"Kono is a community where our parents grew up believing in diamonds because the land is endowed with diamonds. So the people believe diamonds is the only way to make it in life." — Adama Borway, a student at Koidu Secondary School in Sierra Leone, who sees diamonds as a barrier to education.
NEWS AND FEATURES
Diamond mining can rob children of education
KONO, Sierra Leone (UM News) — Diamond-rich Kono lures young people away from school in search of a chance to earn lots of money that will make their lives easier. Adama Borway, a young girl who believes in education, wants children to stay in school. She is studying to be a medical doctor. Kathy L. Gilbert and Phileas Jusu report.
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UMCOR assists flood survivors in Congo
UVIRA, Congo (UM News) — More than 500 families affected by severe flooding in April received much needed food and other assistance from the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The aid comes as many are still homeless and suffering from malaria and malnutrition, said Simon Kombi Ramazani, director of connectional ministries for the church in East Congo. Philippe Kituka Lolonga reports.
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Holston Conference
Pastor's fever leads to bright idea
SALTVILLE, Va. — The Rev. Lisa Bryant woke up one morning with a head cold and a fever. She quickly got a COVID-19 test and quarantined herself. While waiting for the test results, she came up with a new idea for online worship at Madam Russell United Methodist Church. Annette Spence has the story.
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No Daily Digest on Nov. 11
There will be no UM News Daily Digest on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of U.S. Veteran's Day. The staff at UM News wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday.
PRESS RELEASES
Archives and History
Scholar to head Archives and History
MADISON, N.J. — The new top executive at the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History will be scholar and author Ashley Boggan Dreff. She succeeds the Rev. Alfred "Fred" T. Day III, who is retiring at the end of the year. A professor at United Methodist-related High Point University, she is the author of two books on United Methodist history and issues.
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Interfaith Federal Credit Union
Church-related credit unions merge
MONTCLAIR, Calif. — Interfaith Federal Credit Union has completed its merger with $5 million United Methodist First Choice Federal Credit Union in Rapid City, South Dakota. Interfaith Federal Credit Union, with $102 million in assets, was established in 1948 to serve the financial needs of Methodist ministers in Southern California and Arizona. It has since expanded to other denominations.
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Learn more about United Methodist credit unions
RESOURCES
United Methodist Communications
Advent resources available
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Local churches can order customizable banners, signs, invitation cards and postcards for Advent from United Methodist Communications. The resources are available in a variety of designs and languages.
Get resources
RECENT HEADLINES
Former bishop Hae-Jong Kim dies at 85
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EVENTS
Thursday, Nov. 12
Livestream installation of new top executive for United Methodist Global Ministries
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