by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The U.S. Capitol Building (Photo courtesy of the Office of Public Witness)
LEXINGTON, Kentucky â Wednesday was Epiphany, the day that marks the end of the Christmas season and Godâs revelation of hope to the Earth in Jesus Christ.
This yearâs observance, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) points out, was marred by the violent mob of supporters of President Donald Trump that stormed the U.S. Capitol Building Wednesday afternoon as Congress was certifying Joe Biden and Kamala Harrisâ election as President and Vice-President of the United States.
by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Dori Hjalmarson, a mission co-worker serving in Honduras, holds a baby born among the devastation brought by hurricanes Eta and Iota. (Photo by Katherine Rivas)
LEXINGTON, Kentucky â The rainwater from the hurricane was held back by debris that formed a dike at the top of the village. But as the storm continued, hour after hour, the barrier broke in the middle of the night sending water rushing down the main road, taking cars, trees, homes, and people.
The Rev. Dori Hjalmarson, Presbyterian mission co-worker serving in Honduras, tells the story of a man who woke up to the sound of rushing water. He got his two young children to safety and went back for his wife and one-month-old son.
by Rich Copley | Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Salam Hanna, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Latakia, Syria, officiates at the communion table with members of a visiting team from Eastminster Presbytery, the Rev. Mark Ruppert and the Rev. Janet Lowery. (Photo by Elmarie Parker).
LEXINGTON, Kentucky â At the Presbyterian Church of Latakia, Syria, the Rev. Salam Hanna ministers to people who have endured nine years of civil war and, recently, sanctions that have led to the worst economic crisis the nation has faced in a century.
âWe rediscovered the Gospel as being a message of hope in the middle of crisis,â Hanna says of ministering during war. âThe Gospels, especially Mark, were written at a time when the Christian community was going through turmoil and crisis. We try to bring that hope of the Gospel into our daily life, to say that things will end. Crisis will end and never continue endlessly. Christ is present with us.