A Journey of Faith and Clean Water: GMP's 2025 Mission to Guatemala

From left to right the folks in the picture are Christi Slade (1st Pres of Englewood)  Cory Lack (Covenant Pres), Beth Hewlett (Calvary), Ben Bridge (1st Pres of Englewood).

From March 19-26, 2025, the Guatemala Mission Partnership (GMP)—a collaboration between Calvary, Covenant Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, and St. Andrew—embarked on a transformative journey to Guatemala. However, the moment we landed in Guatemala City, our mission faced an unexpected challenge: nationwide protests had shut down all roads. It seemed our work might be stalled indefinitely. But God had other plans.

Miraculously, within 24 hours, the roads reopened, and we were on our way.

Bringing Hope to Chiquimula’s Hospital

Our first stop was the hospital in Chiquimula, a 250-bed facility with a bustling outpatient clinic. Serving both local Guatemalans and immigrants traveling through Honduras, the hospital is a crucial lifeline for many. We were thrilled to sign a contract to install a Living Waters of the World clean water system, with hopes of completing the project by June.

Penial: Clean Water as a Ministry

Next, we returned to Penial, where we had installed a system in October 2022. After a joyful time of worship and a shared meal, we checked in on their water system—thriving beyond expectations! Their pastor shared how clean water has become a tool for evangelism; when visiting new villages, he brings a garrafón of purified water, telling people that this life-giving resource is a gift from God.

Chukmuk Rural School: Changing Lives, One Child at a Time

Our final stop was Chukmuk Rural School, where we had installed a system in April 2024. With 550 students, access to clean water has been life-changing. Before, the school sent home an average of two children daily due to severe diarrhea. But since their school year began on February 14, 2025, only one child has needed to leave due to illness. Now, they dream of expanding access so that students can bring clean drinking water home to their families.

A Heartfelt Thank You

The GMP is incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from Denver Presbytery and our individual churches. Your generosity and prayers make this life-changing work possible.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, we’d love to hear from you! Visit our website or reach out to one of our partnering churches.

World Mission leader addresses questions regarding shift in global ministry approach

World Mission leader addresses questions regarding shift in global ministry approach  
Reconfiguring the church’s international presence among top priorities 

Rick Jones
Presbyterian News Service 
March 17, 2025 
LOUISVILLE 

Last month, leaders in the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced a reimagining of how it approaches global ministry. The plan includes transitioning World Mission with a new vision that leaders believe will continue to build connections with PC(USA) partners domestically and around the world.  

The Presbyterian News Service recently talked with the Rev. Mienda Uriarte, interim deputy executive director in the IUA, to address some of the questions around the decisions to change this approach to global ministry.  

 The PC(USA)’s approach to World Mission goes back decades. Why make this change now? 

The deep relationships formed through World Mission have been a source of joy, transformation and faithful service. This change in approach is not a reflection of a diminished commitment but an intentional effort to create a sustainable and authentic model for global ministry today and for tomorrow. This means creating a new form of ministry that will strengthen both the ecclesial and programmatic mission functions of the church.  

 The goal is to: 

• Create a more missionally equitable and sustainable approach that honors the agency of global partners. 

• Elevate the leadership of global partners in shaping ministry. 

• Strengthen long-term partnerships through shared ministry models that reflect the evolving needs of the global church. 

 This is also taking place as part of the unification of the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency, agencies that have previously held different roles in global and ecumenical work.  

Another is financial. The reality is, the current model was not financially sustainable. A significant portion of funding for mission co-workers has come from gifts restricted for sending and supporting individuals called to this work. Gifts for those accounts are on average $1 million less than has been budgeted for several years now. Making this change now will allow us to be engaged globally for years to come.  

There are some who argue that this goes against General Assembly actions. Is that accurate? 

The General Assembly’s CR-10 resolution (2024) has been carefully considered during this entire process. The new model retains funding for critical placement of PC(USA) leaders on the ground through the appointment and placement of global ecumenical liaisons, domestically and internationally. The shift also builds upon theological and missiological foundations outlined in Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership (2003) and the Ecumenical Stance of the PC(USA) (2008).   

 How does this change impact World Mission staff? 

These changes will have an impact on all 79 world mission staff members, including some mission co-workers and those who have faithfully supported them. Staff have been informed that their service in its current form will conclude toward the end of March. Some have been offered salary and benefits packages appropriate for their years of service, consistent with our policies. Others have been invited to serve in new roles under this new model of global engagement.  

IUA leadership acknowledges and honors the deep commitment of our mission co-workers as well as the strong relationships that have been forged over the years. We recognize the grief, frustration, and uncertainty that many experience. We are learning from the past while making space for the work of the Holy Spirit to shape our future.  

Who are the individuals who will be impacted by this decision? 

World Mission staff are in a discernment period that will last through the end of March. Out of respect for that process and in compliance with employment laws, we are not disclosing specific names at this time. We recognize that this uncertainty is difficult. Once the discernment period is complete, we will share more information but only with the consent of the individuals involved. In the coming months, we will be holding an event to recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of colleagues who are ending service.  

Will the PC(USA) continue to have an international presence? 

YES!! The PC(USA) remains committed to a global presence in a new way for a new day, which is why the current approach, roles and responsibilities are being reshaped to align with present realities. The goal is to empower global and ecumenical partners while also continuing to equip Presbyterians for meaningful engagement in global ministry. We encourage you to read this “Shifting Patterns of Global Engagement” article for more on how global mission and ecclesial partnership are changing.  

Define what it means to be a Global Ecumenical Liaison. 

Global Ecumenical Liaisons will assist global partners, diaspora communities in the United States, mid councils, congregations, mission networks, national or regional PC(USA) programs, and local organizations. They will facilitate and encourage connections, relationships, and shared work in ministry and mission. 

For those who have financially supported the work of World Mission, where should that support be directed now? 

The PC(USA) remains committed to a global presence, so financial support remains critical moving forward. For years, the current funding model for mission co-workers has been unsustainable due to declining PC(USA) membership and its impact on mission giving, coupled with rising costs. Contributions to Account E132192 will sustain the work of the new global ecumenical liaisons. Mid councils and congregations are encouraged to reach out to their Ministry Engagement Advisor (MEA) for guidance in discerning their continued support for global mission. 

We also encourage supporters to stay engaged in mission partnerships and explore new ways to connect with global ministries.  

What happens to previous gifts given to Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs) designated in support of specific global partners, which have not yet been disbursed? 

The Interim Unified Agency’s commitment to global ecumenical partnerships, as well as the sharing of financial resources, remains the same. Within the new global engagement model, an ECO gift designated in support of a global partner or project will continue to be used in accordance with the ECOs’ designated purpose, our gift acceptance policy, our grant policy and operating procedures.  

 How will the PC(USA) remain grounded in its Reformed and Presbyterian values while engaging globally? 

Our mission remains rooted in our witness to Jesus Christ’s unconditional love and call to justice and our commitment to global partnerships. We continue to uphold our values of peace, racial and gender equity, theological diversity, and care for marginalized communities. The IUA is guided by the statements and policies of the PC(USA) General Assembly and in particular, the theological and missiological foundations outlined in Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership (2003) and the Ecumenical Stance of the PC(USA) (2008).       

 This is a big change. We invite you to join us as we begin to live into this new opportunity this spring and summer. 

Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram was suspended by Meta without explanation.

Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram was suspended by Meta without explanation. Learn what happened and where to find us now.

by Teri McDowell Ott
Published: March 5, 2025 |Updated: March 6, 2025

Dear readers,

The Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram account was recently and permanently suspended by Meta for allegedly violating community standards. We were not informed which standard we violated — even after requesting clarification. Our appeal was reviewed and denied within 10 minutes, leaving us with no recourse. Our account, along with all the unique content we created for it, is gone.

This happened on February 19, as our social media producer was uploading content from our recent issue on civil rights. While Meta has not explained, this timing is the only connection we can draw between our content and the suspension. We are left to assume that our account was reported by one or several individuals and that Meta’s institutional shift away from fact-checking laid the groundwork for our ban.

We want our followers to know why you can no longer find us on Instagram. We considered starting over with a new account, but there’s no guarantee this won’t happen again. More importantly, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to publishing content that values the diversity of God’s creation, the equity of God’s justice, and the inclusion of Christ’s welcome.

This suspension is more than frustrating — it has tangible consequences. Social media is a key way we share our digital content. We’ve invested staff time and financial resources into boosting our content through Meta’s platforms to expand our reach and make Presbyterianism more digitally discoverable. While we will continue using Facebook, we are also shifting our focus to platforms like Bluesky and its new Instagram alternative, Flashes.

If you haven’t yet, we invite you to follow us on Bluesky: @presoutlook.bsky.social. Bluesky’s decentralized model puts users and communities first, with a dedicated human moderation team that reviews flagged content and responds to appeals. Meta’s centralized model prioritizes business interests through ad-driven algorithms, leaving users with little say over the content they see and little recourse to appeal flagged content. Also, Bluesky empowers creators to take their content with them if they choose to leave.

As the only independent, multimedia publisher serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we have recently enjoyed remarkable growth by embracing digital strategy and media expertise. This growth has allowed us to sustain our print magazine despite the rising costs of publication. We are grateful for your support — whether as readers, subscribers, or donors — which enables us to navigate challenges like this and continue our mission in service to Christ’s church.

Thank you for standing with us.

Gratefully,

Teri McDowell Ott

Where to find the latest Presbyterian Outlook content:

• Print magazine (11 issues a year)

• Website (pres-outlook.org includes all print magazine content plus additional articles)

• Email newsletters (stay up to date on all new content with our free email newsletters)

• BlueSky @presoutlook.bsky.social

• Flashes (@presoutlook) 

• Facebook (presbyterian.outlook)

Update: We received news early on March 6 that our Instagram account was restored. We believe our editorial — and, more importantly, the support of our readers and friends — precipitated an internal review that resulted in our account being reinstated.

Now the question becomes: Do we return to Instagram? Read our full thoughts here. 

The Stated Clerk and Executive Director wants Presbyterians to know about recent efforts to make civil society less disruptive

Dear Siblings in Christ of the PC(USA), 

The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk and Executive Director PCUSA

In recent days, we have seen the disruption of so many norms in our life together as a civil society within the U.S. Among those disruptions are the negation of those places we have thought of as protected spaces, those “sensitive locations,” where children can learn and play and people have their needs met, including needs for food and shelter, and where all can worship God and practice their faith and find community. Many of you have been wondering whether the denomination is doing anything.

 The denomination is doing something. Each time you, your committees, your faith communities and congregation, and mid councils do something, the denomination is showing up with and for those who are at risk of harm. And also, the Interim Unified Agency, as an agency of the General Assembly, is working in a variety of ways both domestically and globally. 

The Office of Public Witness (OPW) has sent out several Action Alerts asking Presbyterians to engage with the administration and members of Congress in accordance with our policy. Sign-on letters with coalition partners are being sent out, quite literally, on a daily basis as well as strategic planning meetings. OPW’s advocacy guide, Holy Discontentment, is being updated and will soon be available in a digital format. A monthly advocacy conversation will begin in February for an opportunity to gather, share, and learn ways we can promote the justice of Jesus as a part of the body of Christ.

The Office of Immigration Issues (OII) is responding to this situation in a way that considers the sensitive information we are receiving and the fear of those reaching out. We are conferring with individuals, worshiping communities, and mid councils as they imagine ministry through this new lens. OII continues to direct people to the Family Care Plan page of our website so that communities can come together in support of one another and create plans for the worst-case scenarios. Invitations to Know Your Rights training events for individuals at risk and religious communities are being shared through Facebook. The office is engaging in conversations with community partners about what a sanctuary response looks like in these times. We continue to engage in efforts and events with our ecumenical and interfaith partners. 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is in contact with communities that have been hit with recent ICE raids and continues to be involved in multiple initiatives that contribute to offering a safe and stable environment for refugees and asylum seekers, including funding the development of temporary housing and providing direct assistance for food, rent support, and legal services. In Chicago, PDA supported a coalition of faith communities that housed, on church property, migrants who have disabilities, are LGBTQIA+, or have other reasons why a shelter setting would be difficult for them. PDA is also investing in sustainable infrastructure projects that directly impact migrant communities both domestically and globally, and is collaborating with local Presbyterian churches to mobilize congregations, raise awareness, and provide direct assistance and trauma-informed pastoral care for migrants, who face more legal and logistical barriers than ever before due in part to government support of anti-immigrant legislation and executive actions. The work of PDA is done in partnership with mid councils and congregations and Presbyterians around the country are helping to fund this work.

In addition to these efforts, we are prayerfully and carefully exploring a variety of options that will help us live into the many policies and statements of the General Assembly. These policies and statements that are relevant to what is happening in our country at this time are guiding the ministry of staff as we work with partners and other collaborators in seeking avenues of action that range from statements all the way to legal strategies, up to and including initiating legal action. These efforts continue as new information is received and considered. While we do so, we are working to ensure the protection of all partners involved, but most importantly those who are most vulnerable to harm in this time.

For all those whose ministries, including worship and communal life, are being impacted by these policies and procedures that no longer recognize sensitive and sacred locations, I pray that you will know God’s deep and abiding presence with you and the presence of your denomination, your faith community with you. May God bless you and keep you. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.... (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

In faith and perseverance, 

Rev. Jihyun Oh
Stated Clerk and Executive Director
Interim Unified Agency
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)