Volume 10 No. 6
April 21, 2021

“But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need,
yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?”
—I John 3:17

by Zecharias Weldeyesus,
Pastor, Redeemer Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Atlanta, GA
(taken from Redeemer Mercy Ministry Clarkston's newsletter, March 2021)

God has a big heart for refugees and strangers among his people. In both the Old and New Testaments, the Lord commands his people to welcome and love the sojourners in their midst. And it is for that very purpose that Redeemer Mercy Ministry in the city of Clarkston started to exist, by God’s grace: To welcome and embrace all refugees from all nations in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, who himself was a refugee here on earth. To help them to be assimilated in the American culture and system, to teach them English, to provide assistance in their immigration cases, and to provide diaconal aid in the areas where they have physical needs.

Redeemer Mercy Ministry fulfills all the above acts of mercy to demonstrate Christ’s love to refugees and ultimately point them to the person and work of Christ for the salvation of sinners through the study of God’s word being led by the evangelist. The ministry also gives them the opportunity to be part of God’s worship at Redeemer OPC.

I ask all who love refugees in the name of Christ to support this unique ministry by prayer, and whenever the Lord enables you financially, to bring eternity into the lives of aliens and strangers.

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Ministering to Body and Soul

(taken from Redeemer Mercy Ministry Clarkston's newsletter, March 2021)

When Pastor Melaku Solomon Tamirat arrived in this country with his two sons in April 2019 to join his wife, Meron, he had already been serving for 20 years as a pastor in the Reformed Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Ethiopia. He had known ROPC pastor, Zecharias Weldeyesus, since they had met at a church conference in Pretoria, South Africa, in 2005, and the latter soon engaged Melaku in helping with ROPC's ministry to refugees in Clarkston (recently named Redeemer Mercy Ministry).

When Pastor Chris Cashen left the position as leader of ROPC's work in Clarkston in August 2020, Melaku stepped into this role in a provisional capacity. ROPC members recently voted to call him to this position, which will be become official, says Zaki, once Melaku passes upcoming OPC committee and presbytery exams. With a bachelor's degree in theology, Melaku has completed an English course here and is currently taking additional theology courses at Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Taylors, SC, to satisfy the Presbytery requirement for transfer of his credentials.

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Can You Help?

The Refugee Ministry Subcommittee is seeking to learn from OPC congregations about any experience they may have with refugee ministry. Would you be willing to spend five minutes to take the survey?

Take me to the survey

Opportunities and Updates

The Uganda Mission

There are several ways that you can serve at the Uganda Mission, especially for those able to go for a month or more. Check our website for all opportunities.

Find out more

English Camp for Kids, Quebec City, 2021

Calling all Canadians! If you are living in Canada and are able and willing to serve in Quebec City the first or second week of July, please contact Pastor Westerveld.

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English Café in Quebec City

St-Marc’s Reformed Church in Québec City, where OP Missionary Ben Westerveld is the Pastor, welcomes you to come to Quebec and do friendship evangelism by hosting a “Café Anglais” (English Café). Travel restrictions may apply during the pandemic. Be sure to contact Pastor Ben with any questions.

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The Boardwalk Chapel 2021

There are many different opportunities to serve at the Boardwalk Chapel this summer:

work group needed next weekend!
staff -- paid positions urgently need to be filled
Street Preaching Conference

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Uruguay

The government of Uruguay has closed the borders to the country due to COVID-19. However, when the borders open again our missionaries are eager to welcome missionary associates. Check our website for current information if you are interested in this opportunity.

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The Latest

Tropical Storm Isaias

Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic:
Leonardtown, Maryland
We praise the Lord that this effort is well on its way to completion! Site coordinator, Curt Sproul (seen here in the photo laying flooring), reports that painting is nearly finished; cabinets and tiling are in process; and flooring is being installed. Donations toward this effort continue to be accepted and are very much appreciated! Please go to: give.opc.org to make a donation online.