March 5, 2009
by Bethany Furkin

LOUISVILLE – Gary Payton has traveled as far away as Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland in his work as a mission co-worker. But this fall, his travel will be limited to the States.

That's because Payton, regional liaison for those four countries, will be one of dozens of mission workers within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) participating in the 2009 World Mission Challenge, online at http://www.pcusa.org/missionchallenge/index.htm.

The challenge is a "churchwide blitz," according to an event brochure. From Sept.25-Oct. 18, mission workers will travel from presbytery to presbytery, sharing with other Presbyterians about international mission work and how they can support it. The challenge will end with the World Mission Celebration, an educational and networking event Oct. 21-24 in Cincinnati.

"They are sharing the stories of what God is doing," said Ellen Dozier, missionary in residence in World Mission and the organizer of this year's activities. "A mission worker isn't out there by him or herself."

That idea of community is reflected in this year's emphasis on partnership.

The first Mission Challenge was in 2007. Of the PC(USA)'s 173 presbyteries, 144 were visited by mission personnel. Speakers gave 1,400 presentations in 700 churches and 200 presbytery, school and civic gatherings, reaching 56,000 people.

The reason for such a response probably had a lot to do with curiosity and concern, Dozier said. People had heard that the number of mission workers was decreasing but had not had much contact with them. The challenge connected smaller congregations with mission workers, and by meeting them and learning more about their ministries, people were inspired to support them through prayer and donations.

"It was a moment in which people were interested and they really wanted to make contact with PC(USA) mission workers," Dozier said. "It's really nice to get a card from some women's group in a church saying, ‘We're thinking of you.'"

Although the World Mission Challenge isn't designed as a fundraiser, churches and individuals will learn about the ways mission workers rely on giving and how to contribute both prayerfully and financially.

The emphasis on partnership doesn't apply to just the challenge – it's an essential part of effective mission work, said Pix Mahler, partnership facilitator for Haiti and a participant in the challenge.

"I believe very strongly in partnership," she said, adding that mission works two ways and that all parties should both give and gain.

Mission work isn't about stepping in and pushing for big changes that might not be realistic or even wanted. By understanding the background and context of a local situation as well as the broader culture of a country, mission workers can be in a true partnership with people. Mission is about the heart, but it's also about the head, Mahler said.

"When you do have that information, the heart is warmed and fed and you can be more of a servant," she said. "God gave us a brain, and let's use it."

This idea of having both a heart and a head for mission is one Mahler hopes to get across to the presbyteries she visits. She also will take her own advice and do research about groups' past mission experience before she arrives so that she can tailor her presentation to their interests and experiences.

The opportunity to share with others about international mission work is an honor, Mahler said, adding that she's also excited to meet with other mission workers at a group orientation before they all spread out to presbyteries. Mission work can be an insular experience, and it will be good to hear about others' joys and challenges, she said.

The chance to meet with other mission workers was also valuable to Payton, who participated in Mission Challenge ‘07. Payton said he also appreciated the opportunity to expand Presbyterians' awareness of mission work. He visited many small and medium congregations, and saw in them a real hunger to know more about what the PC(USA) is doing in mission partnership around the world.

Payton plans to put his experience in 2007 to good use this year. While speaking to churches two years ago, he learned the value of storytelling. Although he is used to speaking broadly, the challenge taught him that personal stories are often the best way to communicate.

"When we hear stories of the impact of our mission engagement, it often sticks more," he said, adding that he hopes to reach out to Presbyterians who haven't ever had contact with a mission worker, perhaps inspiring some to take up future mission work themselves.

"It's humbling to be able to share this message and to have the opportunity to enhance the support that has flowed," he said.

Also humbling is the chance to work alongside the church that God has lifted up, Payton said. In his work in post-Communist countries, he has regularly encountered Christians who kept the church alive in the face of extraordinary adversity and persecution; these people have encouraged him in his faith.

Payton said he often thinks of Romans 1:11-12, where Paul is encouraging the young church in Rome: "For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you – or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine."

That idea of mutual encouragement is important to mission work, Payton said.

"This is not just about Presbyterians moving out from North America and being present in the world to do things for others there," he said. "Rather, it is about both sides being transformed through the spiritual journey which is international mission."

So far, more than 70 presbyteries have signed on for the challenge. To learn more about hosting a speaker, presbytery representatives can contact Dozier by e-mail [to ellen.dozier@pcusa.org] or at (888) 728-7228, x5916.

Presbyterian News Service