GAMC0934
September 23, 2009

International Peacemakers begin visits this week

Contact:
Mindy Marchal, (502) 569-5212

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — International Peacemakers from 11 countries have arrived in Louisville, Ky., and are preparing for their visits which will begin Friday, Sept. 25. The 16 peacemakers will visit 51 presbyteries and one synod. 

These individuals from the partner churches of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will discuss their involvement with ministries in their countries that seek justice and pursue peace in the name of Jesus Christ. The program — now in its 20th year — includes some new dimensions.

Dr. Nazeli Vardanyan, the first International Peacemaker from Armenia, will visit several presbyteries in the Northeast. The Rev. Mary Lien is the first International Peacemaker from Vietnam’s small Christian community in 14 years. Mr. Piotr Anatolyevich Romme is the first International Peacemaker to join the program with expertise in ministry with the Roma people.

Some of the peacemakers will participate in a pilot program in partnership with the Mission Challenge ‘09 event. Five International Peacemakers will team with PC(USA) mission co-workers to speak about ministry in Colombia, the Philippines, Sudan, Guatemala and Russia.

The peacemakers will also speak about ministries that focus on work with children and issues that negatively impact children. Several peacemakers will talk about how to live as good stewards of the earth and discuss their experiences in ministries making peace with the earth.

The International Peacemaking Program is possible because of the generous gifts of Presbyterians to the Peacemaking Offering. The Peacemaking Offering is typically received on World Communion Sunday, which is Oct. 4 this year.

The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program is a ministry of Compassion, Peace and Justice.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises 2.2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the U.S. and the world.