer—and my life,” says Tom Chiles. “I have enjoyed every tell me what to do. I’ll do anything. I just want to be here moment of it. I have loved this church and wanted it to be serving.” what God wanted it to be.” Tom began managing the facilities as a volunteer in JanTom worked his last day as PCPC’s Director of Property uary, 1993. His initial duty was to coordinate the sharing of Management on February 27, 2009, after 16 years of service. space with Highland Park Baptist Church. The Baptists met He grew up in Dallas, where his father was a partner in at 9:30 am for Sunday school and 11:00 am for worship, the firm of JCS Typography. He and his brother and sister and PCPC vice versa. Tom had no budget—no tables, no grew up going to East Dallas Christian Church, riding chairs, no blackboards, nothing. the streetcar sometimes when their mother couldn’t drive “I came up with a way to raise funds,” he remembers: them to church. Tom treasures her influence in his life. “My He stood up before the congregation and invited them to mother kept the whole family together,” Tom says. buy chairs for themselves and their families, at $22 each. After graduating from North Dallas High School, Tom Some people wrote checks for their entire Sunday school began his studies at North Texas Agricultural College classes. The congregation donated $122,000 in all for chairs, (now the University of Texas at Arlington). During his first tables, and blackboards. year there his mother died, and he moved back home to “Those were really exciting days,” Tom says. help out around the house. Later, he enrolled at SMU, but “I credit Tom and his calm management with making us was able to spend only two years there. “I needed to go to all feel like it was going to happen,” Jayne says. “Tom was work,” he said simply. never running around with his hair on fire in the hallway. After two years in the Army, Tom came back home in He was just quietly getting things done.” 1957 and began working at his father’s firm, learning the After Tom had directed the operations of the church for trade of typesetting. In 1978, Tom and his brother, Bill, six months as a volunteer, in June 1993, senior pastor Skip founded their own typesetting, printing, and graphic serRyan called Tom in to his office. He told him he liked the vices firm, Chiles and Chiles. job he was doing and couldn’t risk letting him go. He ofTom met his wife, Carole, on a fered Tom a permanent, paid position blind date set up by his sister. The as Director of Property Development. newlyweds started going to Highland PCPC purchased the church build“It was providence at work, ing in July, 1993. “The building was Park Presbyterian Church together and became active members. They sort of in disrepair in a lot of areas,” giving Tom to us,” have two daughters, Cynthia and Jayne says. She remembers volunteers says Stephen Nielson. Catherine, and a grandson, Luke. walking miles back and forth from the basement of the church to dumpsters “I don’t think we could Early PCPC days outside, emptying it of items that had have had anyone more Tom has been part of PCPC for its lain unused for years. entire history. He was one of 13 elders In those days the building was loving, more resourceful, who resigned from Highland Park heated by a boiler room and cooled and more helpful.” Presbyterian Church in May 1991, with ice. If the building was cooled all when that church voted not to withday Saturday for a wedding Saturday draw from the PC(USA) denominanight, then there might not be enough tion. Chiles and Chiles had produced ice left to cool the Sanctuary on Sunall the literature for the position in favor of withdrawing. day morning. “I can remember calling Tom at home in the Tom typeset the first PCPC bulletin ever, together with morning from the boiler room,” Jayne says. “He had to elder Stephen Nielson. They intended to make it pleasing juggle how many things could go on each week.” to the Lord from the very beginning, helping to set a tone for the church’s worship thenceforth. The classic design Overseeing the growth spurts of the church bulletin today dates from the first worship As the new church kept growing, Tom was charged with service, in Highland Park High School on May 26, 1991. buying property and building new facilities. He eventually “Anything that had to be done—Tom was just in the sold his company and outsourced PCPC’s printing operamiddle of it all,” says Jayne Bjork, Assistant to Worship and tions. Arts, who resigned from her job at HPPC after the vote and It was Tom who chose the title of “sexton” for the memwas hired at PCPC in June, 1991. Tom had been in charge bers of the maintenance team he hired (the title is more of communion at Highland Park, so he was asked to overcommon among Catholic and Anglican churches). Tom see communion services at PCPC. He also recruited ushers defines a sexton as “a keeper of the church.” He wanted and coordinated funerals. to honor the men in this role, to make them visible to the 2 2• •PCPC PCPCWITNESS WITNESS

MAY2009 2009 MAY

congregation, and strong commitment to keep them lookto the church and ing nice in matchexpert advice about ing polo shirts and many details. Tom slacks. dealt not only with Working with church members, committees, Tom staff, and pastors, put together the but with architects, church’s first capital contractors, electricampaign beginning cians, construction in 1993. Construction workers, and city on the new educaofficials. tion wing began in “I just observed 1996 and finished in in Tom a marvel1997. Tom’s wisdom ous ability to meet and skill permitted a bunch of differthe project to come ent situations and in $6.5 million under challenges,” says budget. Stephen. “One of “I was very, very the really wonderproud of the CE ful things was his At a retirement party in February, Tom received a photo of the church signed building when it was with blessings and warm wishes from staff members and friends. (l to r) PCPC gentle and Christbuilt,” Tom says. He Executive Director Jeff Barber, Tom and Carole Chiles, and Stephen Nielson like way of meeting said its design struck and hearing and the perfect equiliblistening to and rium—“not real fancy, but not real dry.” responding to all kinds of people... I don’t think anyone at “Then we were buying more furniture for that buildPCPC could match Tom’s witness for the Lord.” He being,” Tom says. His job got bigger and bigger, but he lieves that the outside contractors who worked with Tom, always found it manageable. He and his brother had built who may not have known anything about the Christian two manufacturing plants, so he says, “when I got over faith, saw in Tom “an exemplary Christian life.” here, it was all easy stuff.” Tom says he has enjoyed working with the committee Tom sees his life’s path as leading him to this time, members, the elders, the deacons, and the staff. “We’ve got when an infant church needed guidance through a wild a lot of wonderful men that are running the church,” he growth spurt. “God gave me all the organizational skills, says. “I am grateful to the leadership in the church for bethe management skills, the people skills,” Tom says. “They lieving in me and giving me the opportunities to do what needed somebody who could do all this, and I was able to needed to be done.” do it.” “I have never thought of my job as work,” Tom says. “I have had so much fun.” A portrait of godly leadership Hospitality has been Tom’s great gift throughout his “It was providence at work, giving Tom to us,” says Stecareer. “He knew what would be welcoming to people phen Nielson. “I don’t think we could have had anyone when they came in,” says Colin Howland, Director of Wormore loving, more resourceful, and more helpful.” ship and the Arts. Colin says Tom thought about additional As a charter member, a member of the Performing Arts touches like hiring more policemen to help people cross the Series committee, a worship moderater, and an elder, Stestreet. “He was always thinking about the people first. He phen has appreciated Tom’s contribution in recent years as was very thoughtful.” much as in the beginning. “I really treated the church like my house,” Tom says. “He did quiet things,” Stephen says, citing Tom’s faith“I wanted to keep it just perfect for the members who came ful work in enhancing and perfecting Cambridge Hall even in, for the children. I wanted to keep it safe.” after the construction was completed. Even during his retirement, Tom plans to stay active, Stephen worked with Tom on the Sanctuary Renovation traveling with Carole and volunteering at Scottish Rite Committee earlier this decade: “From a musical, artistic Hospital. point of view, Tom—while he’s not innately a musician—he Although he won’t officially be taking complaints about was such a master at innately, intuitively understanding the temperature in the Sanctuary or the arrangement of what needed to happen in the Sanctuary in terms of acousthe church furniture anymore, Tom will still be around to tics.” Stephen and Tom both saw the acoustics primarily as offer smiles and hugs and support the church wholehearta means of delivering the Word of God to His people. edly as a layman. “I’ve seen what God has done since the During the delicate installation of the organ and the beginning of this church,” says Tom, “and He’s never let us countless details of the building renovations, Stephen down.” watched Tom take suggestions from people who had a —Stephanie Byrd MAY MAY 2009 2009

PCPC WITNESS PCPC WITNESS • • 3 3

Surviving the Economic Tsunami Survivors of 80s storm offer lessons learned

Clyde Jackson, Fred Ball, Butch McCaslin, and Tracy Taylor have at least two things in common: 1) They experienced the white-knuckle economy of the late 1980s and lived to tell about it; and 2) they know it was God who brought them through those tough times. At the February WorkPlace Ministries breakfast, over 100 men and women gathered to hear these seasoned businessmen share their stories and offer advice on how to navigate through an economic downturn. They talked about some serious storms they’d been through, what they learned about themselves and God, and the lessons God taught them about weathering financial tsunamis. One common lesson all the panelists learned: Business has a lot more to do with faith than they originally thought. Difficult financial times didn’t destroy these men; instead, it shaped their character and relationship with God in positive ways. When asked personal habits that kept them afloat in past

(l to r) Panelists Tracy Taylor, Butch McCaslin, Fred Ball, and Clyde Jackson

storms, they emphasized five important practices: 1. Prayer 2. Regular study of God’s Word 3. Meeting consistently with a small group of other Christians 4. Continuing to work at whatever ministry God has called them to 5. Exercise

Clyde Jackson told the group how

important it is to begin the day with the Lord by reading scripture so you can think about the truth all day long. He also takes time every day to pray for his employees and colleagues by name.

Fred Ball reminded attendees that

even though it might not feel like it at the time, “the Lord is in the tough spots.” Fred told about how he would pray and then consciously watch for God at work, taking Philippians 4:6 to heart: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Butch McCaslin advised: “As

smart as you may be, there’s no way to avoid risk and difficulties in business. Financial problems are painful, but it’s in these experiences that we find out if our faith is real.” Butch said Psalm 27:13 got him through many dark days: “I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”   Tracy Taylor offered encouragement to the audience: “You will make it through

this!” He also reminded them of a critical truth: “Just because you might fail in business, you are not a failure. As Christians, we are not defined by our business success or our material possessions, but by our relationship with Christ.” Tracy encouraged those who are married to work on their marriages. “An understanding spouse is a wonderful asset in a recession.”

What’s on your balance sheet?

Butch shared an image to which many could relate: “In the late 1980s I felt as if someone had torn out the asset page of my balance sheet, leaving me with only liabilities.” He and the other panelists reminded the group that as Christians we each have “hidden” assets to draw upon. Here are some of those assets that can never be taken away from us: • Scripture to remind us of the truth • Prayer to call out to God for help • Abilities given by God to accomplish His purposes • A God who cares about our work and is personally present • Other Christians to encourage us • The Holy Spirit to remind us of the truth when we forget it. As they left, many attendees commented that they felt encouraged and better equipped spiritually and emotionally to weather the grim economic forecast. We thank these men for their willingness to be transparent and share their hard-earned wisdom.    —Bill Peel

“One common lesson all the panelists  learned: Business has a lot more to do with faith than they originally thought.” PCPC WITNESS 4 4• •PCPC WITNESS

MAY MAY2009 2009

Knowing Christ better by serving Him

DPRC volunteer compelled to save lives for God’s glory

A retired legal secretary, mother, grandmother, and wife, Bonnie Easton recently began volunteering at the Dallas Pregnancy Resource Center. Though she learned about the DPRC through PCPC, she had been thinking of volunteering at a pregnancy center for some time. As a Christian she has come to hate abortion for its destruction of God’s image bearers and for the emotional and physical damage it heaps upon women. What spurred her to service was the 2008 election of a president who is pro-abortion. She said, “I could no longer turn a blind eye to what is happening in our country.” She believes that as an American citizen, she shares in our national guilt, in a sense, if she does nothing to counteract abortion.

She feels compelled to do whatever she can, be it big or small, to save lives, because it is for God’s glory. “As a Christian I can’t not care,” she says.

increased as she depends upon Him. This deeper intimacy has also had many positive effects in other areas of her life.

She has found her work at the DPRC renewing the joy of her salvation. Her service as an advocate to women in unplanned pregnancies has driven her deeper into prayer and God’s Word as she recognizes her inadequacies. “Relying on the Holy Spirit to do His work and change hearts is critical,” she says. Intimacy in her relationship with God has

Bonnie finds joy in working with other believers at the DPRC toward a common goal, bringing hope and life to those in crisis. If you are interested in learning more about DPRC and the ways to serve, contact Katherine Moffit, PCPC Ministry Coordinator, at katherine. m.moffitt@gmail. com. —Mary Jayne Fogerty with Bonnie Eastman

Former district attorney leaves performance track

...and now he can’t be a “comfortable” Christian in retirement

“Don’t be that humble; you’re not that great,” a friend reminded Bill Hill before he spoke at the March WorkPlace Ministries leaders’ breakfast. The PCPC member and former Dallas County District Attorney explained how faith and work fit together in his life to a crowd of 60+ business men and women gathered on a rainy Wednesday morning. A lot of people would disagree with Bill’s friend about his greatness. Friends and critics alike recognize Bill as a significant civic leader. As Dallas County DA, he compiled an impressive record, became known for seeking justice for one and all regardless of their position in the community, and built a stellar national reputation for the DA’s office. But being great in the world’s eyes was not what drove him. Bill told the group that we have one vocation, and that is to glorify God in everything we do. Faith should impact every area of life whether we are in the courtroom, office, home, or at church. MAY 2009

That wasn’t always the case. Performance was his driving force, whether at church or on the athletic field, until he met Candy Johnson, the woman who would become his wife. From her he learned about grace and realized his approach to God and life was wearing him out. He just couldn’t be good enough. When he went to work for legendary Dallas DA Henry Wade, he veered back into the performance lane for a while until God humbled him again.

ence in the lives of his staff and be an example to them. He said that he not only thought about how Jesus would lead, but also tried to consider: “How would I treat Christ if He worked for me?” No wonder the DA’s office under Bill was known for both its commitment to quality as well as for its high morale. Reflecting on his semi-retirement, Bill told the group that he really wanted to be a “comfortable” Christian, but the Lord wouldn’t leave him alone. Bill and Candy don’t want to waste this time. The Bible’s charge to take care of the poor, widow, and orphan has led him to be involved with his son Trey at Mercy Street, a West Dallas mentoring program to which PCPC is also deeply committed.

After 25 years as an assistant, Hill decided to run for the DA post and won in 1998. He led 250 lawyers in that office for eight years, where his desire to glorify God created a high level of quality and morale. How did he do that in such a performance-based atmosphere as criminal prosecution? When Bill took office, he wanted to make a differ-

Bill concluded, “Today, I want to lay down my life for Christ.” To do that Bill Hill is asking consistently how to invest his life from now on and let people see Jesus in his actions. —Bill Peel L

PCPC WITNESS • 5

Beyond Ourselves

continued from page 1 This page Left, Allison Hicks and Harriette Hill add some spring color to the landscaping at Mercy Street. Below left, Matt Maberry clears out weeds from a new flower bed at Mercy Street. Below right, Martin Newman and Robert Hunt learn the art of tilling the soil. Next page Carson Reichert’s paint mitts are covered in black after helping with the fence.

friends gathered to worship the Lord in singing and then in service.

I believe that there will be a compelling and exhilarating drive to love one another as we have been loved. In Acts 11, Barnabas pays a visit to the thriving church in Antioch. His observation is staggering: “When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:23). What a beautiful sight! Evidence of the grace of God was so apparent that Barnabas was encouraged in the Lord. As I reflect back on Beyond Ourselves 2009, there is such astounding evidence of God’s grace. In preparation for the big day, many gave of their time and resources to make sure everything would run smoothly. A team of volunteers worked tirelessly to plan each project and contact each ministry. Benevolent participants offered their areas of ex6 • PCPC WITNESS

pertise and funds to support specific projects. An answer to prayer came through a remarkable donation from Wal-Mart. Every needed supply— from Windex to paint—was graciously given. And in an overwhelming display of God’s provision, Wal-Mart donated lunch to feed 800 people. In every way, the Lord provided more than enough—incredible evidence of grace. The big, cold, windy day Saturday morning started early. A temperature drop and forceful winds blew through Dallas, leaving some of us to question how many people actually might show up. And then, slowly but surely, the group started flowing in. Evidence of God’s grace on this day of service is this: over 500 volunteers came, bundled up and excited to serve. It was truly beautiful to behold the West Dallas Community Church gym full of families and

The group was divided into seven teams. Adults and children spanning all ages served at West Dallas Community School, Mercy Street, Pinkston High School, Voice of Hope, Bill Harrod Memorial Baptist Church, Exodus Ministry, and Interfaith Housing Coalition. Students painted a fence, families cleaned school buses, Bible study groups painted classrooms, and gardeners gave new life to flower beds. And most importantly, prayer warriors took to the streets for prayer walking. I noticed a striking wave of God’s grace throughout the community. New life was abounding in fresh paint and vibrant flowers. PCPC volunteers were sharing lunch and projects with local residents. Within hours, there had been transformation. By His grace, change was seen not only in the landscapes, but in lives. Aware of God’s great grace Reflecting back on Beyond Ourselves 2009, there is unmistakable evidence of grace at every turn. It was a day when hundreds of people were called to serve the Lord’s Kingdom in the city of Dallas. C.J. Mahaney eloquently spoke of calling in his book Humility: MAY 2009

Even as our national jobless rate rises, millions of women in the U.S. already understand how it feels to be fired. That’s how many of them describe the emotions of being empty nesters. Their childraising days are over—now what? On April 17, speakers Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates, authors of Barbara & Susan’s Guide to the Empty Nest, encouraged the women filling Fellowship Hall from several churches to be FAT—faithful, available, and teachable. They discussed four common questions that usually arise during this time of complex transition:

Am I the only one who feels this way? No! But loneliness, sad-

ness, fear, and confusion should be confronted with time in God’s Word (which lasts forever), prayer (to hear the Lord’s leading), and purposeful and persistent reaching out to establish new and deepening relationships with friends. They advised their listeners to be the kind of women who think “there you are” as they enter a room instead of “here I am!”

What is happening to my relationships? They need redefining now. Expecting a husband to meet

The empty nest challenge one’s emotional void is probably not realistic! And the fine line of releasing children but continuing to support and guide them becomes a tight wire indeed. Now is the time to be intentionally building and deepening friendships and developing flexibility and balance in parenting.

Who have I become? Maybe

empty nesters must decide what they don’t want to become—gripers, whiners, and sluggish TV watchers. Instead, commitments to the best possible mental and physical health will allow them to maximize the time and gifts God has given them to extend His Kingdom. Recognizing that transition, not stability, is the norm of 21st-century life and learning to adjust one’s expectations can be invaluable. It’s a great time to reevaluate by taking a break from busyness and pondering who they are now, what interests them, and the issues they have avoided in their childraising busyness. Reflecting on what they are most thankful for reminds them that the good God of their past is the same good God of their future.

What’s my new purpose? This ma-

jor transition period is the best time ever to reflect on one’s relationship with Christ and to grow in listening skills through His Word, prayer, and His people. Believers are created in Christ Jesus for good works, and now is the time to become world changers. “There are 40 million baby-boomer women alive today who could become a formidable army in the Kingdom of God.” said Susan. What are you passions? Gifts? Resources? Listen to God’s Spirit, then go change the world! —Terri Speicher

Barbara Rainey and Susan Yates

The call of God in the lives of believers means that God has been at work in them, and the evidences of grace reveal that He is at work in the present. And we will motivate others by grace when we perceive where and how He is at work in their lives and humbly let them know. They need to know because so often they’re unaware. Too many Christians are more readily aware of the absence of God than they are of the presence of God, and they are more aware of sin than they are of grace. God is at work. We motivate others by grace when we help them to see this, and one of the greatest joys we can experience is when we watch them come to that awareness.

MAY 2009

Are you aware that God is at work? There is evidence of grace to prove it! This is an exciting time in the history of our country and our church. More than ever, we need to be aware of the grace that covers over a multitude of our sins. Many of us saw some of the numerous ways that the Lord was working on February 28, and going forward, we have an opportunity together to learn to see through the lenses of grace. Beyond Ourselves was a spectacular display of the Lord’s glory seen in the willing hands of our church and evidenced by His glorious grace. —Ann Higginbottom

PCPC WITNESS • 7

Praying and working for the peace of the city Celebrating PCPC’s first Urban Missions Conference...and the aftermath

At our inaugural Urban Missions Conference held January 23-25, one feature stood out more than anything else—PCPC has a strong desire to change the world! Our theme was taken from Jeremiah 29:7, which expresses our vision and mission for the Lord to transform Dallas. Words cannot describe the hard work and enthusiasm that contributed to the overall success of that conference. God was most glorified that week! The entire leadership and body of PCPC expressed their common desire to worship God together with our ministry partners throughout the Metroplex. A taste of that was the Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church Mass Choir participating in our evening service.

Our keynote speaker, Pastor Randy Nabors of New City Fellowship fame, as well as our ministry partners, were more than delighted to witness our people’s strong thirst for knowing and living out God’s Word. Our seminars were conducted by some of the foremost authorities in the workplace, cross-cultural, and mercy ministries. Mo Leverett, Josh Geiger, Elliott Greene, June Groom (a former prison warden), and our own Bill Peel, Mary Flo Ridley, and Skip Ryan conducted informative and challenging seminars that were attended by a surprising crowd of members and visitors. Both our Urban Ministries and conference committees led more than 300 of our members and staff in serving during that historic weekend. We thank God for all of those who planned and produced such a Godhonoring time of worship, work, Top, Randy Nabors, our keynote speaker in January Above, Mark Davis and Vincent Parker visiting together at the supper following worship at Golden Gate in April Left, (l to r) Margie Norris; Dennis, Avery, and Lisa Roossien enjoying dinner together under the big tent Below, bus riders awaiting their tour of ministry partners around the city

88 •• PCPC PCPCWITNESS WITNESS

and witness of the transforming presence of Almighty God in our midst. We are very grateful for all of you who prayed for us throughout the planning and execution of this conference and those who worked so faithfully in so many different tasks. Always look for what’s next! A few days after the conference, we hosted two bus tours that gave members a firsthand look at our ministry partners. By God’s grace, we were at full capacity each day, and thanks to one of our ministry partners, the second tour group was treated to lunch at its site. Each ministry that we visited expressed the sense of encouragement that PCPC engendered in its commitment to its ministry. And there was still more follow-up from the conference. On April 19, over 350 PCPC members joined the congregation of Golden Gate Missionary Baptist Church at its Sunday evening service for a grand hour of worship together. Golden Gate pastor Vincent Parker and the entire congregation welcomed PCPC visitors with literal open arms, lots of hugs and smiles, rich worship, and fellowship together afterwards at dinner on the grounds. Pastor Parker challenged all the worshippers to grasp how great the grace of God is—He has made us free to love one another in the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. To the glory of God, PCPC continues to demonstrate that it is available to the Lord in His pursuit of transforming Dallas and beyond by extending His Kingdom of grace and truth. —Julian Russell

MAY2009 2009 MAY

DPRC

Project Austin ‘09

This spring break the high school and junior high ministries teamed up for a mission trip to Austin. We spent four days in and around the city helping out a variety of organizations and ministries. The focus of the trip was found in James 1:19-27 as the students were challenged to be doers of God’s Word and not merely hearers. We started our trip by serving lunch and playing with kids in an under-resourced neighborhood through Community New Start, a ministry that focuses on strengthening communities that have been MAY 2009

weakened by poverty and lack of education through programs based on biblical truths. Then we were able to hear about God’s work in a post-prison outreach ministry, Texas Reach Out, and served this ministry by cleaning out their storage area. Other activities and highlights were attending the “Church under the Bridge” service, prayer-walking on the UT campus, serving at Capitol Area Food Bank, and times of worship and teaching. Katie Little, a high school junior, said, “The Austin Trip was an incredible and unique experience in that we got to participate in a variety of service opportunities, and we got to see different areas of the city of Austin instead of one particular place. I also loved working alongside of the middle school and really enjoyed getting to know people who I didn’t know beforehand!”

The students not only loved the city of Austin, but they also loved each other well as age and grade barriers were broken down. God’s Word challenged their hearts as they tangibly saw that “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27). —Amy Westervelt Left, Meredith Scudder (7th grade) plays with a girl at Community New Start. Above, Ellen Case, Ben Leonard, Mitchell Clarke, and Logan Riddick help sort bread products at the Capitol Area Food Bank. PCPC WITNESS • 9

Performing Arts at PCPC offers unique spring series In January, PCPC members Chris

Adkins, cello, and Stephen Nielson, piano, played a magnificent chamber recital in Cambridge Hall. The event was a highly celebrated occasion, being the first solo performance by Chris since his recent return to playing. The two performances allowed for a large group to enjoy the diverse musical pieces offered by these talented artists. Composer/arranger Kurt Kaiser attended the event, as his arrangement of “Simple Gifts” was premiered.

Right: Chris Adkins and Stephen Nielson Below, Michael Card Lower right, (l to r) Rudolph Lucente, Michael Stairs, Colin Howland, and Peter Conte

• PCPC WITNESS 1010 • PCPC WITNESS

Michael Card came to PCPC in February for a concert featuring a journey through the scriptures in song. Michael sang while playing various guitars and piano. On Michael’s cue, the enthusiastic crowd joined in on known Card favorites and familiar hymns. Many came from significant distances to hear the concert, including a man from Mexico who flew in for the occasion. After his conversion, this man had been ministered to greatly by Michael’s music.

A fun night featuring the occasionally serious Philadelphia Organ Quartet took place in March—four organists on four organs, including our own Colin Howland. The diverse program featured many surprises, including music from musicals, films, hymns, opera, and beyond. Three electronic organs, independently operated with all of their systems, speakers, and consoles were played alongside our pipe organ. The Quartet hails from Philly; the foursome served as assistant organists in the late 1980s for the world’s largest organ at the Wanamaker department store (now Macy’s). Group member Peter Conte is the current principal organist of the Wanamaker organ. —J. Marty Cope

MAY MAY 2009 2009

Premarital couples learn about relationships

To become a doctor, you must first attend medical school. To become a teacher, you must receive a degree and complete an internship. To become a Marine, you must finish boot camp. Most occupations require some form of training and education, but the part of our lives that can impact us the most—our relationships—often does not receive the training it needs to be more successful. On March 7, couples gathered together for Boot Camp for Lovers, a seminar in which premarital couples learned more about the wonderful and growth-producing realities of marriage as well as how to experience Christ and model His grace in their relationships. Formerly known as Foundations of Marriage, the day-long seminar trained couples considering marriage to think purposefully about how to do their relationships better. The returning keynote speaker was Dr. John Cox

(see more about Dr. Cox below). To begin the day, Patrick and Christy Lafferty led a talk about sexual intimacy, and then the couples broke into gendered groups for more discussion. Next, Dr. Cox addressed the not-yet-marrieds with a talk entitled Communication and Connection. Couples learned about levels of interaction and what to do when both people want a different level of closeness in the relationship. Next, Dr. Cox addressed conflict resolution and taught couples how to address their problems in a way that

allows both spouses to matter. I then sought to help couples learn practical ways to listen and respond to each other better, especially during times of conflict. Dr. Cox continued with a segment pertaining to needs in marriage and closed with a final discussion about leadership and submission. He encouraged couples to think about how to have a loving marriage with godly roles. We are delighted to have hosted Dr. John Cox again. His humor, experience, and insight engaged listeners and gave them practically helpful tools for creating and maintaining a thriving relationship. —Caty Coffey

Integrating faith and theology with psychotherapy

Those serving in the helping profession often work in isolation. Though counselors often gather for continuing education, seminars usually exclude faith and theology. The Pastoral Counseling Ministry at PCPC desires to collaborate with local mental health professionals to network, fellowship, and provide learning opportunities that will enrich their work with those in need. We want to offer continuing education to counselors that will edify their work as Christians. On March 6, as part of our outreach to area counselors, the ministry hosted a three-hour seminar featuring Dr. John L. Cox, a prominent clinical psychologist from Jackson, Mississippi. Following a luncheon, Dr. Cox presented his lecture entitled “A Practical Application of Object Relations MAY 2009

Theory to Christian Clinical Practice.” Dr. Cox discussed a basic model for the Object Relations developmental theory. In addition, he addressed the integrative aspects of Object Relations theory and discussed how therapy is part of the sanctification process, including ways that different aspects of character development parallel the restoration of the image of God. We are grateful to have hosted Dr. Cox, and the counselors received practical and down-to-earth knowledge that they could apply in their own practices. The model Dr. Cox presented was a refreshing approach to psychotherapy, one that interwove psychology

and theology in a skilled and humble fashion. Dr. Cox is a native of Jackson, where he works as a clinical psychologist, speaker, and columnist. He received his M.A. from Reformed Theological Seminary and a doctorate from the Rosemead School of Psychology in Los Angeles. Dr. Cox’s areas of specialization include individual psychotherapy with adults, marital therapy, and parent consultation and therapy for adolescents and children. He and his family attend First Presbyterian Church where he serves as a deacon. —Caty Coffey PCPC WITNESS • 11

The stewardship of culture

Commodity-driven art

Contemporary art today mostly focuses on self-expression and celebrity-ism so much that it has lost its original purpose. Unfortunately, for art to survive it must be consumed hear Fujimura speak at PCPC. He bewith commercialism. The world’s lack gan by saying “Pay attention to your of generosity has created a commodeyes’ ability to see things. Let your ity-driven world. Fujimura explained eyes see and spend the time to discovthat works of art are gifts, a sacrifice er the rich, glorious realities that God of love by the artist being poured out has created.” into the world. Capitalism is not the probParable lessons lem—it is greed, the deFocusing on the parables sire to own something of Jesus, the theme of this we don’t own. All of us year’s Festival, Fujimura are called to be good said they come alive bestewards of these gifts, cause Jesus is an artist in not owners. Once a gift communicating principles is treated like a comof truth in a beautiful modity, art and artists and expressive way that decline. We must nurspeaks to all of society. ture these gifts without Often Jesus is speaking in Arts Festival committee chairman Bob Rasberry a capitalist expectation Ground Zero conditions; listens intently. as the priority. A gift not to give us a rule book, does not enrich its guardian; instead, but, instead, a creative book of love it gives glory to the Creator. and direction to find the shalom, or “thriving peace” in our lives. Where While completing a landscape in does a shalom prosperity come from? When we actively cultivate our hearts’ Tokyo for his master’s thesis, which he fondly terms his “transformational soil in taking the seed of God’s Word. piece,” Fujimura wrestled with the isFujimura said he began to look at his sue of the soil in his heart. He began to art as grace, which freed him from the see the landscape more clearly and it bonds of art as a commodity. became more detailed. Christ allowed him to see through an encounter of Fujimura referred to Augustine and grace that there was more beyond his Confessions as an example of a man himself. Fujimura said, “When you who decides to reconsider the soil of his heart and discovers the truth of his journey with the Master Artist, Jesus, true love is sacrifice and dying every past that terrifies him. The paradox day so that another can be loved.” As of concurrent terror and burning love he began embracing this life, he began is seen throughout the Bible (think to see the world and his art differently. of Moses and other prophets) when He realized that he, Fujimura, was the they are approaching something or masterpiece on which the Creator was Someone unique and realize they do working. not belong in that place. Fujimura related the account of working on Fujimura charged the artists in the a painting which his profesaudience to: sor said was “so beautiful it 1) Create in love. Continue doing it. was almost terrifying.” FuTap into the generous reality that God jimura, not yet understandis calling you to in the parables. ing God’s beauty, felt that the 2) Extend in love. Unique gifts are givpiece needed to be destroyed en to heal the broken areas of society. and did so. He could not exBe a gift to your neighbors. You will plain a source for such beauty. realize that you are a gift as well. Give Thus began his faith journey away your gift and also yourself (“But that led him to Christ, whom keep some to sell!” Fujimura adds). Fujimura often refers to as the —Lawan Andersen Master Artist.

Local artists challenged to create sacrificially

The PCPC Art Festival’s guest juror for 2009, Makoto Fujimura, author of River Grace and Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art, and Culture, writes thoughtful and powerful essays exploring the creation of redemptive art in our conflicted and distracted culture. These essays challenge the reader to consider a Christian’s place in the art world, the Christian response to good art, and art’s impact on society. (They are available in PCPC’s bookstore.) As an artist working from his studio near Ground Zero, Fujimura was deeply affected by the tragic events of 9/11, but his art continues to speak hope even in darkness and the deeper consideration of life’s meaning. His works splendidly convey how to have an eternal impact on the world through faith displayed in art. Noted artistic critic Robert Kushner wrote, “The idea of forging a new kind of art about hope, healing, redemption, refuge, while maintaining visual sophistication and intellectual integrity is a growing movement, one which finds Fujimura’s work at the vanguard.” On March 31, artists and patrons of the PCPC Arts Festival were invited to

Makoto Fujimura 12 WITNESS 12• •PCPC PCPC WITNESS

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Good news, prayer, and patience

Julia Londis bridges gaps at Cristo Rey

Julia Londis teaches at Hodges Elementary School in Mesquite. Three years ago, she went on a PCPC mission trip to the Philippines. While there, a friend asked her to pray about helping with the youth back in the states at Cristo Rey Presbyterian Church, a bilingual, predominantly Hispanic congregation in North Dallas planted by the Southwest Church Planting Network. After spending some time praying, she said yes.

and that they would desire for their lives to be about Christ now, no matter what they choose for their lives after high school... When they are discouraged or their hearts are broken and they can’t stop crying or are just so angry, I pray that they would cling so tightly to our Savior who offers hope, and trust Him that He is molding them to be more like Him. And as I pray, I cannot help but realize how I so desperately need Him in these same very same ways.

Of the 120+ people who attend Cristo Rey, more than 40 are children, and Julia pours her heart and time into the small group of high school girls, meeting, texting, going on retreats, and just hanging out. “I see a craving in them to surrender their lives to God. They hunger for their lives to be different. Some are in the midst of saying, ‘Yes, Lord, I want my life to honor you.’ Some are on the cusp of saying that, and some, I have no idea,” she says.

“I always tell people that Cristo Rey is like my family, and I feel real community there with people who care about me and who I care about, encouraging each other in Christ. The longer I am there the more I treasure the relationships... I love that it’s small, my pastor knows me, and there are diverse people from different cultures and walks of life.”

Julia doesn’t speak Spanish, but all the girls speak English. Some come from wealthy Anglo and Hispanic families while others are from less affluent, immigrant families from Mexico and other non-Latin countries. Some will be the first in their families to go to college, but others may not go. Acceptance letters range from Yale to community college, if they get in. “Really, we all struggle and go through the same things, sins, and heart issues our whole lives,” Julia says. The American cultural influences are the same we see all over— alcohol, sex, lust, success. I think they overall question how Jesus and His Word affects their lives... I try to do my best to be real and not spiritualize answers but share how God is bringing me through the journey he has me on.”

Along with teaching, Julia is studying biblical counseling at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas and looks forward to whatever the direction the Lord takes her next. “I get so encouraged when I feel God has shown me what to share either in Bible study or just in conversation and to see how it affects them in that very moment and in the days to follow... Of course, I get frustrated and disappointed when I’ve been encouraging them one way and they still choose the other, but I’m humbled when I realize that I do this very thing with God and also with friends, and He renews my compassion by having me remember over and over His amazing grace.” —Shannon Geiger Julia (right) with high school friends at Cristo Rey

Some have parents who have recently accepted Christ, and the family’s notion of encouraging kids to attend Bible study and youth events is unfamiliar. Others have to help their family cleaning businesses or work other jobs to make ends meet. Julia freely admits she doesn’t know the right or best thing to say or how to lead them. The work can be challenging and isolating; the church is small, without a singles’ or college group to pull people in to help. Julia says, “I pray that the girls would earnestly desire to know God,

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The storytelling lesson A testimony from a Christian worker in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, where PCPC began a World 50 Project last year.

Above left, Indonesian workers on the front lines

Above, a Christian worker developing a relationship with a Muslim woman Our team has been learning about the storytelling method—how to share stories from the Bible with our acquaintances and contacts, setting it in their culture context. We practice it anytime we meet people, but it has Before I left, this dear widow invited me to visit her again. become a blessing for me. It helps me memorize the stories She told me that she is interested in listening to other in the Bible verse by verse and tell them to others.We were religious stories like the one I had just told her. I promised learning about the widow’s oil in the jar when God led me myself to tell her about the stories in the Bible chronologito meet three widows. cally at our next meeting.

Twice widowed I met the first woman after my husband and I had just finished a prayer walk around a village we were visiting. While my husband was talking to a friend, I went to his neighbor’s house. It was very simple. She welcomed me nicely and treated me like an old friend. Without any hesitation, she shared her life journey. Her first husband died many years ago. Then, two years after she got married again, her second husband also died. Now 68 years old, she had to raise her children alone, earning her living by farming. “You are a wonderful woman. You can raise your children alone without your husband. Nevertheless, God never leaves His people alone. Moreover, He really cares for a widow. Allah really cares for people like you.” I said to her, trying to encourage her. “There is a story in the Torah about how God cares for a widow,” I continued. She gave positive response, so I started to tell her the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. While I was telling her the story, I also asked her some questions to try to maintain a dialogue. One of my questions was: “Why did the oil in the jar never run out, even though the widow was using it day by day by day for a long time?” She answered that it was part of God’s wisdom and not to be afraid of life because Allah (God) cares for us very much. MAY 2009

Meeting at the town square The next day, when my husband, our little girl, and I were in the town square, two women in their early thirties came to sit next to us. Both of them were widows. We began telling them about stories from the prophets. One of the women gave a good response directly. She was already quite knowledgeable about the prophets’ stories. She does not have a permanent place to live, but she thanks God that she does not have any serious illnesses. She frequently has to fast because she cannot afford to buy any food. Seeing the opportunity before us, my husband took care of our little girl so I could talk to these two women without any disturbance. A young woman also came and sat next to us, listening carefully to the encouraging words I was telling them. Again, I told them about the widow’s oil. Natalie said that in her religion’s holy book it is written about the story of Elijah and Isa Almasih (Jesus). Listening to the Isa’s name being mentioned, my husband gave me a sign to stop our conversation and suggested that I prepare the story of Isa Almasih for the next day. I promised to continue the story when I visited them next time. They gave me their addresses enthusiastically, hoping that I would fulfill my promise to visit them and finish my story. I thank God so much for these three widows and the young woman, because they are all precious in the sight of God. PCPC WITNESS • 14

A new partnership for MTW and PCPC in India India has a population of over 1.1 billion, which is expected to exceed that of China by the year 2025, yet it is only about one-third the size of China! It is 80% Hindu, 13% Muslim, and 1-2% evangelical; and persecution against Christians is on the rise.

In January 2009, Mission to the World (MTW), the sending agency of the PCA, held a preliminary meeting with several key churches to discuss a new partnership for planting churches and helping with theological education. This partnership would consist of a group of churches and organizations that would join together to focus the work they are doing to reach India and Sri Lanka. Six churches, including PCPC, and two mission agencies have officially joined the India/Sri Lanka Partnership. Actually, PCPC had already begun one of its World 50 church-planting projects in South India in 2007. Our national partner, Paul Billy Arnold, will be the key national leader in the new partnership. Thus, the scope of PCPC’s project

Cartee Bales, MTW missionary and former missions pastor of Kirk of the Hills PC in St. Louis, is the director of this work and writes an update on new churches being planted in India right now. There is a lot going on already! Cartee writes, “We’ve talked much about seminar training [for pastors in India]. What is the end result of all of this teaching? We’re about to find out. Right now there are introductory seminars being conducted in three different locations (two in Chennai area of Tamil Nadu State and one in Bidar, Karnataka). Each location has been having 35-50 pastors attend. All three of these locations expect to complete the seminar series by the end of the summer. “During the next couple of months there will be an invitation for those pastors that have attended the seminars to consider joining with us in establishing churches. Those wanting to join will be given special tutoring followed by examinations. And those that pass the exams will be formed into new presbyteries of either the Presbyterian Church in South India or the Presbyterian Church in India-Reformed. “We expect each of those new presbyteries to be developed with about 15 new pastors and church planting works. This will add another 40-50 church planting works to the growing network.“

Above, A worship leader singing for pastors and wives Right, PCPC’s Curt Dobbs, David Franklin, and Mark McQuilkin during their trip to meet with key church leaders

will actually grow to include many more church plants. PCPC is also part of the partnership’s Executive Committee and will be working to help set the vision and strategic nature of the new work. Curt Dobbs, PCPC’s Director of Missions and Church Planting, David Franklin, Elder and Chair of the World Missions Team (WMT), and Mark McQuilkin, the WMT’s Liaison to India, have travelled to India and met with key Indian and U.S. leaders to strategize this major effort. The need is overwhelming. MAY 2009

Potentially, hundreds of churches will be started through this aggressive, new partnership, all with trained Indian pastors and all supported by PCPC and other churches through theological teaching, mentoring, short-term trips (in some locations), and financial assistance. Please boldly pray for the explosive growth of God’s Kingdom in this key part of the world! —Mark McQuilkin PCPC WITNESS • 15

RUF at SMU

One of the great privileges I enjoy in working with college students at SMU is introducing some of them to the gospel for the first time. In doing so, I am reminded of what Paul writes in Colossians 4:6, regarding the Church’s interaction with outsiders: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

counter-intuitive Kingdom-building of abandoning the typical college experience. As a sophomore, some of my Christian friends brought me to RUF. I had no idea then that this invitation would deeply change the course of my life. I went to RUF fairly regularly my sophomore year and met with Chad for lunch, but I was still extremely reluctant to become a Christian. That year, Russ Whitfield began volunteer-

on my heart. Finally, I met with Chad and began to really question my faith. From these discussions, a few days later, I gave my life to Christ. Since then, my life has been harder than ever. My family does not support me, suggesting that I am merely going through a phase. I had to end a long-term relationship with a girl I was dating, and the Lord has been humbling me like a little

Left, (l to r) Kacie Jaksa, Katie Wilmes, Erin Campbell, Courtney Guenard at the back-to-school cookout Right, Hampton Gray, Dawson Shamblin, Chad Scruggs, Stewart Swain, and David Fish at Summer Conference last summer

Knowing how to answer each person involves actually getting to know people as individuals instead of lecturing to generic masses from a distance. It involves listening and caring deeply about what others have to say. And it is the kind of slow, patient, deliberate work for which I often feel extremely ill-suited. I want immediate results, mass production, and effortless conversions. But the Lord, in His grace, sends me students like Stewart as a reminder that the pattern of gospel ministry is almost always contrary to my unsanctified Kingdom-building instincts. Here is Stewart’s story: When I first came to college, I had never heard of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I grew up in a home environment that placed a premium on morality and religious moderation, but it was not until I came to SMU that the gospel was clarified for me. Initially, I didn’t want to give my life to Christ because I neither recognized my need nor was I willing to entertain the idea

ing with RUF. I hit it off with Russ right away and finally began asking the questions that really held me back from committing myself to Christ. Then I attended RUF Summer Conference in May of 2008—and wanted to leave immediately—but the Lord was working

MAY 2009 • Vol. XX, No. 2 Park Cities Presbyterian Church 4124 Oak Lawn Dallas, Texas 75219 www.pcpc.org

sheep. Is it worth it? I would not for a moment change what Christ is doing in me. I owe a great debt to RUF for pointing me to Him, and continue to be renewed by the gospel through this ministry. —Chad Scruggs

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