FROM THE FIELD
In Today's Hotline: Read how UMCOR is responding to needs around the world:
KENYA: Clergy and Spouses Collaborate on HIV/AIDS GEORGIA: A "Gateway" for Disabled Children US: Bread for the World Sunday EVENT: Change the World Conference, Oct. 22-23KENYA: CLERGY AND SPOUSES COLLABORATE ON HIVAIDS
At a recent conference in Kenya, clergy and spouses came together to talk about ways to effectively respond to HIV/AIDS. Don Messer, chair for the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund was among the featured speakers. The event was led by Bishop Muruki and Ms. Florence Murugu of the Methodist Church in Kenya. Community pre- and post HIV/AIDS testing was part of the agenda, as well as a workshop on prevention.
Bonnie Messer, wife of Don Messer, led a session on the importance of counseling and patient confidentiality. An interactive leadership session led by retired Rocky Mountain UMC Pastor John Blinn and his wife Elaine, a medical social worker, addressed stigma and discrimination issues.
Plans for future pastor and spouse training are in development. You can support church leadership in their response to HIV/AIDS by giving to the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund, UMCOR Advance #982345.
GEORGIA: A "GATEWAY" FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN
Bogdan* is a seven year old boy in Tbilisi, Georgia with limited walking and communication abilities due to cerebral palsy. He rarely goes to school and has little contact with children his own age. When his mother learned about Gateway for the Future, a project supported by UMCOR, she placed her son in a cinema class. In the class, children with similar disabilities as Bogdan watch and discuss films. Before long, Bogdan was slowly opening up to his classmates and participating in class activities.
Gateway for the Future was made possible through a $30,000 grant provided by UMCOR to the Tbilisi Youth House Foundation in the Republic of Georgia. Through fun, educational and interactive learning activities, over 900 disabled children are developing socially, emotionally and physically. The classes include art, therapy gymnastics, computer lessons, music, and theatre.
You can support this effort that brings learning activities to special needs children in Georgia by giving to Georgia Emergency, UMCOR Advance #250305.
*Name has been changed.
US: BREAD FOR THE WORLD SUNDAY
United Methodist churches everywhere have an opportunity to renew their commitment to ending world hunger and poverty. Through Bread for World Sunday on October 18, or any Sunday before Thanksgiving, churches can lift up their voices on behalf of the hungry through education, prayer, and music.
Free resources include a scripture and sermon study on Mark 10:35-45 by Dr. John Buchanan, editor and publisher of Christian Century, as well as bulletin inserts, offering envelopes and a new sacred song composed by Marty Haugen. Special prayers for the day are also included. For more information and to download resources, please click here.
Bread for the World is a Christian organization based in the US which seeks justice for the world's hungry people by lobbying US legislators and other decision makers. You can also alleviate world hunger with your gifts to World Hunger Poverty, UMCOR Advance #982920.
EVENT: CHANGE THE WORLD CONFERENCE--OCT. 22-23, 2009
UMCOR is a sponsor and workshop leader for the upcoming Change the World Conference in Tipp City, Ohio on Oct. 22-23, 2009. Hosted by Ginghamsburg Church in Ohio, the conference provides tools for the church to engage in effective ministry.
Featured speakers include Ruby Payne, author of "A Framework for Understanding Poverty," Ron Sider, professor, evangelical speaker, writer and president of the Evangelicals for Social Action, Trevor Hudson, South African pastor, author, and speaker, and Mike Slaughter, pastor of Ginshamsburg Church.
For more details about the conference or to register, please click here.
UMCOR provides emergency relief in many areas of the world. To find out more about UMCOR's ministries, please visit umcor.org. You can donate to any project by placing a contribution in the offering plate at a local United Methodist church; by sending a check to UMCOR, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087-9068; or by calling 1-800-554-8583, where credit card donations are accepted. You can also give online at givetomission.org. UMCOR is exempt from tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States and qualifies for the maximum charitable contribution deduction by donors.
United Methodist Committee on Relief
General Board of Global Ministries, The United Methodist Church
Room 330, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115
Voice Phone: 1-212-870-3816; FAX: 1-212-870-3624
Email: umcor@gbgm-umc.org
Web: http://www.umcor.org
UMCOR. Be There. Be Hope.
UMCOR's mission is to alleviate human suffering-whether caused by war, conflict, or natural disaster-with open minds and hearts to all people.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
