The Mission Ministries of Faith Presbyterian Church (FPC)

The mission ministries of Faith Presbyterian Church are many and varied. FPC participates in international partnerships and programs, on a national scale, and in local efforts in San Diego. FPC supports the PC (U.S.A.) foreign mission work through its per Capita, designated gifts to the General Assembly mission programs, Holiday Mission Fair of crafts and services, and special offerings. Add to that, other mission work done through volunteer work of many FPC members, and there is ample opportunity to witness to the love of Christ in our community.

Local Mission
Faith Presbyterian Church is directly across Montezuma from the campus of San Diego State University. This is prime real estate to reach students, so FPC is active with Interfaith Varsity and other campus ministry groups to witness to Christ where the students live and study. FPC has opened its sanctuary for contemporary services. (Check the church office for the current schedule.) Also, plans are underway to upgrade the sound system in the church in order to support new worship requirements.

A special place in the heart of many members of FPC is the Military Outreach Ministry which assists active duty military personnel at the level of E5 and below. Their needs are great since, as a nation, we do not compensate these people to a level required to cover their basic living expenses, especially here in high-cost San Diego. Thus, members of FPC contribute time, talent, and money to provide food, clothing, diapers, furniture, and even special holiday fun for the children (Easter egg hunts and Christmas toys.) Learn more about MOM at: http://www.militaryoutreach.org/id9.html

Another special mission for many at FPC is the Presbyterian Urban Ministries (PUM), formerly known as the Crisis Center. PUM provides food, clothing, job referral (even some tools and special shoes), transportation and documentation assistance, and helps to meet other social needs of the poor and homeless in San Diego. In addition to direct financial assistance to PUM, members volunteer at the PUM facility, serve on the Board of Directors, and contribute in many other ways. Check out some of the interesting events at PUM at: http://www.pumsd.org/

We also join over 350 churches in the San Diego area in "A SEASON of SERVICE" and to continue reaching our community with the love of Christ. As we reach out to three specific ministries: Amor Ministries, Alliance for African Assistance and Hardy Elementary School.

Alliance for African Assistance - This non-profit agency, located two blocks west of College Avenu on El Cajon Blvd. provides services to refugees who are setlling in our community. Most refugees arrive with the clothing on their backs and a plastic bag with their documents. We are asking for gently used clothing for all ages, kitchen items and home furnishings.

National Mission
FPC is committed to helping the Body of Christ grow through its support of educational efforts nationally and locally. FPC faithfully contributes 1% of its net envelope offering to provide seminary students with scholarships. Since 2001, the Mary Sharedng Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Mission Committee of FPC, as distributed over $56,000 to helped more than 65 students. These scholarships help students meet their budgetary needs while pursuing a college degree or vocational training.

We at FPC believe that the Holy Spirit guides us in our level of participation in the denomination’s annual Special Offerings. Thus, FPC receives the four offerings, leaving it to the members and friends of FPC to contribute or not as led by the Spirit. Through these special offerings, FPC supports the PC (U.S.A.) national mission and other programs embodied in the One Great Hour of Sharing, the Pentecost Offering, the Peacemaking Offering, and Christmas Joy Offering.

International Missions

- Spain
FPC contributes to the PC (U.S.A.) Mission to the World program in support of Tyler and Julie Lenocker who are missionaries in Spain. Over the past 18 months, their family has expanded with the birth of Elli. The family will grow again this April! They focus on rebuilding the Body of Christ in a region where the Body has languished and needs revitalization. They are scheduled to return to San Diego this summer. You can learn more by visiting their website at:
http://www.thelenockersonline.com/

- Kenya

FPC is a partner with our brothers and sisters in the Njubi (pronounced “Joo’ bee”) Parish in Kenya. A new mabati church in the Nachu District was finished this summer and replaces a dilapidated wattle and daub building that had become a safety hazard. FPC contributed 70% of the cost, while the people in Kenya provided the land, title, foundation, and the rest. The Outreach Foundation provided the on-site management coordination and supervision assistance. The building may also be used as a school or community center, depending upon the needs and desires of the people. The finished church was dedicated in July, 2009, and FPC was able to help send a dedication team to help celebrate the opening.

Within the Njubi Parish, near Nachu, is the Karai school and orphanage for around 150 boys. During the political violence there in 2009, their orphanage in Nairobi was burned to the ground, so they relocated to the safer district near Nachu. This newer orphanage also has some classrooms but needs a lot of work. So, FPC is in the process of building partnerships with Rancho Bernardo Presbyterian Church and the Village church (both of whom have interests in Karai too,) and we hope to raise the capital needed to make some needed improvements. Some from Rancho Bernardo are planning a trip to Kenya later this year.

There are other international mission efforts supported by FPC, including those in Baja, Mexico, Bible translation efforts through Wycliffe Bible Translators, and medical assistance through the Medical Benevolence Society.

Though there are many mission projects in which we participate, it is the one Lord who is served. Thanks be to God.