A Worthy Mission Project

I BELIEVE that stewardship and Missions is at the heart of a Christian life and of the Church. I suppose that's why a few months ago I made a public commitment to be a channel through which God could raise $ 100,000.00 for a special missions project in Cali, Colombia South America. I have been blessed with the "Gift of Giving", but I have never been, what one would call, a "fund raiser". I Never liked to do it or felt comfortable doing it throughout my some 50 years of pastoral ministry. Then, why did I make such an ambitious commitment, especially when my health conditions have severely limited my activities? The answer is fairly simple. First, I want to continue to be productive and glorify God as I come to the end of my journey on Earth. Secondly, I felt called by God to do it. And, thirdly, I have always believed God would enable us to do anything He calls us to do.

The Project is, "Hogar Samaria" (Samaria Home), a multi-use senior citizens retirement / nursing home. It is a project of Cauca Valley Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Three mission work groups from the states, led by John Lovelace and Sam Suddarth, have traveled to Cali to provide a lot of encouragement and help on this project. Local construction is currently going on but, lack of funds make it slow going. My call is to give to it, and promote awareness of this work, encouraging others to help me in raising the $ 100,000.00.

Boyce and Beth Wallace, Cumberland Presbyterian missionaries in Colombia for 42 years are giving leadership to this work through their Presbytery. My involvement in this project first came through their sharing the need with a group of their friends in April of 2005. I am seeking inquires from individuals who may be led to give to this project and, invitations to churches or church organizations to share the story and an appeal for donations. Tax exempt donations may be made through Shepherd's Rest Ministry, 605 Lake Scene Dr. Eddyville, KY 42038. I may be contacted at that address. E-mail inquiries may be made concerning this project to mailto:shepherdsrest@earthlink.net The web-site for this ministry may be reached at http://shepherdsrestministry.org All donations to this project go 100% to the work with no administrative expenses being deducted. As donations accumulate, they will be periodically sent to the Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Missions in Memphis, along with a full report of sources, to be forwarded to Cauca Valley Presbytery. Feel led to help? I welcome you, and/ or your church to share in this miracle.