Working with the Worldwide Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Outreach Foundation of the PCUSA, Russian Ministries and other Christian mission organizations, the International Missions Committee assists the members of First Presbyterian Church in fulfilling our obligation to obey the Great Commission

RUSSIAN SISTER CHURCH

In 1991, First Presbyterian Church became the first congregation in the Presbyterian Church USA to establish a Sister Church relationship with a congregation in the former Soviet Union, the Saltykovka Evangelical Christian Baptist Church. With help from First Presbyterian Church, Outreach Foundation of PCUSA, and churches from other denominations, a very functional Christian Education building was constructed. Opened in 1992, this building is being utilized daily as a center for Christian evangelism, education and mission. First Presbyterian Church continues to provide financial support for physical and program needs as well as many outreach programs (youth camps, prison ministry, orphaned children, military ministry).

Our sister church has now opened the Saltykovka Christian Medical Clinic in a facility on the church property. The clinic provides healthcare to the community of Saltykovka and nearby villages for needy people who cannot afford medical and dental services. The clinic also hosts Christian medical teams from other countries.

Additional information available at the International Missions display in the hallway next to the elevator at FPC. More information on the sister church program on Outreach Foundation's web site can be found at  www.outreachfoundation.com.

MISSIONARY SUPPORT

First Presbyterian Church also joins in covenant support for families in the mission field who are working through the Global Missions Division of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Currently, we support financially and correspond with the following mission co-workers:

Don and Laurie Marsden are serving in Moscow, Russia. Donald works with the Narnia Educational Center which develops and publishes Christian literature for children and youth ministry as well as workbooks for the development of Sunday School teachers and youth leaders. Laurie is involved with OPORA, which is a Christian teaching ministry to equip leaders in the principles of the 12-step program to free people from alcohol and drug dependence.

George and Gail McBane are serving in Pakistan.  They serve with the Pakistan Christian Outreach Ministries doing outreach to an "un-reached" group of about half a million people that until now has not been fully introduced to the gospel.  They train national mission workers and continuing the ongoing work of translation, recording, and evangelism.

Allan and Ellen Smith are serving in Moscow, Russia and helping to coordinate the "Congregational Twinning" project in Russia and Belarus.  This is a program that pairs American congregations with Russian chruches, patterned after the Clinton First Presbyterian Church/Saltykovka Baptist "sister church" relationship.  Some of the projects include church and Christian Education facility construction, summer camps, and ministry among orphans.

Michael and Rachel Weller are serving in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as missionary specialists with the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Jesus.  Michael is serving on the Administration Board of the Mekane Jesus Church.  He serves also on the Board of the Gidada Bible School helping with funding and planning.  Rachel devotes a significant amount of time to health work as the coordinator of the health department of the church.

PROJECTS FUNDED

Through pledges and gifts received during our Mission Witness Season, many projects on the mission field are supported throughout the year as funds become available. Examples are:

Support Presbyterian Disaster Relief as needs arise throughout the world.

Support mission work in Haiti and the Dominican Republic through our Bethany Church connection.

Support the work of the Outreach Foundation of the PCUSA and utilize its network for the distribution of funds to the mission field.

Provide funds for printing and distribution of Chinese bibles.

Support work of Russian Ministries Church Planter program.

Support the work of Mission India Church Planter program.

Support FPC youth mission trip.

Provide support to Saltikovka Church for both physical needs and program needs.

Continue to be open to provide support to various requests that come to us from the mission field.

We continue to thank God for providing us the means to bring the Gospel and needed assistance to People all over the world.