MISSION TRIP UPDATE FROM CRIS GILLESPIE: 

​It was a great week in Chiquimula, Guatemala (I’m writing this on my return flight- June 24)!  We delivered bags of food and toys to 46 families in five villages.  Although many of the families we visited were unchurched, we were well received.  One of the benefits of praying with each family was that seven individuals committed their lives to Christ.  This wouldn’t have been possible without the gifts and prayers from First Presbyterian.  Gracias and thank you!  Let this be the beginning of something great at our church.  My hope is that others will consider going with me next year, whether it be Guatemala, Cuba or Peru. 

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PATH (Presbyterian's Answer to Hunger) is a partnership program of Christian faith and compassion demonstrated through prayers, understanding, and gifts.

PATH 5 Cents a Meal Program:  Formed in 1982 by Rev. John Jackson in a small first step to battle hunger and poverty.  Congregations invite every member of all ages to contribute a few cents at every meal.  This simple act is an expression of thanks for what we have received and a commitment to share with others. Partners have been local, national, and throughout the world. The first national partner was the Haitian Gardens of Miami,  and the first international partner was the Chipembi Farm College in Zambia, Africa,  

PATH Partners include:

AIR (Alliance for International Reforestation, Inc.):  a nonprofit organization working to make a difference for the people of Guatemala and Nicaragua.  AIR plants trees, establishes tree nurseries, provides environmental education for teachers and farmers, digs wells, builds fuel efficient brick ovens, an d helps educate everyone about the environmental challenges facing Central America.  Website:  airguatemala.org

Dr. Daniel Turk (Elizabeth)-Madagascar (PC(USA) Mission Workers): This project trains Seminary students to plant and grow fruit trees and vegetables as a valuable tool for when they graduate and pastor churches in rural areas of Madagscar, whre food is not seen as a hobby or past time, but as an important means of survival and self sustenance. 
Website:  presbyterianmission.org.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida is a private, non-profit organization that collects and distributes donated food to more than 550 non-profit partner agencies in six Central Florida counties.  Website:  foodbankcentralflorida.org 

Society of Saint Andrew (SoSA) is a private national non-profit that partners with local farmers and coordinates thousands of volunteers to enter the fields and groves and even back yards of private home owners to glean fresh fruits and vegetables to distribute to food banks, pantries, and shelters.  Website:  endhunger.org

OTHER MISSIONS AND MISSIONARIES WE SUPPORT:

 The Steury Family:  Nate and Elinda Steury were both born and raised as Missionary kids in Africa.  Elinda was born in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Nate in Kenya.  They are now at the Kafakumba Training Center, check it out in the videos below.  Website:  www.kafakumba.org

Click the videos below for an interview with missionaries, Michael and Rachel Weller

​Additional Mission Links:
www.timandlyn.weebly.com 
 www.makewaypartners.org 
www.presbyterianmission.org