Mission
The FPC Mission Committee represents our call to share the love of Christ worldwide. Through financial support and direct hands-on activities, this committee organizes FPC mission work outside the immediate area of Rochester, Minnesota.
serving jesus christ globally
FPC supports PC(USA) mission co-workers and projects financially through mission budget disbursement, special offerings, and targeted gifts. The mission budget also supports the PC(USA) and Twin Cities Presbytery’s Unified Mission. FPC members have traveled to Mombin Crochu, Haiti to provide medical care, training & other support. Volunteers in Mission from our congregation have also served in Venezuela, Hungary, Malawi, India, Florida, Texas, North Dakota, and Alaska (Sheldon Jackson College). FPC also has a long-standing relationship & involvement with the Medical Benevolence Foundation (MBF). For more information visit mbfoundation.org.
Annual VBS Mission Trip: Bdecan Presbyterian Church, Spirit Lake Reservation
The Bdecan (buh-DAY-chan) VBS Mission Team is coordinated through the FPC Mission Committee. FPC mission teams have traveled to Spirit Lake Reservation (North Dakota) to provide Vacation Bible School (VBS) since 2015 when Bdecan Presbyterian Church (BPC) youth pastor Joe Obermeyer posted on the Presbyterian Disaster Relief website asking church groups to come lead VBS. COVID19 forced the pause of annual summer VBS but we look forward to resuming as soon as it is once again safe for all.
In the meantime, FPC members have continued to generously donate to ongoing special projects and direct requests from the leaders there, continuing to provide winter clothing, school supplies, fabric for tied baby blankets, and other necessities needed to help support the children and families there.
Images from the 2019 Trip
The 2019 Bdecan Bible School Team included: Marylynn Aalderks, Jean Abels, Nancy & Larry Boutelle, Mary Huie, Ginger Kirby, Ron Kreinbring, Cindy Kunzman, Jane Murl, Margie Schaff, and Vicki Wintheiser.
PARTNERING IN COSTA RICA
Karla Koll is professor of history, mission, and religions for the Latin American Biblical University (UBL). As a PC(USA) mission partner who has been training church leaders from throughout Latin America for over 90 years, Karla works with students from a variety of denominations. “I have the joy of guiding women and men into deeper understandings of their faith in Christ … providing them with tools for working in God’s mission in ways that transform lives and communities,” says Karla who is accompanied by her husband, Javier Torrez.
Rev. Dr. Karla Ann Koll & husband Javier Torrez
Josh Heikkila
PARTNERING in West Africa
Josh Heikkila is the PC(USA) regional liaison for West Africa, where he facilitates partner relationships, implements regional strategies and supports the work of other mission personnel. Josh says, “In partnership, not only do we learn how the Holy Spirit has given us gifts to use for the common good, but we also come to see spiritual gifts in others, and we learn to appreciate how these gifts can enrich our mutual Christian life.”
PARTNERING IN NICARAGUA
PARTNERING IN HONDURAS
PARTNERING IN SOUTH SUDAN
PARTNERING IN SOUTH SUDAN
partnering with Tenwek Hospital in Kenya, Africa
Steve and Alene Burgert work with World Gospel Mission Kenya, ministering at Tenwek Hospital and with Correctional Ministry of Africa Gospel Church. Steve grew up here at FPC. Their mission:
Share the love of Jesus Christ through medical and spiritual care
Train students in medical school & seminary
Encourage through a ministry to prisoners, ex-prisoners, and correctional staffers
Participate in the life and culture of the local community
“Each one should use whatever gift one has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
Steve and Alene Burgert
