Extra Commitment Opportunities

There is a channel through which gifts can be designated for specific items that support the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s work around the world. These are called Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs). You can give directly to an ECO account online or by mailing your check designating the name and account number of the particular item you have chosen to:

PC(USA) Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Your gift will go directly into the ECO Account designated, and you will receive a letter indicating that your gift has been received and will be used for the purpose intended.

Below is an Extra Commitment Opportunity related to Brazil. For a listing of giving opportunities in other countries in that region visit Mission Funding's Web site and type Brazil into the search box.

Education

ITEBA, Student Aid, Computer, Books, Equipment

Gifts will provide a student aid fund to be administered on an as-needed basis. This new ecumenical seminary serves students who must work during the day. Even the modest bus fares for transportation are beyond the reach of many students, not to mention the costs of tuition and health care.

Theological Seminaries of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB) is updating its curriculum programs and schools to become a missional church. Contributions to this ECO help with expenses for pastors training, continuing education, Christian education, education by extension and lay leaders training.

Evangelism

Ministries of the IPIB in Northeast Brazil

The Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil wants to strengthen work in the northeast coast. New churches are being established and current work is being spiritually enforced. Funds are needed for meeting locations, curriculum and supplies.

Urban Evangelism Rio Grande do Sul

The Board of National Mission of the Presbyterian Church of Brazil and the Presbytery of Rio Grande do Sul are participating in evangelism and new church development in 10 cities in Rio Grande do Sul, the most southern state in Brazil and one of the least evangelized areas in the country. Funds are needed to help purchase land for churches and to assist in church construction.

Mission Personnel

Rev. Tim and Marta Carriker — Seminary Professor/Consultant

Tim and Marta Carriker work with the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Tim is a missiological consultant for the national church, writes materials for Christian Education, conducts continuing education seminars for pastors and works on a number of projects related to contemporary mission. Marta has accompanied numerous short-term mission trips to Brazil by U.S. Presbyterian congregations. The Carrikers' work has been crucial in understanding the relationship between short-term mission and long-term development and relationships with our partner churches in Brazil and around the world.

Linnis Cook and Rev. Arch Woodruff — Legal Advisor/Professor of New Testament

Linnis Cook and Arch Woodruff, an ordained PC(USA) minister, are a lawyer and biblical professor who have served on the mission field in Brazil since the mid-1980s. Linnis works with Asociação Fala Mulher to provide direct assistance and legal advocacy for women whose lives are threatened by domestic violence and marked by prostitution. Arch teaches New Testament at São Paulo Theological Seminary of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil and at the Methodist University of São Paulo. Their long-term commitments enable them to relate with church partners, government agencies, and community leaders to effectively shape both long-term development and immediate ministries. 

The Rev. Sherron George — Regional Liaison for South America & Theological Education Coordinator

Sherron George, an ordained PC(USA) minister, is a regional liaison and theological education consultant for South America. As regional liaison she helps build relationships between the PC(USA) and partner churches in South America. As theological education consultant she occasionally teaches postgraduate courses on mission and maintains contacts with seminaries throughout the continent. Having served on the faculty of both Brazilian and PC(USA) seminaries (including Austin Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas), Sherron plays a vital role in shaping our churches’ understanding of global mission in the new millennium.

Other Support

Ministries of the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil

Gifts to this ECO assist the United Presbyterian Church of Brazil in its commitment to strengthening the church and serving its people with evangelistic outreach, holistic ministries and leadership development.

Regional Liaison South America