MUTARE, ZIMBABWE—Africa University (AU) and the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church (Global Ministries) have entered into a four-year partnership to support pioneering research and innovation in agriculture and public health – two of the most pressing areas shaping the continent’s future. AU’s vital work in these areas was put at risk due to the sudden withdrawal of international aid earlier this year.

Agriculture is part of Africa University’s roots. When AU opened its doors in 1992, Agriculture and Theology were its founding faculties – nourishing both body and spirit. Today, the university’s strategic focus on agricultural innovation marks a return to that foundational call for holistic, transformational education that creates leaders for the continent of Africa, grounded in Christian values.

Global Ministries will provide funding, technical support and capacity-building resources, while AU also lends its agricultural expertise. They will work through Global Ministries’ successful Yambasu Agricultural Initiative, named after the late Bishop John K. Yambasu, who was the fourth chancellor of Africa University, serving from 2020 until his untimely death that same year.

Africa University’s life-saving work on malaria prevention through the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria (ZENTO) will be supported through the partnership. The ZENTO program, conducted with Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health and Child Care and its malaria partners, saw breakthroughs that have included the identification of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes and the creation of one of the nation’s largest malaria research and insect reference centers.

The ZENTO program’s achievements have contributed significantly to a reduction in malaria cases across Zimbabwe’s hardest-hit provinces. However, the sudden withdrawal of international aid placed this vital work at risk. With Global Ministries’ support, AU’s laboratories can continue operating, mentoring young scientists and anchoring the nation’s malaria control efforts.

The partnership between AU and Global Ministries also opens doors to extend agriculture and health research impact across United Methodist episcopal areas and health partners in Africa, advancing the pan-African connection and moving toward the collective aspiration of health equity and scientific leadership, born of the continent.

“The elimination of foreign aid funds has impacted vital work at AU. Though we cannot fill the full funding gap caused by these massive funding cuts, we hope to help mitigate some of the impact. This will allow AU to continue vital work in education, health and sustainable agriculture,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary for Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry. “Through the United Methodist network, we also hope this partnership will have an impact on communities throughout the continent.”

Africa University Vice Chancellor, Rev. Professor Peter Mageto, said of the collaboration: “This partnership is a powerful testimony of what Africa University represents – hope, resilience and possibility. At a time when many doors have closed, Global Ministries has continued to invest in African solutions, led by African minds. With this support, our faculty and students can continue doing what they do best: shaping knowledge into action, and action into lasting change. The future is calling, and together, we are answering it!”

Africa University was established 33 years ago as the first private, fully accredited university in Zimbabwe. It is the first university in Africa approved by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. With four colleges, one school and two training institutes, AU is a Pan-African institution that has educated students from more than 36 African nations.

Global Ministries, the global mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church, has worked in mission and ministry for more than 200 years and is one of the founders of Africa University, reaching more than 100 countries through its programs and through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR).

Media Contacts:

Susan Clark
Chief Communications Officer, General Board of Global Ministries
Communications@umcmission.org

Jeanette Dadzie
Director, Advancement and Public Affairs, Africa University
dapa@africau.edu

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ATLANTA — In an unprecedented moment of moral reckoning, Global Ministries and the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) of The United Methodist Church today issue The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge, a bold and urgent call to action from faith communities across the nation. With 45 initial signers, including CWS’ Covenant Members, this declaration is more than a statement—it is a solemn and unshakable commitment by religious leaders and organizations to stand against policies that endanger refugees and immigrants.

At a time when the United States faces defining choices about its treatment of the displaced and persecuted, this powerful declaration is a collective stand for justice. It calls on all people of faith to root their advocacy in scripture and directly challenges political leaders to remember that America’s identity is inseparable from its immigrant history. The way the nation treats its most vulnerable will not only shape communities at home but will define the country’s moral standing in the global arena.

Following the administration’s executive orders that oppose the proud American tradition of welcome, directives to abdicate our leadership around the world, and enactment of policies that keep families separated, the Declaration says:

Together in faith and rooted in love, we resolve to continue in the centuries-old practice of Christian communities walking alongside refugees and immigrants in their pursuit of safety and dignity. We pledge to restore and promote hospitality and welcome to those seeking refuge – regardless of where they are from, how they pray or what language they speak.

Guided by our faith, we stand together against the sweeping measures that are devastating vulnerable families and jeopardizing their futures. These actions not only cause immediate harm but also threaten our country’s long-term ability to welcome and support those in need. We grieve for the families who have been torn apart, had years-long reunification plans cancelled, been detained and deported, have been unjustly blocked from accessing asylum protections, and have been left without access to the basic assistance they need to thrive.

Joined by CWS’ Covenant Members and faith leaders and communities across the country, this declaration comes at a time of uncertainty for the United States Refugee Admissions Program.

Rick Santos, president and CEO of Church World Service adds, “Against a backdrop of cuts to essential programs, a seeming push towards isolationism and rhetoric that encourages us to distrust our new neighbors, this Declaration is an urgent reminder of our values. As followers of Jesus Christ, we welcome, we don’t turn away. We cherish inclusivity, we don’t spurn it. And, ultimately, our values lead us to community instead of division.”

Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR, states, “Central to many faith traditions is the call to welcome the stranger and care for those in need. The administration’s immigration policies undermine our moral obligation to offer refuge and support to those seeking safety and a better life. We must advocate for a more compassionate and inclusive approach to immigration that reflects the gospel, values all lives as sacred and promotes justice and peace.”

The Ash Wednesday Ecumenical Declaration: Defending Refuge is issued today with the support of CWS’ Covenant Members, individual faith leaders and congregations, and organizations such as: National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA; AME Zion Church; Catholic Legal Immigration Network; The Episcopal Church; Friends United Meeting; Latino Christian National Network; Mennonite Central Committee US; Sojourners; and World Relief.

The Declaration is now open for signatures from across the country, and will continue so through Lent.

For more information, or to speak with Fernandes, contact Susan Clark at communications@umcmission.org.

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ATLANTA – United Methodist churches in the U.S. will have the opportunity to help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their local communities again in 2025. The United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grant program, now in its fifth year, provides congregations with up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project.

“As Jesus shares in his parable, small mustard seeds have the potential to grow into something pervasive that spreads throughout a field,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “Since the start of the program, we have seen United Methodist churches learn more about immigrants, migrants and refugees in their communities and address their needs through these grants. The ‘seed’ of welcoming strangers has been planted in new and unique ways in congregations around the country.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Sept. 1, 2025. Up to 100 churches will be awarded a grant on a first-come first-serve basis. New applicants, as well as churches that have completed a Mustard Seed project in the past, are welcome to apply. Monies will be dispersed within four weeks of application approval and the project must be completed within six months.

“Now, more than ever, UMC congregations need to learn about migrants by working with them in their own communities. Now, more than ever, migrants need to feel welcomed and loved by their neighbors,” said the Rev. Jack Amick, director of Global Migration for UMCOR. “Mustard Seed Migration Grants can help congregations that wish to walk on a journey together with migrants.” 

Examples of projects completed by United Methodist churches in 2024 include:

First United Methodist Church in Troy, MI, helped resettle a recently arrived refugee family by providing furnishings and household items. Volunteers helped install items in the home which greatly helped the family’s transition during a difficult time.

Brookstown United Methodist Church in Pfafftown, NC, provided support to a Haitian family that needed stable housing, English as a Second Language pre-school and further integration into the community. 

Charleroi United Methodist Church in Charleroi, PA, created a clothing ministry to offer coats, gloves, bedding, towels and other essential clothing to immigrant families in need.

Legacy United Methodist Church in Bismarck, ND, provided refugees with cookware and cooking classes alongside longtime local residents which helped a “dish exchange” among Bismarck locals and refugees.

For the full list of 2024 recipients, click here.

To learn more about the program requirements and to apply online, click here.

Contact mustardseed@umcor.org with questions or for more information.

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About the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church. A part of United Methodist Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and its territories. The agency’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering with open hearts and minds to all people. Working in the areas of disaster response and recovery and migration, UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own.

The post Applications open for 2025 Mustard Seed Migration Grant program  appeared first on Global Ministries.

ATLANTA – Global Ministries will commission 67 new EarthKeepers in an online service on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. EST. This service will affirm the EarthKeepers in their call to the ministry of creation care and bless their work in their communities. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries.

Global Ministries EarthKeepers is a training program to equip United Methodists in the United States for environmental stewardship. Participants discuss theology, United Methodist resources, community organizing and antiracism, and then use what they learn to develop an environmental project for their churches and communities. The program supports people looking to turn an idea into action and those who want to deepen an existing ministry. Participants develop plans in conversation with their peers, troubleshooting ideas and sharing strategies.

With 2024 trainings held online and in Baltimore, Md., and St. Paul, Minn., this group of EarthKeepers represents 30 annual conferences and all five jurisdictions. Participants include clergy, laity, annual conference staff and agency staff.

“Large-scale, climate-driven catastrophes around the world are stretching the capacity and resources of United Methodist disaster responders,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and General Board of Higher Education and Ministry. “When Global Ministries EarthKeepers lead community-driven environmental projects, they are building a bulwark against future suffering.”

“These EarthKeepers are driven by the urgency of the environmental crisis, a sense of calling to respond, and a deep well of faith to carry them on the journey,” said the Rev. Jenny Phillips, director of Environmental Sustainability. “They have developed ambitious projects which together will create significant positive impact on emissions, sustainable land use, waste management and more.”

This is the eighth year that the EarthKeepers commissioning service has been held online, allowing EarthKeepers to participate along with their family, friends and church community. The service will be led by Bishop Lanette Plambeck, resident bishop for the Dakotas-Minnesota Area.  

Headshots of the participants are available for annual conference communications use at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/globalministriesearthkeepers/albums/72177720321391510.

To read more about EarthKeepers projects and to get updates on 2025 trainings, join the Global Ministries Creation Care Network at http://creationcare.umcmission.org/signup.

The 2024 Global Ministries EarthKeepers reside in the following conferences:

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About the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church

Global Ministries is the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1819, Global Ministries today supports more than 200 missionaries in over 60 countries, including the United States. It has personnel, projects, and partners in 115 countries. Learn more about Global Ministries by visiting www.umcmission.org or by following www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries and www.twitter.com/UMCmission.

Media Contact:
Susan Clark, Chief Communications Officer

communications@umcmission.org

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ATLANTA – Become a Global Mission Fellow (GMF) and join the movement of young adults who cross boundaries to better understand and respond to injustice.

The Global Mission Fellows program of The United Methodist Church places young adults, ages 20-30, in social justice ministries for two years of service. The program is excited to announce the launch of the application for the next cohort of fellows.

Since 1951, fellows have worked to address deep-rooted systems of injustice in a variety of areas, including food insecurity, migration/immigration, education and poverty. They gain a fresh perspective on systems preventing social change as they engage with current world issues.

“As we live in a world that is becoming increasingly polarized and the divide between socioeconomic classes, ideologies, race/ethnicity, and gender identities deepen, I believe God is pouring out God’s Spirit on all people so that ‘Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young will see visions. Your elders will dream dreams.’” (Acts 2:17, CEB), says the Rev. Dr. Judy Chung, executive director for Missionary Service for Global Ministries. “With the Spirit of God working in and through young people, a movement of God’s mission that ushers in justice and peace can transform the world.” 

The Wesleyan value of personal and social holiness is at the core of the Global Mission Fellows program. The program is open to those from different denominational backgrounds, but participants are expected to represent The United Methodist Church and uphold its social principles during their time of service.

Fellows form meaningful relationships with their host community as they are mentored by organizations meeting immediate needs and working toward lasting transformation. They receive ongoing training in spiritual and professional development and the program provides ways for the cohort to stay connected across countries and placement sites. 

The application deadline for the international track is Jan. 15, 2025. The program is not accepting applications for service on the US-2 track this year. Placement matches will be assigned throughout the selection process, but early application is encouraged for the strongest match. The application for the international track can be found at https://umcmission.org/become-a-fellow-international-track/.

Those selected for the next Global Mission Fellow cohort will begin onboarding in Spring 2025 and start service in August 2025.

For more information regarding the program or application process, email missionaryinfo@umcmission.org.

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About the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church

Global Ministries is the worldwide mission and development agency of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1819, Global Ministries today supports more than 200 missionaries in over 60 countries, including the United States. It has personnel, projects and partners in 115 countries. Learn more about Global Ministries by visiting www.umcmission.org or by following www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries and Twitter.com/UMCmission.

The post Application opens for GMF program, international track appeared first on Global Ministries.

ATLANTA – In 2024, Encounter with Christ (a ministry partnership between the Methodist Church in the Caribbean and Americas, the Council of Evangelical Methodist Churches in Latin America and the Caribbean, and Global Ministries) awarded grants to 11 mission partners from the permanent fund of Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean. Ministries receiving these grants will benefit hundreds and thousands of people in Latin America and the Caribbean region. The total amount awarded was $196,088.

Global Ministries established a permanent fund called Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean (Encounter with Christ) by vote of the Board of Directors in 1992. When the fund reached $1,000,000 in donations in 2005, grants began to be distributed by Global Ministries. Since then, Global Ministries has awarded more than $1,500,000 to regional mission partners.

Encounter with Christ tells the story of vibrant mission in South America, Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The Methodist churches in Latin America and the Caribbean work to advance mission with some of the most marginalized populations in their communities, including women and children, immigrants, Indigenous communities, and those suffering from racial and gender inequality. The Encounter with Christ permanent fund supports Global Ministries’ efforts to partner with national and regional churches and ecumenical partners in the region by providing program funding for social justice and evangelism outreach efforts.

One of the projects approved this year will help reach new people in the remote area of Caruaru, a town in Brazil 166 kilometers west from the Central Methodist Church of Jaboatão dos Guararapes, which is on the east coast of Brazil just south of the city of Recife.

Central Methodist Church started a new mission in Caruaru in 2014 and was able to form a new faith community in this impoverished area of Brazil. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Central Methodist worked hard to help alleviate suffering by distributing food and providing support for the most vulnerable living in the town. A $20,000 Global Ministries grant from the Encounter with Christ permanent fund will help build a meeting place for the new faith community and support a missionary living in the area. One of the ministries of this new faith community is assisting women who are victims of domestic violence. Central Methodist has partnered with the Maria da Penha Institute, female police officers and local social workers to provide holistic support for women and their children.

The Evangelical Methodist Church of Bolivia (IEMB) received a $20,000 grant from Global Ministries using Encounter’ with Christ’s permanent fund to promote spirituality and renewal of ministries with children, youth and Methodist women of the IEMB. The program will distribute written resources that help strengthen biblical-theological knowledge among children and adolescents. It will train youth in holistic development with the aim of providing leadership in the local church and at district and national levels. It will also promote spirituality among Methodist women in Bolivia.

To reach these goals, workshops will be given in each of the districts of the IEMB. Written resources will be published for different age groups, including a guide and biblical notebook for children 4-6 years old, 7-9 years old, 10-12 years old and 13-15 years old. A national gathering of youth of the IEMB will be held in Cochabamba, Bolivia. There will also be a national gathering of Bolivian Methodist women.

The above projects are just samples of the 11 grants awarded to mission partners in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela. For a summary of all 2024 grants, click here.

The Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Ruffle is the mission interpreter for Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Encounter with Christ continues to raise funds to add to its permanent fund so that more support can be given for the region. To learn more about Encounter with Christ, visit its website: https://umc-encounter.org/. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit this page.

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ATLANTA — Jim Cox will join Global Ministries as the executive director of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), effective Oct. 7, 2024. Cox returns to his UMCOR roots as he takes this role, having worked in various capacities for almost 10 years. As executive director, he will work with General Secretary Roland Fernandes to guide Global Ministries and UMCOR’s work in alleviating human suffering around the world. UMCOR works in more than 110 countries to provide humanitarian relief and recovery in response to natural and humanmade disasters.

Most recently, Jim has served as chief operating officer for Helen Keller International, a global public health organization that directs over $100 million in annual programming through 20 global field offices. Before Helen Keller, he served as executive vice president of health and emergency programs for Lutheran World Relief – IMA World Health (now CORUS). He served as chief operating officer for IMA World Health for nearly five years after serving as country director for IMA in Tanzania. When he was at UMCOR, he held a range of positions, including country director in the Republic of Georgia, executive director for international programs and executive director for Katrina Aid Today – UMCOR’s Hurricane Katrina response. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim back to the UMCOR family,” said Fernandes. “He returns at a crucial time as we face increasing global challenges from significant humanitarian crises, both natural and humanmade. His broad experience will be valuable for our ongoing U.S. and international relief and recovery efforts. He also brings a strong knowledge of The United Methodist Church’s structure and connection.” He added, “Jim’s appointment aligns perfectly with our strategy of enhancing Global Ministries and UMCOR’s global impact while maintaining a deep connection to our partners in local communities.”

Cox’s expertise spans emergency interventions, livelihoods and health initiatives, and he is experienced in working with vulnerable communities, major donors, agencies and private foundations.

Cox shared his enthusiasm for this new role: “Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the impact of faith-based organizations globally, and I’m thrilled to have an opportunity to return to UMCOR. I look forward to working with staff, board members and volunteers around the world to advance Global Ministries and UMCOR’s important mission.”

Susan Clark is the chief communications officer for Global Ministries and UMCOR.

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
UMCOR is the global humanitarian aid and disaster response arm of The United Methodist Church. A part of the General Board of Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 100 countries worldwide, including the United States. UMCOR’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering—whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster—with open hearts and minds to all people.

The post Humanitarian leader Jim Cox returns to UMCOR as executive director appeared first on Global Ministries.

ATLANTA – CharityWatch, the only independent charity watchdog in the United States, released a report this spring on the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), awarding its highest A+ rating for the United Methodist humanitarian and relief agency.

Evaluating on a number of key factors, the report states that UMCOR spends 97% of its cash budget on programming for humanitarian relief, response and recovery work. In addition, it spends $1 to generate $100 in donations. Analysis of UMCOR’s operations included the work of the Sager Brown Depot and the Immigration Law and Justice Network (ILJN, formerly NJFON), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of UMCOR.

Key factors included the transparency audit practices and the accessibility of financial data, governance policies, governance of the board of directors and privacy policies related to the organization’s donors.

According to CharityWatch: “Groups included on the CharityWatch top-rated list generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, have met CharityWatch’s governance benchmarks, and receive ‘open-book’ status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents to CharityWatch.”

Read the March 2024 report on UMCOR at United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) | Charity Ratings | Donating Tips | Best Charities | CharityWatch

About UMCOR and the General Board of Global Ministries

Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church. A part of Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and its territories. The agency’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering. Working in the areas of disaster response and recovery, sustainable development and migration, UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Learn more about UMCOR by visiting www.umcor.org or by following www.facebook.com/umcor and www.twitter.com/umc_umcor.

Media Contact:

Susan Clark for Global Ministries/UMCOR
media@umcmission.org

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – The Korean Association of The United Methodist Church will enter into a covenant partner relationship with at least 140 global missionaries through Global Ministries, providing sustained prayers and financial support to missional ministry around the world. Korean United Methodist churches in the U.S. will provide gifts of at least $100 per month per missionary, for a term of at least three years, a commitment totaling more than $500,000.

“This is an exciting example of collaborative partnership in mission by a group of churches,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “The denomination faces a significant challenge with tightening budgets. This sustained commitment provides me with a great sense of hope for the future of our church in mission.” 

The Rev. Changmin Lee is president of the association and pastor of Los Angeles Korean United Methodist Church, the oldest Korean church in the contiguous United States. “Korean United Methodists have a long history of supporting missionaries with prayer and financial gifts. This commitment will further strengthen our partnership in mission and ministry.”

In the U.S., Korean American United Methodist churches integrate Wesleyan tradition with Korean spirituality and evangelism. There are 240 active congregations, more than 800 clergy, and one Korean American bishop, Hee-Soo Jung of the Wisconsin Annual Conference. 

Jung has served as president of Global Ministries Board of Directors since 2016. “As we seek to emerge from a season of great division within the church, this commitment illustrates how United Methodists are finding ways to join hands and hearts in mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world,” said Jung. 

Today, United Methodist missionaries serve in about 60 different countries, working as pastors and evangelists; teachers and educators; doctors, nurses and other health workers; agriculturalists; and community organizers and peacebuilders. Currently, more than 200 missionaries and mission volunteers and more than 300 nationals in mission are serving around the world, including more than 70 young adult Global Mission Fellows. 

Sixteen new missionaries were commissioned on Thursday, May 2 during opening worship at General Conference.

For more information about how to begin a Covenant Partner Relationship with a missionary, visit umcmission.org/covenants.

The General Board of Global Ministries
The General Board of Global Ministries, which includes the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), is the worldwide mission, humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church. Founded in 1819, Global Ministries today supports more than 200 missionaries in over 60 countries, including the United States. It has personnel, projects and partners in more than 110 countries. Learn more at www.umcmission.org.

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ATLANTA – United Methodist churches in the U.S. will have the opportunity to help immigrants, migrants and refugees living in their local communities again in 2024. The United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) Mustard Seed Migration Grant program, now in its fourth year, provides congregations with up to $2,000 for a one-time, community-based service project.

“As Jesus shares in his parable, small mustard seeds have the potential to grow into something pervasive that spreads throughout a field,” said Roland Fernandes, general secretary of Global Ministries and UMCOR. “Since the start of the program, we have seen United Methodist churches learn more about immigrants, migrants and refugees in their communities and address their needs through these grants. The ‘seed’ of welcoming strangers has been planted in new and unique ways in congregations around the country.”

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year and up to 100 churches will be awarded a grant on a first-come first-serve basis. Churches that have completed a Mustard Seed project in the past are welcome to reapply. Monies will be dispersed within four weeks of application approval and the project must be completed within six months.

“Mustard Seed Migration Grants provide an opportunity for local churches to learn more about and have a greater impact on ministry with refugees, immigrants and migrants,” said the Rev. Jack Amick, director of Global Migration for UMCOR. 

Examples of projects completed by United Methodist churches in 2023 include:

• Chatsworth West United Methodist Church in California opened its doors to migrants traveling through the area as a welcoming stop along the route to their final destination. The congregation provided resources like shelter, food and water, hygiene supplies and clothing, and transportation assistance.
• Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, Illinois, offered emergency assistance to Venezuelan families in the McLean County area to support their resettlement and help them to avoid common financial crises associated with starting a new life in a new place.
• St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Annandale, Virginia, located in Fairfax County, welcomes the highest number of immigrants in the state of Virginia each year. A large percentage of this population are disadvantaged families with school age children. For the new school year, the church ensured that students had the necessary tools to succeed by providing backpacks filled with school supplies.

For the full list of 2023 recipients, click HERE.

To learn more about the program requirements and to apply online, visit HERE.

Contact mustardseed@umcor.org with questions or for more information.

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About the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)

Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief and development agency of The United Methodist Church. A part of United Methodist Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and its territories. The agency’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering with open hearts and minds to all people. Working in the areas of disaster response and recovery and migration, UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own. Learn more about Global Ministries by visiting https://umcmission.org/or by following www.facebook.com/GlobalMinistries and Twitter.com/UMCmission.

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