Missionary will Itinerate in Presbytery
By Ruth Jones
Kara VanderKamp, recent former PC(USA) missionary educator in Niger, West Africa will be itinerating in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities during the month of October and first week in November. She will be preaching in First Presbyterian in Hudson, First Presbyterian in Rochester, Trinity Presbyterian in Woodbury, North Presbyterian in North St. Paul and First Presbyterian in St. Croix Falls. Time is available for her to speak to church or other groups during the weekdays. Contact Ruth Jones, 651-275-3700, if interested in hearing Kara speak.
Kara was sent by the PC(USA) to assist the leaders of the local denomination in their endeavor to create a Christian school system. During her assignment, a department of education was created for the church, two primary schools were opened and the primary boarding school was further developed. Kara also had the opportunity to teach ESL in one of the church’s primary schools, as well as organize an after school soccer program for boys and girls.
She has since founded “Remember Niger Coalition” a 501(c)(3) non profit organization committed to uniting people and mobilizing resources to expand quality education opportunities in Niger.
Niger is predominately a Muslim country located north of Nigeria. With nearly two-thirds of the land consumed by the Sahara Desert, Niger consistently ranks as one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world. Life expectancy is 44 years, with 25% of the children dying before the age of 5. In addition, over 60% of the population has never attended school. The average Nigerien earns less than $200 annually.
Kara has also done educational ministry in Kenya, Africa. Immediately prior to her appointment to Niger, Kara obtained her Master’s degree in International Educational Development at Teacher’s College, Columbia University. She was a 4th grade teacher at Circle-Rock Preparatory School in Chicago, Illinois, a facilitator for Habitat for Humanity in Chicago. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hope College, Holland, Michigan.
Ruth Jones is a member of North Presbyterian Church in North St. Paul.
Kara’s Preaching Schedule
- Oct. 4: First, Presbyterian Hudson
- Oct. 11: First Presbyterain, Rochester
- Oct. 18: Trinity Presbyterian, Woodbury
- Oct. 25: North Presbyterian, N. St. Paul
- Nov. 1: First Presbyterian, St. Croix Falls
Tags: congregations, mission, missionaries, peace and justice, presbyterian
