Daily Digest - August 20, 2021

“I was known as a farmer without skills, but today, I can provide more food for my family, and I am happy to be called a farmer.”Husen Chacha, supervisor of a farming project started by Moheto First United Methodist Church in Kenya.


TODAY’S HEADLINES

Church farming project grows skills in rural Kenya

MOHETO, Kenya (UM News) — Moheto First United Methodist Church is helping lift people out of poverty in its rural community by training them to farm in tough conditions. Participants learn new techniques, receive quality seeds and are offered extension services through the church program, which began in 2019 after flooding and drought destroyed crops. Gad Maiga has the story.
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Global Ministries
UMCOR issues first Haiti grants

ATLANTA — In response to the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on Aug. 14, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is working with partners to provide urgently needed medical supplies to Haitian hospitals. Two grants — one to the Église Méthodiste d’Haiti (Methodist Church of Haiti), in coordination with local doctors and nurses, and the other to Service Chrétien d’Haiti — will enable the procurement of bandages, gauze, IV fluids, antibiotics and personal protective equipment at Les Cayes General Hospital and two clinics.
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Greater Northwest Area
Conference receives grant for wildfire relief

PORTLAND, Ore. — The United Methodist Committee on Relief has given a $10,000 solidarity grant to the Oregon-Idaho Conference to respond to wildfires. Working with a nonprofit of the Klamath tribes, the conference is assessing the needs from the Bootleg Fire. Kristen Caldwell has the story.
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PRESS RELEASES 

Southeastern Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction announces leadership changes

MACON, Ga. — The Southeastern Jurisdiction’s College of Bishops has appointed the Rev. Brad Brady to serve as the Southeastern Jurisdiction conference secretary, effective upon current secretary Anne Travis’ retirement Sept. 1. The Southeastern Jurisdiction’s bishops also announced that North Georgia Conference Bishop Sue Haupert-Johnson will serve as the college’s president, and South Carolina Conference Bishop L. Jonathan Holston will serve as secretary. 
Read press release


COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.

Amid Afghan chaos, remembering a godly man
SUGAR LAND, Texas — As the world watches Afghanistan, the Rev. C. Chappell Temple remembers Christy Wilson, who established an evangelical church in Kabul. Temple calls Wilson “the godliest man I have ever known.” 
Read commentary


EVENTS

Thursday, Aug. 26

Live webinar: Overview of Employment Law for Ministries

Monday, Sept. 20-Friday, Oct. 1
Online course: Reconnecting with God


TOP STORIES FROM THE WEEK

Standing with Haiti amid quake and storm

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (UM News) — United Methodists are reaching out with their prayers and pocketbooks as Haiti deals with a devastating earthquake and major storm. The United Methodist Committee on Relief is collecting donations, and churches are working with partners in the country to provide relief. Heather Hahn reports. 
Read story
To give to UMCOR International Disaster Response
Read Michigan Conference story

Pastor reflects on abuses at Indian boarding schools
DOLORES, Colo. (UM News) — United Methodist Pastor Norman Mark has memories of abuse, isolation, a poor diet and having to fight for the entertainment of the staff at four Indian boarding schools he was forced to attend as a child. He is a much quieter man than he would be without that experience, and he says a U.S. Interior Department investigation into the schools is overdue. Jim Patterson has the story.
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A Wesleyan take on personal finance
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — Jesus talked a lot about money. So did John Wesley, Methodism's founder. Wespath and the United Methodist Publishing House have collaborated on a personal finance program called Saving Grace that is meant to reflect Wesleyan Christian values. Sam Hodges reports.
Read story

Celebrating the power of photography
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — In honor of World Photography Day, United Methodist News photojournalist Mike DuBose talks about his love for documentary photojournalism and shares a collection of his work and the stories behind the images. “For somebody to allow me to share their story, to trust me with their story, is a great honor,” he says. 
Watch video
View UM News snapshots of ministry
More World Photography Day resources

‘Fearless’ artist launches debut album at 74
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Retired from working for decades with children with disabilities and their families, Dorcas Muranda now focuses on sharing her musical gifts. She recently launched her debut gospel album at age 74. Muranda said that although she has faced challenges, God has helped her accept a call to music ministry. Priscilla Muzerengwa has the story.
Read story

Commentary: Leadership lessons from Bishop Shamana
SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (UM News) — Larry R. Hygh Jr., a full-time lecturer in the communication studies department at California State University San Bernardino, reflects on the life and legacy of the late Bishop Beverly J. Shamana. He shares some of the leadership lessons he learned from her in his time as director of communications for the California-Pacific Conference — her home conference.
Read remembrance
UM News: 'Renaissance' Bishop Beverly Shamana dies at 81

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