International peacemaker to visit Missouri Valley College | Reception set for Oct. 8 on the MVC campus

International Peacemaker Rev. Mary Lien Nguyen will make a stop at Missouri Valley College to visit with faculty, staff, students and members of the Marshall community about her role in the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program.

Nguyen will speak at 12 noon on Thursday, Oct. 8, in the Ferguson Center R. Wilson Brown Room on the MVC campus, according to a news release from the college.

Nguyen grew up Catholic in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) studying in a French girls' school where she developed concern for women's issues.

At 21, she became a Protestant and began a new congregation which she and her husband led. They were later trained and ordained by visiting Presbyterians.

Today, Nguyen pastors a local church and is a leader of women in the small Presbyterian Church in Vietnam. She helps to train women and youth throughout the nation.

"Among 84 million Vietnamese citizens there are 5,500 Presbyterians," said Rev. Pam Sebastian, MVC's campus chaplain and assistant professor of religion. "Missouri Valley Campus Ministry is honored to welcome Nguyen to campus as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) International Peacemaker Program."

According to the Presbyterian Peacemaking Programs website, International Peacemakers are leaders who are engaged in peacemaking in their own areas of the world.

They are invited by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to visit with Presbyterians in the United States and to help them understand the peace and justice concerns of others around the world.

This sharing translates into a better understanding of the peace and justice issues in our own communities.

Attendees are welcome to bring a sack lunch to the presentation.

"Try to imagine the challenges she faces and the power of her message," Sebastian said. "Bring your questions and join members of the campus and town communities on Oct. 8."