Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required—Luke 12:48.

We are indeed a blessed congregation. For generations we have enjoyed the faithful exposition of God’s word from our pulpit. In our pews are modern translations of the Bible, and on-line we have unlimited access to free high-quality Christian resources. Unlike some of our brothers around the world, we do not fear for our safety when we worship on Sunday.

Tenth has responded to God’s bounty by seeking to faithfully advance the gospel, both in our city and to the ends of the earth. Locally, members of our congregation started AlphaCare, ACTS (Active Compassion Through Service), and Tenth Preschool. Globally, physicians have gone out from among us to bring care and hope to desperately poor people in Africa and Asia. Our members (known as partners) are working on Bible translation, seminary education, orphan care, church formation, and reaching hidden people groups in difficult places around the world.

Our Easter Sacrificial Offering is another way in which we respond in gratitude to the bounty he has entrusted us with. Earlier this month our ruling elder Nasrat G. shared with us how our giving is helping rebuild the very church where he was saved in a country where Christians suffer great persecution. Later this month (May 27) Ben Sachie will speak during the “Living Church” and tell us how our giving is helping bring practical gospel-centered hope to trafficked women in Ghana. For those who want to hear more there will be a luncheon after the service with Mr. Sachie. The ESO will also help finish the task of caring for young people orphaned in the Liberian civil war, assist the poor in rural Egypt, and provide relief for Syrian refugees. It is not too late to give to these initiatives (just designate “Easter Sacrificial Offering”).

Session recently restructured the Global Outreach Commission to include Metro Outreach. The expanded GOC, under the leadership of Gavin Lymberopoulos, is committed to both continuing the work of reaching our neighborhoods and college campuses, as well as nurturing our heritage of reaching people groups around the world who do not have self-sustaining Christian communities. Gavin is assisted by ruling elders Bill Langford and Phil Scribano. More importantly, the work of the GOC is carried out by over 15 faithful members of the congregation who serve for three-year terms on committees. GOC committees include city (Tim Humeniuk), partner care (Laura Layer), communication and events (Claudia Diaz), short-term trips (Randall Drain), and finance (David Crossman).

Want to get involved? Speak to anyone who serves on the GOC. Or get to know about the work of our partners right here in Philadelphia. Many have leveraged years of experience in foreign countries to work with international people groups in the city. For example, the Shades work with international students in West Philadelphia, another partner with Muslims in North Philadelphia, and yet another with Hindus in Upper Darby. Or visit AlphaCare and learn about their ministry to women and families. As always, we will be welcoming our partners who are visiting Philadelphia this summer from their homes overseas to refresh relationships and gain some much-needed rest. You can learn more about how to meet them from upcoming bulletin announcements.

As our May 6 missions conference speaker reminded us in his “From Donuts to Baozi” message, we all have the privilege of taking part in the work God is doing. Let’s recommit ourselves to spend time every day praying for our city, a partner, and a people group. “Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:38).

© 2024 Tenth Presbyterian Church.

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Please include the following statement on any distributed copy: By Bill Langford. © 2024 Tenth Presbyterian Church. Website: tenth.org