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Illubabor Bethel Synod Elects New
OfficersOur partners in mission in Ethiopia, the Illubabor Bethel Synod, called forth new leaders during its recent Convention held February 18-21, 2010, in Metu, Ethiopia.
Qes (Rev) Tariku Tolessa was elected to serve as President of the Synod of some 350,000 members. Qes Tariku visited Shenandoah Presbytery in October and November and spoke at the November 2009 meeting of Shenandoah Presbytery held at Tinkling Spring Church in Fishersville.
Also elected are Qes Bizuayehu Dullo as IBS VIce President, and Ato (Mr.) Tilahun Semu as IBS Treasurer. The Synod also ordained some 39 new pastors to join with the 235 current pastors to help lead the over 372 congregations throughout the Synod.
In November 2009, Shenandoah celebrated the 20 year anniversary of the establishment of their Partnership with the Illubabor Bethel Synod. Guests attending the celebration from Ethiopia included Qes Tariku along with then President Qes Yadetta Kirita and Qes Mersha Seyoum, a former President of the Synod.
In his letter dated February 1st, Hunter Farrell, Director of PCUSA World Mission writes, "It is my great pleasure to thank you immensely for your recent gift of $11,000 to Presbyterian World Mission. This was a vital gift to us, both for its impact on reaching our goal to increase the number of mission co-workers that we send to our partner churches, and for the example that it provides to other presbyteries around the denomination."
Farrell refers to the first installment of Shenandoah's pledge to raise $2 a person from every member of presbytery to help send additional mission co-workers out in 2009-2010. This support has helped reverse the 50 year decline in the number of mission workers, gathered more than 700 mission-hearted people for Mission Celebration in Cincinnati, and helped reactivate the Presbytery Mission Advocates Network who are interpreting the church's mission across the country.
"We are grateful for your continued support, and for your enthusiasm for PC(USA) World Mission!" writes Farrell.
It seems a daunting task to anyone who looks the situation in Haiti full in the face. How can we help? Will there ever be a time when we can feel the task is accomplished?
These and hundreds of other questions must beg an answer everyday for the thousands of people providing humanitarian aid to the hurting people of Haiti. And there may be no answers, much less easy answers.
What does offer solace to those putting themselves out there with arms of comfort open wide is that everything you do can make a difference. It's all good.
Food for the long term
An emergency effort to raise money for Haitian farmers to buy seeds is under way now through the Presbyterian Church (USA) Hunger Program. Corn and beans are planted typically in March when the spring rains begin.
PHP will release monies to FONDAMA ,
a national coalition of peasant farmers and rural organizations. The group is partnered with several U.S. congregations and individuals through PHP’s Joining Hands program, which advocates on issues determined by the farmers themselves. With the influx of displaced people to Haiti’s countryside, local food systems will be taxed to feed the increasing numbers of people who are leaving cities demolished by the January earthquake.
Presbyterians are being urged to help our partners as much as possible.
Donations may be made online at www.pcusa.org/give and then type H000014 in the slot requesting a project number.