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A Tribute to Mothers from Sierra Leone

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Mothers share moments of joy and tender caregiving with their children in Bo, Sierra Leone. Photographer Mike DuBose with United Methodist Communications captured these images during an April visit to the West African country, in preparation for a health care campaign that will occur in June, 2014.


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Worship
Mary Spurgeon stops to listen to the sounds of nature during Wild Worship, an outdoor gathering offered by her church, First United Methodist of Omaha. Video image by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Taking worship into the wild

Individuals are heading to the woods to connect with God in nature. This unique worship experience is a ministry of First United Methodist Church of Omaha, Nebraska.
Global Health
Staff with the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria stand inside the insectary at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, during a rededication of its research lab on Aug. 27. The program was shut down earlier this year after funding from USAID was suspended. From left are Sungano Mharakurwa, Vuyisile Mthokozisi Mathe, Joseph Makanda, Fanuel Toto, Hieronymo Masendu, Petros Kawadza and Violla Chimwayi. Photo by Ben Smith, UM News.

Africa University restarts malaria program

With funding support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Africa University reopened a research lab after the U.S. aid withdrawal left life-saving work in jeopardy.
Bishops
All 14 active bishops in Africa and three retired bishops pose for a photo at the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, held Sept. 1-4 in Luanda, Angola. During the gathering, the bishops celebrated The United Methodist Church’s growth on the continent and affirmed their commitment to church unity. Photo by Geraldo Martins, West Angola Conference.

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity

The 17 bishops at the 2025 Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting pledged their support for regionalization as “a faithful and strategic path forward.”

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