Church Growth

The Rev. Sergei Nikolaev (l), president of Moscow Theological Seminary of The United Methodist Church, enjoyed a close friendship with the Rev. Bruce Weaver (r), and this photo shows a visit they had in the Dallas area two years ago. Weaver was the first leader of the Russia Initiative, which began with United Methodist relief work in Russia, and expanded to support for pastors and churches. Photo courtesy Sergei Nikolaev.

Texas pastor helped revive Methodism in Russia

The Rev. Bruce Weaver, who led The United Methodist Church’s Russia Initiative, has died at age 97.

Walter Mujuru (right), Zimbabwe West Conference music director, teaches marimba basics to participants at the episcopal area’s annual arts workshop in Mutoko, Zimbabwe. Photo by Eveline Chikwanah, UMNS.

Using musical instruments for evangelism

Zimbabwe Episcopal Area teaches church members to play new instruments to hone their talents and attract young people to worship.

Church Growth

Visiting clergy from Freetown, Kenema and Kailahun, Sierra Leone, join the Rev. Judith Banya (standing right) to pray for Juana Jusu, who was partially paralyzed after an insect bite. Jusu traveled from Bomaru to join Baiwalla United Methodist Church in celebrating its fifth anniversary. Photo by Phileas Jusu, UMNS.

United Methodism grows in remote border town

Sierra Leone congregation celebrates five years of ministry, looks to future with new high school, girls’ boarding home and church building.

Evangelism

Members of the choir welcome visitors to the newly constructed United Methodist church in Gouabo, Côte d'Ivoire.

Growing the church in West Africa

United Methodists in Côte d’Ivoire have committed to planting new churches in areas with few Christians. That commitment is one of the reasons the African church is growing.

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