“Ebola is real. It kills with little warning. Please adhere to health messages to safeguard your family. Let us be in prayer. God is with us.” – Bishop John G. Innis in a text message to church leaders in Liberia.
In Liberia, Ebola text messages critical
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – “Ebola is real. It kills with little warning. Please adhere to health messages to safeguard your family. Let us be in prayer. God is with us.” That text message from Bishop John G. Innis was transmitted via mobile technology to 20 Liberian district superintendents and one communicator on Aug. 19. United Methodist Communications is working with bishops in Africa to distribute prayers for encouragement and lifesaving, accurate information.
Philippine bishops condemn government ‘pork’
MANILA, Philippines (UMNS) — The College of Bishops of the United Methodist Philippines Central Conference drew public attention when it affirmed a Supreme Court ruling that declares unconstitutional features of the Philippine government’s Disbursement Acceleration Program, dubbed “pork barrel” by detractors. Wayne Rhodes of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society has the story.
South Sudan girls get a boost
NEW YORK (UMNS) —The goal of a five-year project called Girls Education in South Sudan is to build up school enrollment and retention. The project has been implemented in 10 states through state ministries of education. David Tereshchuk reports for the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is a state co-manager of the program.
Kentucky church finds way to reach youth
UPTON, Ky. (UMNS) — Upton United Methodist Church is experiencing a surge in attendance and professions of faith − defying the demographic trends of its shrinking rural community. The Kentucky Annual (regional) Conference reports how the church has found revitalization in part through prayer and intentional outreach to youth.
Adrian graduate wins Fulbright
ADRIAN, Mich. (UMNS) — Sarah Buggia, a 2014 graduate of United Methodist-related Adrian College and past president of the college’s anti-trafficking movement, has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. She will study in Spain for an English Teaching Assistantship.
Historical Society names Saddlebag Award winner
ABILENE, Texas (UMNS) –The "Historical Dictionary of Methodism" (Third Edition), edited by Charles Yrigoyen Jr. and Susan E. Warrick, is the 2104 Saddlebag Award winner. The Historical Society of The United Methodist Church presents the award annually for the best book on the history of United Methodism, or its predecessors, published in the previous year. The new edition contains more than 700 articles by 80 contributors, including Yrigoyen and Warrick.
Top ministries for men, youth to be honored
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) – United Methodist Men will honor the top 30 local churches that engage in ministries designed to transform the lives of men and youth. The agency will also honor 10 districts and 10 annual (regional) conferences that provide life-changing ministries to men and youth in their areas. Rich Peck of United MethodistMen reports that only churches with chartered units of United Methodist Men may participate, but districts and annual conference may participate if at least one-fourth of their churches are chartered.
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