2021 Gift to the King
2021 Gift to the King Offering
“I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (CEB)
Did you know the Cumberland Presbyterian Church owns and operates three schools in Colombia, South America? The school in Cali is one of the largest and oldest institutions in our church. There are two other Cumberland Presbyterian schools in Colombia located in Pereira and Manizales. All three schools share the same name. They are called The Colegio Americano (The American School). This year’s Gift to the King Offering focuses on students in these three schools.
The GDP (gross domestic product) of Colombia dropped 7% in 2020. Economists refer to this consequence of the pandemic as Colombia’s Great Depression. In addition, the pandemic created challenges for students and schools around the world. Our three Colegio Americanos were no exception. Families are struggling to educate their children. This offering will be divided among the schools to assist students who need help with tuition. The pandemic created a window of need that we hope will soon become a memory. But until that time, some families need help. This offering will support struggling families that have students in the Colegios, thus allowing our schools the opportunity to continue educating students challenged by the economic impact of the pandemic.
Our three Colombian schools teach children as an expression of Christ’s love and sacrifice. The education the CP Church provides shares wisdom and professes the hope of Christ. What better future could we offer? The Cumberland Presbyterian Church has always valued the importance of education as a way to express God’s love. By giving to this offering, you are investing in the life of a young person. You are giving something that has greater value than silver or gold. Think of the hope a family will feel when they know that their child can continue their education despite the economic challenges of the pandemic.
Please prayerfully consider a generous gift to this year’s Gift to the King Offering.