Dozens of missionaries from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) will be visiting churches across the nation next week as a part of the body's second World Mission Challenge.

From Sept. 25 to Oct. 18 the missionaries will be visiting hundreds of churches in the PC(USA), sharing their stories of God's work in other countries and emphasizing the body's commitment to doing mission in partnership with churches and institutions in other countries. At present, 152 out of 173 presbyteries in the PC(USA) are signed up to participate in the event, eight more than the amount that participated in the first World Mission Challenge in 2007.

"The large number of presbyteries that are participating indicates that Presbyterians' enthusiasm about international mission is widespread," said the Rev. Ellen Dozier, chair of the committee coordinating World Mission Challenge and former PC(USA) mission worker in Guatemala. "As soon as they were contacted, many presbyteries said they were eager to participate."

Joining the PC(USA) missionaries in their speaking engagements will be nearly a dozen International Peacemakers - mission representatives with special knowledge of peace and justice issues in their countries. The speakers will be hosted at a variety of events throughout the World Mission Challenge ranging from worship services and presbytery meetings to youth events and potluck dinners.

Guatemala-based mission worker Roger Marriott, who will be embarking on his most rigorous speaking schedule since beginning his mission service in 2002, told the Presbyterian News Service that he is looking forward to sharing his mission stories in parts of Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Michigan where he is booked to speak.

"It sounds like fun to me," he said. "It fits my personality."

Marriott also shared that the World Mission Challenge is an important opportunity for members of PC(USA) to be informed about mission activities.

"It's important that Presbyterians know what the Presbyterian Church is doing," he said. "We find that too many Presbyterians, including pastors, don't know how the church operates in mission."

Following the month-long missions event will be the World Mission Celebration '09, a three-day conference featuring networking opportunities, workshops and exhibits, and opportunities to become PC(USA) missionaries. The conference is scheduled to be held from Oct. 22 to 24 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

On the web:

http://www.pcusa.org/missionchallenge/