9 September 2007
El Frijolillo, Chalchicuautla, San Luís Potosí, México.

Yahui, nohuampoxome huan noicnihua! Greetings, Friends and Brothers and Sisters!

Susie Frerichs has been a PC(USA) missionary for 13 years.

As most of you are aware, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been going through a crisis, organizationally, financially, and theologically. Over the years many have inquired about my perspective. On the eve of the denomination’s “Mission Challenge ’07”and as an employee and international representative of the PC(USA) I wish to take this time to share briefly “Why I serve in mission with the PCUSA.”

I serve in mission with the PC(USA) because God called me to ministry in Mexico and placed me the Presbyterian Church. For all intents and purposes I grew up in the PC(USA) and as I have grown in Christ and served the denomination and its partner, the National Presbyterian Church of Mexico (INPM), the Lord has only continued to confirm and refine his purposes for me within the Presbyterian branch of the Christian family.

Over the years I have considered other ways of serving the church in Latin America, but instead of leading me elsewhere God has strengthened my commitment to the church as the visible body of Christ on earth. Nonprofits and parachurch organizations have their place in announcing the Kingdom, but I believe it to be the role of every local congregation to be the body of Christ for its community, thus my commitment to the institutional church, that it might truly be what it has been called to be.

After 13 years of service within the PC(USA) and INPM, I feel a part of a family. I am hesitant to divorce myself from it. Due to the evangelical church’s small size in Mexico, this sense of community within the institutional church is particularly notable. And frankly, I have grown to love this family, warts and all, and my commitment is to encourage and exhort my family until we all “attain to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).

My experience and studies in missiology have only reinforced my commitment to the PC(USA)’s policy of doing mission in partnership. As a missionary, though I am supported by the U.S. church, I minister directly under the authority of the church or organization to which we are “on loan.” This keeps us accountable to the people we serve (based on their priorities, culture, etc.) and it affirms the self-governance of the church abroad.

In the face of many challenges, the PC(USA) has tried to maintain a commitment to keeping full-time personnel in the field and keeping them fully funded. Most mission agencies and even some denominations have moved to self-support models to fund missionaries. Others are trying to do more with short-term, uncompensated personnel. I appreciate the PC(USA)’s balanced approach, which embraces the gifts of short-termers but recognizes the need for those willing and able to commit significant portions of their lives to minister within another culture and serve as liaisons for our partnerships around the world. With enough funding, the denomination is able to “guarantee” our support, freeing us to live and minister without major financial concerns, but keep us accountable to our home church and in relationship to her by asking us to do as much fundraising as we are able.

I am grateful for the adequate support I receive from the PC(USA). My salary, though it would be considered low for a professional living and working in the United States, is enough to support my needs, cover my ministry expenses, and even save for the future. My health benefits seem to be better than most. And I have received some financial support for my advanced studies in missiology, even being granted a full year (2002-2003) of study leave with pay to complete the bulk of my coursework at Fuller Theological Seminary!

These are just a few of the many reasons I serve in mission with the PC(USA). Thank you to each of you, Presbyterian or not, who have demonstrated your commitment to me and to the people of Mexico through your prayers, your love, and your financial contributions.

I would also like to share my enthusiasm for what God is doing in our denomination. God has heard the prayers of his people. He has led top leaders to make tough decisions. He has restructured the denomination and placed some excellent people in new positions. New organizations within the denomination are challenging us to wake up and get to work. I believe God is working on a major renewal within the PC(USA), one that will revive us at our roots, not just our organizational structure.

Do you believe God has the power and the will to transform us and through us the world? Join me and others in celebrating Mission Challenge ’07. This October, over 40 missionaries, including me, will be visiting presbyteries throughout our denomination, sharing what God is doing in our midst and in the church around the world. I encourage you to:

• Pray for our safety as we travel and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance of our communications.
• Come find us. We cannot be in every church, but surely a missionary will be visiting a congregation near you. If that is not the case, go to the Mission Connections Web site to read the testimonies of PC(USA) missionaries.
• Participate in your church’s outreach around the corner and around the world. You are an important member of the body of Christ for this generation. Allow God to use you, your hands, your skills, the resources he has placed in your care.
• And above all, support the PC(USA) with your prayers, your participation, and your pledges. Let’s all pull together and witness God’s transforming power in our midst!

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Susie Frerichs

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 66