DETROIT, Mich. – Larissa Kwong Abazia was confirmed as vice moderator for the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) by commissioners during Sunday’s plenary session at the Cobo Center.
A day after his election as moderator, Heath Rada participated in the installation service of Abazia as vice moderator along with PCUSA Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons.
Abazia is pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills in Queens, N.Y., part of Presbytery of New York City.
“You will have the privilege and burden of representing the Presbyterian Church at home and abroad,” Rada said during the installation service.
Parsons added, “This is a particular service to which God has called you.”
Abazia’s confirmation was approved by an overwhelming voice vote of commissioners.
Later on, she moderated portions of the gathering.
Acknowledging missionaries
During the plenary session, leaders of the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) recognized the service of missionaries and commissioned those going out into the field.
Nine missionaries were recognized for giving more than 20 years of service to sharing God’s Word with people in foreign lands, including two with more than 30 years of experience. Those recognized served in Mexico, Costa Rico, Japan, Ecuador and Congo among other countries, tallying nearly 360 years of combined service, PMA Executive Director Linda Valentine said.
“We praise God for your years of faithful service,” Valentine said.
In commissioning the missionaries who will be venturing out, Hunter Ferrell, director of Presbyterian World Missions for PMA, acknowledged their work.
“This will take you to many places across the globe to serve our partners in the body of Christ,” he said.
Roger Dermody, executive deputy director for PMA, added, “These people are being called through the church by God to serve.”