Presbytery Mission Trip to Thailand
In October a team of five, including two people from our church, went to Pahk (like a presbytery) 5 in Nan Province, Thailand. Brandon Smith and Joy Kaufmann joined three others traveling together to share in the 130th anniversary of Christianity coming to north east Thailand. They also visited 13 of the 24 congregations that make up the pahk, sharing in worship, meals and the daily life of Christians in the predominantly Buddhist nation. At every gathering, hospitality and faith were shared abundantly. Each congregation gave our team gifts, and in turn, our team took gifts from Huntingdon presbytery for each congregation and pastor. Our own Cathy McClenahen made quilted coasters that were shared with each pastor, and some of Rev. Zorn’s hand carved wood flowers, along with his picture, were shared with all the congregations, along with other gifts. This mission partnership, of 35 years duration, is all about relationships.
Ten adults and nine youth traveled to Antigua, Guatemala. Our work included teaching at a local school, making soup for residents of a housing development being built for those who live on a city dump, installing stoves and water filtration systems, visiting residents at a local center, helping with a Habitat for Humanity build and interacting with the wonderful people of Guatemala. We hope to continue to minister to the people of Antigua through ongoing relationship and support of the efforts of Adventures in Mission and Land of Hope Ministry through BuildinGuate.
The trip was made possible by the generosity of the church, participant contributions, fundraisers and a grant from the Synod of the Trinity.