News and Events

Westminster Mission Focus

Dr. Tanya DeSanto and Emma Batterman in Haiti

The Westminster Mission Endowment provided financial support to Dr. Tanya DeSanto and her daughter, Emma Batterman, who served as medical missionaries with IAMM from March 3-10, 2016 in Gonaive, Haiti. Dr. DeSanto treated over 200 dental patients and the medical team served over 500 patients. 

IAMM (International Assist Medical Missions) in Springfield consists of a small group of medical providers who offer short term health care to the most needy of God's children.  We are grateful for Tanya and Emma’s commitment to reach beyond themselves and serve in this meaningful way.

Westminster Hosts "Bike and Build"

It is an honor to host Bike and Build each July. These young people  ride their bicycles from Providence, RI to San Francisco, CA and work on Habitat for Humanity houses along the way.  Thanks to Kelly Bassett, Judy Huston, Pat and Al Hymans, Krista and Brad Steller, and Mary Ray for joining me in hosting the Bike and Build crew. This year fifteen members and staff joined the thirty-one participants for dinner and to hear their stories.                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Ann Collins,
                                                                     Mission Committee

Mary Caroline Mitchell in Vietnam

During her trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with a national delegation of 20 Dining for Women members, Mary Caroline Mitchell visited projects the group funds that provide mico-loans to assist single mothers’ small businesses.  Mary Caroline was impressed how, in the midst of such adversity and poverty, the Vietnamese women she met were so motivated to see their children receive an education.  The strength of the women, 90% of whom have repaid their small loans, created sense of hope for situations that one might have otherwise viewed as hopeless prior to this visit. The group was also overwhelmed with the hospitality, friendliness and welcome received from people who were US enemies 40 years ago. Mary Caroline reported that she came back to Springfield reenergized with the proof that one should never lose faith in the possibility that we can make a difference. She felt the support of the Westminster family for this adventure and will share her experiences as a member of Westminster and its Mission Committee. 

Dr. Peter Kieffer in Dominican Republic

Over the last 25 years, Dr. Peter Kieffer has served on five medical missions in Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and along the Amazon with Medical Ministry International.  For almost 60 years, Medical Ministry International has brought medical care and The Gospel to the underserved through short-term missions and the development of training centers and hospitals throughout the world.  Peter will present his family's experience as they served on his last two missions to the Dominican Republic and the Amazon River basin.

Beth Bellatti in Peru

Beth Bellatti spent 3 ½ months volunteering in Huaycan (Feb-May 2013), Peru with the Light and Leadership Initiative (LLI). LLI supports Huaycan, a shantytown located outside of Lima, by improving the availability and quality of education offered to its women and children. She volunteered primarily in LLI’s Women’s Program working with women ages 25 to 80 - teaching Spanish Literacy and computers, organizing women’s workshops such as the community garden project, leading Zumba fitness classes, and overseeing LLI’s Artisan Program. She also had the opportunity to participate in the children’s program assisting in some of the English, sports, art and reading classes. It was a rewarding experience that she will never forget. For information on the Light and Leadership Initiative visit: www.lightandleadership.

Sarah Blythe in Ghana

Sarah Blythe has spent portions of three summers volunteering in a Ghanian hospital run by local Doctor Agamah, and photo documenting lives of women working in village markets. These trips would be her first times out of the continental US and the inspiration for her career path in photojournalism.

Carole Kennerly in Northern Ireland

In Spring 2012 Carole traveled with 24 fellow Presbyterians to study Peace Making in Northern Ireland. They met with scholars, government officials, clergy and others involved in conflict resolution, concentrating on the period known as “The Troubles.” A polarized American might learn from the experiences and history of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.