Thursday, September 9
The Presbytery of West Jersey
South Asian Fellowship youth participate in vacation Bible school. Photo by Emanuel Nasir.
Over the years several hundred South Asian immigrants have moved into southern New Jersey. Many have Presbyterian roots in their homelands. Some are political refugees, others are asylum seekers, and all have come with the hope for a better life. Language difficulties, lack of marketable skills, and cultural differences often keep their dreams from being realized.
In 2003 the Presbytery of West Jersey started an outreach program under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Emanuel Nasir. The South Asian Fellowship was established to provide pastoral care and spiritual nurture to these immigrants. Members are scattered throughout South Jersey, so the Fellowship meets once a month for worship, and twice a month Bible study and prayer meetings are held in members’ homes.
Social and legal services are also provided. Along with the Rev. Nasir, the Fellowship finds volunteers to serve as translators when its members and other immigrants need driver’s licenses, apartment leases, jobs, or paperwork for immigration and naturalization services.
A primary focus of this ministry is the second generation of immigrants. The presbytery makes every effort to help them assimilate into mainstream Presbyterian churches. Some are now serving as elders, Sunday school teachers, and lay leaders. Young people are attending national conferences to experience the larger church. Two Fellowship members are enrolled in seminary to become ministers of the Word and Sacrament.
The Presbytery of West Jersey serves 12,990 members in 65 congregations and several immigrant mission projects.
Let us join in prayer for:
Presbytery Staff
The Rev. Dr. Deborah G. Brincivalli, executive presbyter
The Rev. John T. Ash III, stated clerk
The Rev. Eloise Cowherd, co-consultant for congregational transformation
The Rev. Wendy Boer, co-consultant for congregational transformation
Judith Grantham, director, educational services center
Pamila Cosans, administrative assistant/office manager
Donna Cook, administrative assistant, stated clerk’s office
Beth Thomas, bookkeeper
PC(USA) Agencies' Staff
Derrick Perkins, GAMC
Maria Perry, BOP
Prayer
Dear God, we pray that through ministry to immigrants many will come to know the love of Jesus Christ, and that they will share the gospel with others in their communities who do not yet know Jesus. Amen.
Daily Lectionary
Ps. 97, 147:12–20 and Ps. 16, 62
Job 29:1; 31:1–23
Acts 15:1–11; John 11:17–29