Daily Digest: August 13, 2014

“In the absence of any ‘known cure’ for Ebola, we have focused on prevention education.” – United Methodist Bishop John K. Yambasu of Sierra Leone.

Communications used to combat Ebola
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Muddled messages and misinformation have complicated efforts to contain the deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The United Methodist Church is responding with a communications strategy aimed at saving lives and reassuring people of God’s presence.

Read the story and post a comment


Things youth can do about ISIS, Ebola
MOBILE, Ala. (UMNS) — United Methodist youth want to do something about the spread of Ebola in West Africa and the persecution of Christians by the Islamic State. The Rev. Jeremy Steele, a United Methodist pastor and editor of the Seedbed Youth Ministry Collective, shares three ways youth can address these problems.

Read commentary


Remembering Robin Williams
DALLAS (UMNS) — The Rev. Eric Folkerth is among the many grieving the suicide of the beloved actor and comedian Robin Williams. Folkerth, pastor of Dallas' Northaven United Methodist Church, offers a fond remembrance of Williams and pleads for greater attention to the problem of depression.

Read blog

What The United Methodist Church says about suicide

Church resources on mental health


Supplies reach remote Alaskan village
GALENA, Alaska (UMNS) — Disaster recovery is different in Alaska, where supplies can’t simply be trucked in but may have to be delivered by air or water. Susan Kim reports for the United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Read story


Vietnam: Building future leaders
HO CHI MINH CITY (UMNS) — Through a partnership with United Methodist-related United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, Wesley Theological Seminary in Vietnam is helping educate Christian leaders there, writes Quynh-Hoa Nguyen, a missionary and director of leadership development of the United Methodist Mission in Vietnam.

Read story


View from the field: Imagine No Malaria
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Imagine No Malaria field coordinators work with local United Methodist churches to educate congregations and communities about the effort to stop malaria. Meet three women who are helping United Methodist conferences fight the disease. “Something I love is that you can add Imagine No Malaria to any event that’s going on in your church,” said Kylie Foley, a field coordinator for Imagine No Malaria in Florida.

Watch video


Indiana Conference names communication director
INDIANAPOLIS (UMNS) — Skyler E. Nimmons, 30,  of Columbia, South Carolina, has been named the new communication director for the United Methodist Indiana Annual (regional) Conference, effective Sept. 1. He will succeed the Rev. Daniel R. Gangler, who is retiring.

Read more


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - Feb. 21, 2025

Missionary strives to grow Madagascar church; Walking in the Wesleys’ footsteps; Top stories from the week

UM News Digest - Feb. 19, 2025

Program strengthens cross-racial ministry; Helping Congo flood survivors; Black Methodists’ contributions celebrated

UM News Digest - Feb. 17, 2025

Missionaries leave mark on agriculture, education; Liberians march for United Methodist Church; Responding to Los Angeles area fires

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved