Glen Avon Presbyterian Church

INTERNATIONAL

PEACEMAKERS

Did you know there are Presbyterian churches in Iraq? Although the number of Iraqi Christians is small, there are active congregations in Basra, Kirkuk, Mosul and Baghdad. Leaders from these churches and others met recently with representatives of American Presbyterians (PC USA) in Damascus, Syria. Because of the situation that all Iraqis face, and the special challenges faced by Iraqi Christians, it has been difficult for these churches to carry out their usual activities. A wave of church bombings and kidnappings has created a rising number of people emigrating to other countries. Please remember to pray for the safety of Christians and Presbyterians in Iraq, as well as Iraqis and those in the U.S. military engaged in the conflict.

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Each year, Presbyterians from around the world are invited to participate in the PCUSA International Peacemaker Program. These people are engaged in peacemaking in their own areas of the world, and asked to visit with Presbyterians in the U.S. to help us understand the peace and justice concerns of their area.

International Peacemaker, Maria Edwarda (Nini) Catanheira, is visiting churches in our presbytery. Ms. Catanheira has just completed her seminary studies, and is preparing for ordination in Portugal.

The Mission Committee sponsored a pot-luck supper on Wednesday, October 8, 2008, to welcome Nini, and hear her speak. If you wish to learn more, please contact one of the members of the Mission Committee: Glen and Evonne Geer, Diane Lehner, Rachel Ostrander, Rick Seybolt, Frank and Jan Simmons or contact the church office (218-724-1604).