General Board of Global Ministries

Introducing our newest group of Global Ministries Mission Volunteers! 🌎
This group participated in an ecumenical first-of-its-kind training in Chicago, partnering with volunteers from the United Church of Christ and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Do you want to become a Global Ministries Mission Volunteer? This is your last chance to apply and attend the final training session of 2024 in November! Visit umcmission.org/serve-with-us/mission-volunteers to apply.

Celebrate by supporting mothers and children through Global Ministries. Your gift provides access to essential health care support to mothers around the world.

Give now: https://umcmission.org/advance-project/3021770/

Want to cultivate a nurturing environment for mothers and children in your community?

Offer a helping hand or listening ear to a new mother, advocate for breastfeeding-friendly spaces and share reliable resources and information. Every bit of advocacy makes a difference.

See resources: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-breastfeeding-week/2024

We acknowledge the diversity of journeys and pray for the strength and encouragement of breastfeeding mothers and those who support them. Access to health care services and a community network are vital pieces of the journey.

support of 29 health facilities, 95 health care professionals and 530 frontline community health workers is expanding the practice of breastfeeding and the benefit it can bring to under-resourced families.

Learn more about Global Ministries’ work in Global Health at https://umcmission.org/global-health-2/.

Hear firsthand experiences from United Methodist missionaries at on Thursday, August 8, 12 p.m. ET.

Meet missionaries Tsakani Michelle July and Arabia Sweet and learn how they are transforming communities in Colombia and the U.S.

Register now: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvcemsqj4vHNEQMmFj9fKgMDZi_TF6OIxi #/registration

Community, resources and hope for the future: this is what the program provides!

Last call to apply to attend the fall training, Oct. 3-6 in Baltimore and St. Paul: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/

General Secretary Roland Fernandes provided opening remarks at the DS/DCM training taking place at Lake Junaluska, NC.

For those who saw our earlier post about our giving platform being down while we performed a security upgrade, we are back online. Thank you!

Join the World Methodist Council in prayer for justice and peace in the tomorrow, July 24, at 1 p.m. ET and every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month.

Each virtual meeting includes updates from partners, reflections from local voices (including missionary Jane Eesley), and communal prayer.

To join, email [email protected].

Solar power is helping communities across the connection plan for the future.

The program provides project support to make your church more sustainable!

Apply today and attend the upcoming fall training: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/

"Why do we do mission?"

This question was the focus of the School of Mission for Young People event, which brought together 32 passionate young adult leaders from July 8-12 in Manila.

The event offered a unique opportunity to deepen one's understanding of mission through conversations about community engagement and visits to the communities of Global Ministries' partners.

With support from Global Ministries' Yambasu Agriculture Initiative and other UMC partners, the Hanwa community in Zimbabwe constructed two half-acre greenhouses.

These "life-transforming" greenhouses will address climate change, improve education and support financial stability at Hanwa Mission schools.

Learn more in this United Methodist News story: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/greenhouses-enrich-lives-at-church-mission

missionary, the Rev. Eliad Dias dos Santos, believes in extending the church's reach beyond its walls to serve those in need.

From aiding women in Brazil to supporting migrants in Italy, her mission is to meet people where they are.

Discover how she is transforming lives and fostering community: https://umcmission.org/story/taking-church-to-the-streets/

Apply to become a Global Ministries Mission Volunteer! Embark on a long-term service opportunity with communities worldwide in areas like teaching, healthcare or working with refugees.

Attend the final 2024 training, held Nov. 11-14 in Baldwin, LA.

Learn more: https://umcmission.org/mission-volunteers/

Need help getting your creation care project off the ground? Is a lack of resources stopping you from composting, installing solar or planting a rain garden?

As a , you can apply for grant funding to support projects that achieve measurable, positive environmental impact.

Apply today: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/

Roland Fernandes has assumed leadership of General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, effective today, adding to his responsibilities as general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR - United Methodist Committee On Relief. He takes the chief executive position at GBHEM following Greg Bergquist's retirement.

With a rich history of service and vision for collaboration, Roland is set to lead both agencies into a future filled with hope, unity and transformative mission.

Learn more: https://umcmission.org/news-statements/fernandes-begins-tenure-as-general-secretary-of-two-agencies-as-he-assumes-gbhems-chief-executive-role/

Cultivate a community of environmental enthusiasts through the program! Join the upcoming training, Oct. 3-6, to access resources and support in developing projects that make a positive impact where you are.

Apply today: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/

Explore the experiences of young adult missionaries serving in the Global Mission Fellows - Global Ministries of UMC program.

From advocating for climate change in Sierra Leone to hosting homelessness awareness programs in Northern Ireland, their stories of service are powerful.

Dive into their memories and witness the impact 10 's made across the world.

Read more: https://umcmission.org/story/my-life-as-a-global-mission-fellow-come-and-see/

As drought in Zimbabwe takes a major toll on maize harvest at UMC farms, including four that are supported by Global Ministries' Yambasu Agriculture Initiative, sustainable agricultural solutions are needed to help withstand climate shocks.

Learn more in this United Methodist News story: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/drought-puts-lives-church-farms-at-risk-in-zimbabwe

Drought puts lives, church farms at risk in Zimbabwe El Niño-induced drought has left millions facing hunger. The United Methodist Church’s efforts to boost food security in the region also suffered a huge blow, with church mission farms seeing major crop losses.

Looking for a community and resources to help you better care for creation? Become a !

Take part in the next training, Oct. 3-6.
Learn more and apply today: umcmission.org/earthkeepers/

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The Rev. James M. Lawson Jr., a trailblazer in nonviolent resistance and civil rights activism, passed away at 95.

Before he became a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Lawson served in India as a young adult missionary.

Learn more about his legacy and commitment to peace and justice work in this United Methodist News story: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/the-rev-james-lawson-pastor-and-civil-rights-pioneer-dies-at-95

"The donation to the Central African Republic Mission Initiative will really propel the Methodist movement in CAR at an exciting time in the history of the development of the church," notes General Secretary Roland Fernandes.

Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA, recently raised over $150,000 to build the first church in the Central African Republic. With funding secured, the Mission Initiative will purchase land through a grant provided by Global Ministries and begin building the church.

This new church "home" will strengthen both communities' commitment to outreach, service, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

Read more about this partnership: https://umcmission.org/story/providing-a-church-home-in-africa-inspires-cascade-umc-in-the-u-s/

With support from Global Ministries and the United Methodist Deaf and Hard of Hearing Ministries Committee, the United Methodist Church of Burundi has launched a new ministry to support and share the gospel with people who are Deaf or have partial hearing loss.

This initiative allows more than 580 living in the region to fully participate in church services, marking a significant step toward inclusivity.

Learn more in this United Methodist News story: https://www.umnews.org/en/news/burundi-united-methodist-ministry-encourages-inclusion

Photo by Rev. Niyiragira Ladislas, UM News

Have you ever wondered what life is like for a missionary?

Find out on the June 6 episode!

Join us on Zoom to meet missionaries who are serving around the world. Limited spots are available—register today! https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkce2qrDwsHNbfkyP9GijavB76FId8lLvj #/registration

The Pacific Islander grant offers resources to strengthen the growth of churches, revitalization efforts, leadership training & scholarships and language resources within the U.S.

Learn more and apply now: https://umcmission.org/multiethnic-ministries/

General Secretary Roland Fernandes recently attended the Connectional Conference of the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and the Americas where he was honored to speak at the induction service of Bishop Juan Miguel Simpson.