“If you can afford one meal a day, please eat for six days and donate for one day. You will not die. There is someone somewhere who is in a situation which is more serious than yours.” — Africa University student Everlyne Kukah Esther, on how she pitches the Feed a Family project she helped initiate in Zimbabwe.
NEWS AND FEATURES
AU students skip meals to feed struggling families
MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — International students at Africa University are sacrificing their own meals to put food on the table in vulnerable communities. Four theology students at the United Methodist university initiated the Feed a Family campaign to help less-privileged families struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chenayi Kumuterera reports.
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Holston Conference
‘Magic Bars’ for front-line workers
DUFFIELD, Va. — When churches were closed due to the coronavirus, youth members at Rye Cove United Methodist Church didn’t want to stop reaching out to the community. They began baking sweets, including “Magic Bars,” for hospital staff and other front-line workers. Annette Spence has the story and recipe.
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United Methodist Communications
Power, emptiness and satisfaction
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In her new book “The Way Up Is Down,” author Marlena Graves shares the example of Jesus, who “Though he was in the form of God … emptied himself.” She and the Rev. Joe Iovino talk about how too often people try to do the opposite on the latest episode of the “Get Your Spirit in Shape” podcast.
Listen to episode
Florida Conference
For the elderly, protection comes at a cost
TAMPA, Fla. — For those most vulnerable to the coronavirus, isolation, loneliness and fear can be the cost of reduced health risks. But, church leaders say this is an opportunity to organize outreach to the elderly in assisted living facilities. Joe Henderson has the story.
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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.
Asian American Language Ministry Plan
COVID-19 support for Asian American churches
ATLANTA — A COVID-19 Resiliency Fund, launched by the Asian American Language Ministry Plan, is helping meet a need for salary support, groceries and online connections in small ethnic congregations, says the Rev. John Oda, the plan’s director. More support is needed.
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RESOURCES
UM & Global
Map shows United Methodist presence
ATLANTA — Anyone looking at a map of the global presence of The United Methodist Church will notice some significant gray areas, especially in Latin America and much of Asia. David W. Scott of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries presents a world map that shows United Methodist presence and that of affiliated denominations.
See resource
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