“I have always felt that ministry is the greatest profession

and that pastors are given the tremendous gift of sharing life with the best people! 

Rev. Anita Bernhardt

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church on Perry Street in East Erie is facing the same challenges as other churches in the Presbytery of Lake Erie and across the U.S.A.  The Emmanuel Church Session invited Rev. Anita Bernhardt to serve as Temporary Supply Pastor in 2018. Now in 2019, Pastor Anita is celebrating her 30th year of Ordained Ministry. Her journey began in Kentucky with stops in Virginia, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, North Carolina and now northwest Pennsylvania. Along the way she has held many leadership roles including Pastor, Hospital Chaplain, Conference Minister, Executive Director and Associate Presbyter. Initially she began her ministry in the United Church of Christ and now is a pastor in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She believes all of it has been a privilege. Pastor Anita says “not only that, we pastors are entrusted with the most important, significant, and deeply meaningful conversations.  We are allowed into the inner recesses of the human heart (symbolically) and share in multiple life-altering moments.  Brought together by God’s grace, my faith grows alongside yours in deeply meaningful engagement. What a great honor and privilege!”

The following is a conversation I had with Pastor Anita Bernhardt about her faith journey to Erie and how she is moving Emmanuel Church into the future. Her responses are in Q & A format:

Describe your experiences that you believe were steppingstones on your journey that led you to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church?

“I suppose that the first step toward my pastorate at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church was the discernment of a call to pastoral ministry at a young age.  I was a Student Pastor during college for the 9^th District of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky, followed by seminary training at Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. (now Union Presbyterian Seminary), and ordination as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.  I was ordained January 6, 1989 (Epiphany Day) by the United Church of Christ (UCC) and served local churches within the UCC in Fulton, MO., Mexico, MO., Dodge Center, MN. and Hickory, NC.  I also served as a full-time hospital chaplain at a large Catholic hospital in Bloomington, IL. while my husband, PC(USA) pastor, Rev. Dr. James Bernhardt (currently, Sr. Pastor at Wayside Presbyterian Church in Erie and also a member of the Presbytery of Lake Erie) was pastor of Clinton Presbyterian Church, Clinton, IL., 1992-1999.  In addition, while living in Hickory, NC, I was a Ten Thousand Villages Fair Trade store manager associated with the Mennonites and an Associate Conference Minister for the Western NC Association of the UCC.  Because a Conference Minister in the UCC is a Mid-Council position roughly equivalent to a General Presbyter in the PC(USA), I was called and served as an Interim Associate Presbyter in the Presbytery of Western NC for over 6 years (2009-2016).  Our move to Erie necessitated a new call for me (James started at Wayside on 12/1/2015).  I began ministry in Erie with an 18-month Interim Pastorate at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Sterrettania Road before landing at Emmanuel Presbyterian on November 1, 2018 as a Temporary Supply Pastor.  Though I am doing the tasks of an Interim Pastor, Temporary Supply Pastor status allows for consideration of a call leading to installation at Emmanuel.  Whew!  Even I recognize what a convoluted journey that is!  Meanwhile, having served in 6 major denominations, I recently transferred my ministerial credentials from the UCC, my denomination of over 30 years, into the PC(USA), hoping that God can make full and better use of my leadership abilities during what is likely my final decade of active ministry.  I was received into membership into the Presbytery of Lake Erie on June 25, 2019.”

Worship at Emmanuel Church now incorporates the latest technology to bring to life the message of the week from the Gospel.

How have those experiences shaped your ministry along the way and today?

“Experience has given me an appreciation for the diversity and wideness of Christ’s Church (large “C”, as in universal) across denominational and faith lines.  I have come to understand that, while there are important differences and distinctions, we have a common purpose and calling to serve God incarnate in Jesus Christ.  All disciples, myself included, must find their own particular way to join in the community of believers to further God’s activity in the world and spread the Gospel of Christ’s love for all.  Experience has also convinced me that this mission is increasingly challenging in our rapidly-changing times and requires elevated levels of openness, creativity, energy, and persistence! “

If you had to list your top three priorities for mission and ministry, what would they be and why?

• Nurturing healthy, substantial relationships with Jesus Christ, including facilitating the development of new relationships, because nothing is more important than knowing Jesus as Lord and sovereign of all.
• Growing the faith in practical, accessible ways that help disciples navigate and attach meaning to the joys and challenges of this life, because life should be lived intentionally and in faithful service.
• Strengthen and increase the community of believers in the Church, still Christ’s chosen vessel, emboldening faith internally and empowering radical welcome externally.

What specific and/or unique challenges do you face as pastor of an inner-city, east Erie church?

“Besides all of the above (!), Emmanuel shares in the anxiety of the whole Church over slippage in worship & Sunday School/faith nurture attendance.  Emmanuel is a church that used to have over 600 members (now 136) and we have a large building to match those “glory days”.  Faithful use of our building, too large for ONLY our own needs, is a constant.  In addition, the fear of continued loss of vitality is ever-present.  Calming these anxieties and keeping the focus on what God is doing into the future is an important part of contemporary ministry.”

Church attendance is down and the days of attending church as an obligation are long past. How do you encourage people to want to attend?

“On the simplest level, I try to offer a worship experience that they will not want to miss!  I work at infusing worship services with variety, creativity, sound biblical content, life relevance, and sensory saturation that leaves people hungry for more.  We talk about Jesus (a lot!) using ordinary language, employ a plentitude of beautiful music in many styles, study scripture mindfully, pray meaningfully, and take advantage of the most recent in audio-visual technology.  I also believe that fostering a firm sense of belonging to the body of believers helps to keep disciples returning to the fold of their faith family.”

Dr. David Oyler, General Presbyter of the PLE (left) and Rev. Anita Bernhardt (right), Temporary Supply Pastor of Emmanuel Church.

What does “transforming church” mean to you and how doing so will lead us into the future?

“ I believe that we are living in a time when the Church is particularly challenged to keep pace with the rapid transformation of our society. The advances in technology, science, culture, communications, and global interdependence (to name a few) mean that the Church also dare not stand still.  Instead, we need to stand strong in our confidence in Jesus Christ, who will lead us into the future.  Trusting Christ, we are then able to try a variety of new things without undue attachment to outcomes.  If at first we don’t succeed, we should try, try again with a new idea, constantly and attentively listening for the voices of those around us who are searching and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

 How are you engaging children and youth in this process of “transforming church?”

“If the Church doesn’t look the same today as it did a generation ago, then neither does the nuclear family.  While I believe that children and youth are a vitally important part, I affirm the multi-generational nature of the body of Christ.  For example, if parents and grandparents of children are not engaged in the life of the Church, the children are also less likely to actively participate.  In my opinion, the “transforming church”, instead of targeting children and youth for individualistic special attention, should be helping whole families navigate their changing structures, stressed dynamics, and unexpected challenges, so that disciples of all ages can meet life with faith, confidence, and healthy relationships.” 

What haven’t I asked you about that you would like to discuss?

“I have always felt that ministry is the greatest profession and that pastors are given the tremendous gift of sharing life with the best people!  Not only that, we pastors are entrusted with the most important, significant, and deeply meaningful conversations.  We are allowed into the inner recesses of the human heart (symbolically) and share in multiple life-altering moments.  Brought together by God’s grace, my faith grows alongside yours in deeply meaningful engagement. What a great honor and privilege!”

The Presbytery of Lake Erie in conjunction with several youth pastors and leaders are hosting the 3rd Annual PLE Youth Event, “Walk Humbly,”  on November 2 & 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Church of the Cross, 5901 Millfair Rd, Fairview. This event is FREE TO ALL YOUTH (Small donation from each church attending.) Youth can expect to play games, do a service project, be a part of a small group, worship in a new way, and of course eat (food provided) throughout the night and morning!  During this overnighter “lock-in” event, we will be exploring ways to reach out to those on the margins of our schools and communities.  How do we talk to people who may be the victims of violence like bullying?  How do we interact with people who are the perpetrators of such violence? How does our faith inform us?  Not only will we look at the violence that we inflict on each other, but we will be putting together Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Clean-Up Buckets for victims of natural violence such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires. Whether your church has a group of youth coming or not, you can be a part of this ministry to our youth!  Please have your congregation consider collecting and donating the items listed in the Poster PLE Youth Event 2019.  Our goal is 50 buckets!  If your church does collect items but are far away from Church of the Cross: Oil City 2nd and First Bradford will be drop-off sites for PDA Bucket Items.  All interested churches, please have your youth and parents fill out the registration form attached and bring them with you the day of the event.  Please send a total number of youth participants and adult leaders to Britney Knight  at [email protected] by October 25, 2019.

“Whatever difficulties we face, we will be each other’s keepers. We will walk with the Lord together. Jesus loved everyone equally and we therefore need to put that into practice. Love one another. If we can do that we can change the world.” Rev. Vincent Dagadu – Moderator, Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

In late June 2019, Global Mission took center stage at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie. The Presbytery of Lake Erie (PLE) hosted the 18th Annual PCUSA Ghana Mission Network Meeting from June 27 – June 30. This was a global gathering with more than 50 participants and representatives from across the U.S.A. and around the world. Those who attended this special network meeting came to Erie from 12 states and from Ghana, in western Africa. The participants represented 15 Partnerships, 3 Presbyterian Seminaries, Presbytery World Mission Staff and several new members.

LEFT – Donna Cammarata, CENTER- Rev. Vincent Dagadu, Moderator -Ghana Presbytery, and RIGHT – Rev. Dr. David Oyler, General Presbyter of the PLE

There are many reasons why outreach by the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.  and in particular our own Presbytery (PLE) here in northwest Pennsylvania are engaged in Global Mission in Ghana. Rev. Dr. David Oyler, General Presbytery of the Presbytery of Lake Erie, explains it is much more than sharing the Presbyterian faith.“It is my experience that we always expand our understanding of God’s world when we talk with people who have different experiences than our own.  Ghana is a culture in which there are many Christians who are first generation believers.  Their insights, along with their energy and enthusiasm, help to inform Christians in North America.  In fact, the Christian church is growing in Africa like few other places in the world.  Their experiences can teach others,” said Rev. Dr. David Oyler.

One of the visitors to Erie in late June, was the Rev. Vincent Dagadu. He is the Moderator of the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ghana. I had an opportunity to interview him about how important Global Mission is to the faithful in his presbytery. His responses follow in Q & A format:

How important is it that you have an opportunity to visit the U.S.A. and to the Presbytery of Lake Erie who is a mission partner with you in Ghana?

“It is very, very, very important to be here. The PCUSA and the Presbytery of Lake Erie, its members and representatives have demonstrated love. When Jesus prayed to God the Father, he prayed that we would be as one. That all peoples would be as one. This oneness is very important to promoting our friendship, our unity and our partnership together. All of us are Presbyterians, we are moving forward together, forward in unity and that is beautiful. This friendship-partnership began 18 years ago and continues to this day and continues to grow,” said Rev. Vincent Dagadu.

Earlier this year, the Rev. Vincent Dagadu facilitated the delivery of this motorcycle to the Saboba district in western Ghana. Dagadu says the motorcycles will help tremendously in this region which requires them to cover a lot of territory as they minister to 150 congregations and villages in western Ghana.

Describe how this partnership has benefited the people in the Upper Northern Presbytery in Ghana?

“A lot. We are united, like brothers and sisters. We speak the same language of Jesus Christ. Beyond our understanding, in Ghana it is very challenging.  A pastor goes there with mixed feelings, and faces multiple challenges.  Earlier this year, the Ghana Mission was gifted with several motorcycles. The motorcycles are very helpful because the congregations are so far apart. The motorcycles make a huge difference in traveling around the presbytery in Ghana. This is a huge gift! From bicycle to motorcycle they are in heaven. One pastor can now reach more congregations in the region in Ghana where this presbytery is located. Rev. Dagadu is very grateful. There is a lot of ground to cover and 150 congregations to visit in the presbytery in Ghana. We can’t thank them enough,” said Rev. Dagadu. (The Presbytery of Lake Erie funded the purchase of seven new motorbikes for the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, in Ghana.)

What are your biggest challenges?

“After 18 years, this is first time I have been interviewed about our partnership in Ghana with the PCUSA and the Presbytery of Lake Erie. It is very important to get the message out about this mission in Ghana. So the word is spreading and hopefully that will promote more support in the future.”

What do you want people to remember about Global Mission in Ghana and deepening our partnership between Ghana and northwest Pennsylvania?

“We shall continue to be one. Our brothers and sisters in this part of the country have demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt there is no color. There is no difference in the family of Jesus Christ. We are part of the family of God. We are all a part of the family of Jesus Christ. Whatever difficulties we face, we will be each other’s keepers. We will walk with the Lord together. It is my prayer that the church of Jesus Christ will continue to lead in western Ghana. Jesus has left a legacy that we should love each other. We as Christians must demonstrate that to the world. Jesus loved everyone equally and we therefore need to put that into practice. Love one another. Iif we can do that we can change the world,”said Rev. Vincent Dagadu.

Rev. Dr. David Oyler was asked what has it meant to the Presbytery of Lake Erie to have a mission partnership with Ghana? Here are his conclusions…
“The partnership with the Upper Northern Presbytery continually teaches in numerous ways.  A few insights include:

1. The Ghanains have a spirit of gracious hospitality which is evident in all their conversations;
2. As North American Christians we learn continually of the need for clear communication with a gracious spirit.  (This is true both in North America and in Africa.  It may be even more crucial in a world of instantaneous communication.);
3. That relationships are not predicated on building projects, but on our common faith in Jesus Christ;
4. That mission partnerships are enhanced as we walk together through shared moments of worship and fellowship, as well as in difficult, more challenging times.  Christian faith is enhanced through grace filled perseverance.”

Before I concluded my interview with the Rev. Vincent Dagadu, I asked him if there was anything that he would like to add. Dagadu said “We are blessed to have Donna (Cammarata) with us. We appreciate the love of humanity that she always exhibits.She is a blessing.” Donna Cammarata of Erie is the Coordinator for the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network and the Coordinator for the Lake Erie Presbytery’s Partnership with the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. (See earlier post featuring an interview with Donna.)

Labor of Love
To commemorate the 50th Anniversary in 2019 of medical missions and service, Chosen is partnering with the Presbytery of Lake Erie and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana in a new endeavor called “Labors of Love.”  The goal of “Labors of Love” is to raise $50,000 that will be invested in the three Health Clinics to increase and improve healthcare services to the women, children, and communities that they serve.  Each of the Health Clinics has specific needs for getting to the next level of development. These include building construction, renovations, equipment, supplies, infrastructure, potable water, sanitation, staff training and support. Click here for more information.

“You are touching lives in ways you can never imagine.” – Donna Cammarata 

Creating Connections & Unity through Global Mission in Ghana

Written by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie…

Global Mission took center stage at the First Presbyterian Church of the Covenant in Erie from June 27 – June 30, 2019 as the Presbytery of Lake Erie (PLE) hosted the 18th Annual PCUSA Ghana Mission Network Meeting. It was a global gathering with more than 50 participants and representatives from across the U.S.A. and around the world.  The visitors came to Erie from 12 states and from Ghana, western Africa. The participants represent 15 Partnerships, 3 Presbyterian Seminaries, Presbytery World Mission Staff and several new members.

This year the theme was: “Being living sacrifices – living in unity – in our Global world.”

Psalm 133, John 17:20-26, Romans 12:1-18.

Donna Cammarata of Erie is the Coordinator for the PCUSA Ghana Mission Network and the Coordinator for the Lake Erie Presbytery’s Partnership with the Upper Northern Presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana. Below is a conversation with Donna about the Global Mission in Ghana and what it means for the people in Ghana and for us in the Presbytery of Lake Erie.

What is the Ghana Mission network?

“The Ghana Mission Network (GMN) is a community of people who are in some way connected with Ghana and involved in missions within the country and with the people who live there. Many of the connections are through partnerships within the Presbyterian Church USA, together with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana, and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. Donna believes, “The reason for the GMN is to join together in the common goal of sharing God’s love and the teachings and way of Jesus Christ.”

To see the mission work in Ghana follow these video links:

Lake Erie Ghana Partnership

Please explain why this mission is a good fit for you?

“My introduction to Ghana was as a member of Lake Erie Presbytery’s second delegation visit to Ghana in October 2011, which formally initiated the Partnership. The Christians I met in Ghana welcomed me as family. I was overwhelmed by their hospitality, the depth of their faith and their commitment to Christian ministry and mission in extremely challenging conditions. My heart was captured and they became my family.”

“The following year, I attended the 2012 Ghana Mission Network Meeting and met wonderful people involved in all kinds of creative missions and Partnerships in Ghana. I was asked to be the Communications person for the GMN, which I agreed to. Over the years, that role has grown into organizing and overseeing the GMN membership, connections and yearly GMN Meetings. I find it challenging and rewarding, and am continually surprised by the opportunities I believe God opens up. My passion for living out my faith, love for my family in Ghana and having some good organizational skills make this a good fit for ministry for me.”

“I see myself as a connector piece in this part of God’s mission. Connecting Lake Erie Presbytery congregations to and through the Ghana Partnership. Connecting Lake Erie to Northern Ghana. Through the GMN, connecting to other Partnerships and helping other Partnerships connect.”

Explain the importance of the Ghana Mission?

“The GMN provides a yearly time to gather. There are members all over the United Sates and all over Ghana. At the meetings, presenters share information, partnerships share reports of what they are doing and experiencing, conversations in groups and with individuals offer insights, wisdom, encouragement and challenge. There are times of worship and prayer together; opportunities to grow in understanding and appreciation of one another, of different cultures and perspectives. The aim is to learn together about how cross cultural relationships and ministries happen in meaningful ways and are mutually beneficial. The Ghana Mission Network opens up availability of resources and opportunities for collaboration. The GMN also supports and is supported by two Presbyterian World Mission co-workers in Ghana.”

Why does the Presbytery of Lake Erie support the Ghana mission? What benefits do you see with this partnership?

“The Lake Erie Ghana Partnership has greatly benefited from the connection to the GMN. Early on, Lake Erie drew on the experiences and wisdom gained from others. From that, a good foundation was laid and built on, slow and steady. Now, eight years into our Partnership, Lake Erie offers the Ghana Mission Network a model for a strong, healthy Partnership and a Presbytery wide endeavor. It is able to help shepherd and encourage new and struggling Partnerships.”

“A global partnership can bring unexpected benefits. It can break down misconceptions and assumptions. It can show how differences and similarities enriches life. It can give a bigger perspective of God and Christianity expressed in another culture, in another part of the world. It can tune one into the needs and gifts in the local neighborhood as well and encourage a more generous outlook and outreach.”

Explain to a Presbyterian church member here in northwest Pennsylvania why this outreach is important and should be supported – especially considering the many needs right here in this region?

“There are needs all around to be responded to as Christ would and as He calls His followers to. The needs nearby don’t have to be overlooked in order to also respond to needs far away.  There is a whole other level of need in many places far from our homes. I believe we are to stretch ourselves and share our abundance to address those faraway needs as well. One reason I see for a Global Partnership is that it helps make real those faraway places and the people who live there. My friends in Ghana have said to me, “when you come so far from your home and leave your comforts … when you come to this place so remote, with many challenges, and you don’t complain … when you want us to be your friend … you show you really care, and that show us that God cares about us, and that gives us hope.”

What do you especially want people to know about the Ghana Mission?

“Not everyone can go to Ghana. But when you support the Ghana Mission Partnership you are part of all that goes to Ghana. You are joined in the love of God that gets manifested through improvements to a health clinic, transportation for pastors to minister to their congregations, clean water, education, Bibles in mother tongues, through the presence of those who do go, you are touching lives in ways you can never imagine.”

“I’m excited about this year’s GMN Meeting in Erie because it gives the GMN an opportunity to learn more about Lake Erie Presbytery and members and congregations of Lake Erie Presbytery an opportunity to learn more about the GMN. My GMN family meets my Lake Erie family and some of my Ghana family is here as well!”

 If you can help in anyway or volunteer some time, Donna can be reached at 814-873-4860 or email her at [email protected]

Travel Log: Mission Belize

The following are excerpts from the Report to the Presbytery of Lake Erie from Alysabeth Mahood, the Belize Trip Coordinator for 2018-2019. This travel log highlights the work accomplished and what the students and youth leaders observed and experienced on this mission.

Edited by Marsha MacKinnon, Webmaster for the Presbytery of Lake Erie

Dear Rev. Oyler and the other mission minded members of the Presbytery,

Firstly, I want to sincerely apologize that this update has come so late. Please know that words cannot express how thankful we are for the grant. Because of the grant that you so graciously gave us, Fairview Presbyterian was able to serve in Belize even more than we had ever anticipated or imagined. We were able to take so many members of our youth group to Belize giving them a life-changing experience. Because of your grant, we were able to complete even more work projects while in Belize. Furthermore, we were able to solidify our partnership with Kuxlin Ha, a Mayan school on the outskirts of the capital. Additionally, Fairview Presbyterian has partnered with Gannon University. Our goal is to alternate trips every year. Gannon just returned from Belize in March( 2019).  Again, thank you so much for everything. Sincerely, Alysabeth Mahood / Belize Trip Coordinator

Fairview Presbyterian Church Belize Mission Trip / July 2018 – by Alysabeth Mahood / Belize Trip Coordinator

• During the first week of July of 2018, sixteen students and leaders of the Fairview Presbyterian Church (FPC) youth group, traveled to Belize to complete repairs and construction work in two communities outside of Belmopan, Belize. One group was focused at St. Michael’s School in the village of Las Flores, where they spent the week hand mixing about 100 pounds of concrete, built a ramp, and started to build the roof of an elementary school.
• Another group worked in the village Maya Mopan at Kuxlin Ha Government School, where they replaced floorboards, replaced an entire railing, and painted the complete interior and exterior of the office building.
• In addition to the actual physical work, we sent 25 suitcases of curriculum and school supplies. More importantly, we were able to solidify our partnership with the ministry, Pathlight International (pathlight.org), and the school, Kuxlin Ha. During this week, we were able to strengthen our relationships with both Pathlight and Kuxlin Ha, enabling us to plan for the future of this ministry.
• Upon returning home, we sponsored Kuxlin Ha graduate, Leslie, who is now a Pathlight student. On top of all of that, the group had the opportunity to visit Mayan ruins and go cave tubing. Both were amazing experiences that pushed some people out of their comfort zone. At night, after dinner, we had time for daily reflections which allowed us to form small groups to discuss God’s love, the purpose of serving and missions, and to grow in community with one another.
• This was a life-changing trip for all who participated. For more information on the history of our partnership since 2013 and to hear from those who went on the 2018 trip, check out this video: https://bit.ly/2Hn8HDm 

The following are Impact Statements are from the students who participated in the Belize Mission Trip:

• “Going to Belize was such an amazing adventure because I got to experience a new culture and grow in my faith. Because I went to Belize, my life has been forever changed. I have never experienced such an exponential growth in faith before going to Belize. I had the opportunity to see God working around the world which I am so thankful for.” – MacKenzie Hancock, college freshman
• “Going on the mission trip to Belize showed me what it means to be a part of the body of Christ. I learned that my talents and interests can be used to show the beauty and share the love of God. It’s something I will never forget but always cherish!” – Katelyn Whitman, college freshman
• “My 2018 trip to Belize was absolutely incredible and 100% life changing. I spent the week alternating between times of quiet reflection with God and loud, boisterous moments enjoying my group. I learned that it is not as hard as I thought it would be to unplug and truly be in the present moment. I faced my fears and tried new things. I realized that the world is a MUCH bigger place than I thought it was. The culture and traditions are so interesting, and the food is delightful. I am fully confident that I will be returning to Belize on the next trip down, provided that nothing comes up that may prevent me from going. I can’t wait to see what else I learn and how I’ll grow as an individual on the next trip.” – Jasmine Lewis, college freshman
• “When I returned again to Belize in 2018, I expected God to use me once more, but even I didn’t know how much good God can bring. The school was able to get a number of new buildings, including a library, in the last five years that grew from our support of them. Even while we were there, our perseverance through the week led to our eyes being opened to the people around us as well as being an immense help to the schools we served at. The Belize mission trip grew my faith in God exponentially because I was able to see his plans to give this school and our group hope and a future in Him. I loved both of the experiences I had in Belize so far and I cannot wait to go again!” – Emma Evans, college freshman
• “Seeing the poverty in Belize really made me appreciate how much we have back home and how much we don’t even think of our resources. There are many people and families in poverty and in bad places with a lot of crime. It made me very thankful for what I had and happy that I could give some of my time and effort in trying to help in any way I could. I learned that the people there don’t just go to church, they worship and praise and really enjoy it. Back at home people just go to church and most of the time don’t pay attention to anything. I also loved seeing the kids play outside everyday. At home we have our devices and phones that we are glued to, and these kids don’t have that. They make their own fun outside playing with their friends. I am not sure yet if I am going back because it was a very long trip, but I think going back would be really awesome because it was an experience of a lifetime.” –Eric Marn, McDowell senior

The following are Impact Statements are from the leaders who participated in the Belize Mission Trip:

• “Our mission trip to Belize in 2013 is one of the most impactful events of my life. The perspective gained was truly life changing. Very few times in my life have I been able to block out the noise of life and can say that I directly felt the Holy Spirit in an undeniable way, but at Kuxlin Ha Government School in 2013, was certainly one of those times. My subsequent trips in 2015 and 2018 were equally impactful. The amount of growth that I got to observe in the group of teenagers that we led in 2018 was simply remarkable. It was one of the most amazing experiences that I have ever been a part of.” -Jake Tobolewski, Youth Group Director
• “Belize was a great eye opening experience. It definitely made me re-evaluate my daily priorities. It was so nice to take a step back from the day to day busy-ness and obligations and just enjoy nature and getting to help people. It made me so grateful for everything we have. It also made me sick about how much we take for granted. (I still have no sympathy when my kids complain that the wifi isn’t working since this trip! ha) I was so humbled by how happy everyone was that we interacted with and how much compassion we saw in Adrian (our Pathlight leader). I loved talking to Adrian about the pathlight students and to see how he cares so deeply for them. It was an incredibly moving experience how just a few of us could make a big difference in the projects we helped with in that short of time. I learned how to make concrete!!! I learned that I had muscles I never knew I had–because they all hurt from mixing concrete! But I loved that the principal and teachers were there working with us on their own time, to help get the projects done. I would definitely go back, and I really look forward to taking my children there when they get older to experience a whole different way of life.”-Jill Iszkula, Youth Group Leader
• “This mission trip…was also a life changing experience for all involved.  Even though I struggle with anxiety, and this trip brought on a lot of anxiety; I had a scorpion next to my bed one night, was terrified of running into a snake at night, and had a broken mattress. I loved every minute that I was in Belize because it taught me that I can overcome my fears, that I am strong, that I can serve God’s people, that I am privileged compared to many, and that there’s so much more of God’s work to be done! I can’t wait to return next June and serve more and show God’s love to Belize!” – Shannon Sanders, Youth Group Leader

Gannon University/Belize Mission Trip/March 2019
In March of 2019, nine students and faculty from Gannon University also traveled to Belize to work with our partner school, Kuxlin Ha. The main project of this trip was to repair broken desks. Most of the desks at Kuxlin Ha are the traditional desks where the workspace is attached to the chair. However, dozens of those desks were in disrepair because the main workspace had rotted and fallen off, leaving just the students just the arm portion of the chair to work on. Gannon’s students took new pieces of wood and attached them to the chairs, giving students space to work. Afterwards, they painted them vibrant colors, creating a safe and exciting environment in which to learn. Furthermore, students went to the different classrooms to ask teachers how they can help serve. Gannon students completed various projects such as fixing tables, creating a projector stand, and hanging up posters. Other students painted a mural on wall of one of Kuxlin Ha’s classrooms.Because school was in session, Gannon students had the unique opportunity to interact with the Kuxlin Ha students. They were able to play games and soccer with Kuxlin Ha children during recess. In addition to all of the physical work, Gannon students were able to visit the Mayan ruins and go snorkeling, thereby creating community and understanding the culture better. In the evenings, participants broke up into small groups allowing them to grow and reflect. They were able to grow emotionally, spiritually, and as leaders.

The following are impact statements from Gannon University students who participated in the Belize Mission Trip in March:

• “Belize helped me grow in many ways… Belize was an amazing experience. Not only did we get to help a school, we also visited different spots in Belize and learned about them. I didn’t know anything about the Mayan ruins, but after our tour there, I learned about the markings on them, when they were built, why they were built in those spots, and what happened in the different ruins. I’ve traveled a lot, and this trip was my favorite by far.” -Megan McCartney, Gannon Sophomore
• “I was able to make meaningful relationships. I learned I am capable of making a difference in other people’s lives while they also impacted me on how to think and appreciate the things in my life.” -Nichole Sommers, Gannon freshman
• “The Believe in Belize trip impacted my life in so many ways and allowed me to grow as a leader. I was able to meet so many wonderful people in Belize and learn about their culture. I gained a better understanding of the importance of service and leadership. This experience was meaningful to me because I was able to see the impact we made on others by doing an act of service.“ -Caitlin McKee, Gannon freshman

Into the Future: Working with Pathlight International to achieve our goals, Fairview Presbyterian Church, Gannon University, and Kuxlin Ha are committed to continue this partnership far into the future. Fairview Presbyterian Church and Gannon University would like to alternate going to Belize. Fairview Presbyterian Church already has confirmed dates to return to Belize in June 2020. Gannon University will most likely go back in March of 2021.