Africa - Presbytery to Presbytery

     Begun in 1955, our Presbytery has a partnership with the Presbytery of Western Cape in South Africa.  It continues to grow through personal relationships and visits, congregation to congregation partnerships, and other ministry projects, such as putting a roof on a new church there.  African delegates visit Trinity and various other regional churches each year.

Africa Partnership with J.L. Zwane

     J.L. Zwane Partnership includes funding for:
The Inzame zabantu Community Health Centre. This health center serves an average of 200 patients a day.
The Rainbow After-school Study Programme where students are assisted with homework and additional lessons to reinforce learning.  On average, 120 children per week are in this program.

HIV/AIDS Education and Training:  Education and training about HIV/AIDS continues to be crucial in South Africa.  This program provides training as well as counseling, care and support of those infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

 Ministerio de Fe - Mexico Faith Ministry

     For the past dozen years, members of Trinity have traveled to a colonia outside of Reynosa, Mexico, to help build homes. Here a combination of homelessness, illiteracy, few job opportunities, very low wages and a culture that values very large families has resulted in a generational poverty  few can escape. Our team has witnessed the miracles of God's kingdom first hand in this place. Through a yearly financial commitment and a fearless workforce, Trinity has provided many of God's children with the blessing of a home. They are grateful to God and we realize we have become the Body of Christ. We build a one room concrete block house in five days and they have a home they feel will house many generations of their family.  Instead of hopelessness, we see hope.  Instead of serving, we are served.  The approach is modeled after Habitat, but the homes are cinder block, and have no "amenities" of plumbing or power.  12' x 20', the homes are a big improvement over the Mexicans' current shelter.  In June of 2006, 16 youth and 12 adults made the trip to build two houses.  It was an enriching experience for everyone as we made new friends and reconnected with families for whom we built houses in past years.

Heifer International

     Since its founding in 1944, Heifer International has helped families in more than 125 countries become self-reliant by providing farm animals and training.  Trinity adults and children alike have fun at our bi-annual fall Heifer Fair buying 'shares' of cows, pigs, ducks, sheep, etc., for families who agree to pass on the gifts of livestock and learning to others.  Heifer International is a wonderful example of 'teaching a man to fish' instead of just giving him food for a meal.

Bread for the World

     Trinity works with Bread for the World, a nationwide Christian citizens' movement that lobbies decision-makers for justice for the world's hungry peoples.  Members contact elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. with phone calls and letters to emphasize the need for caring decisions and votes when issues regarding hunger arise.

SERRV

     Jewelry, crafts and other items made by people in under developed countries are sold in the SERRV Shop located just off Trinity's narthex.  It is open on Sunday, on request, at special events and at other locations by invitation.  Trinity receives 20% of the total sales, which then goes back to projects in 3rd world countries.  SERRV helps people become self-supporting by buying and selling their products.

The Hallead Family

     Trinity formed a financial partnership with Glenn & Carol Hallead, who serve as Missionaries and Co-workers with the Presbyterian Church USA.  The Hallead Family is presently serving in Ghana.  Their weblog (hallead.blogspot.com) chronicles their activities and acts as a primary form of communication with those interested in following their ministry.