“The future of science subjects at Hanwa School is now certainly bright and promising. Having this kind of infrastructure and a well-stocked library wing is certainly a good investment for the future of the school and the children.” — The Rev. Future Sibanda, pastor-in-charge and chaplain at Hanwa Mission in Zimbabwe.
NEWS AND FEATURES
New science lab grows options for students
MACHEKE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Dreams of becoming doctors and scientists are within reach for students at United Methodist Hanwa Secondary School, thanks to a new state-of-the-art science laboratory. Zimbabwe Volunteers in Mission helped fund the construction of a spacious science lab and library at the Hanwa Mission school. Kudzai Chingwe has the story.
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West Ohio Conference
Church starts shower ministry
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A request from a man who was homeless resulted in a new ministry at High Street United Methodist Church. The man asked for the opportunity to take a shower, and the Rev. Cynthia Atwater was inspired to use showers at the church for that purpose. People who need access to the showers make an appointment and are provided new socks and underclothes. Amy Graham reports.
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South Georgia Conference
Ukulele band spreads joy with music
CORDELE, Ga. — Churches tend to be known for their spectacular pipe organs, beautiful pianos or accomplished hand bell choirs. In Cordele, United Methodists started a ukulele band, which now includes members of multiple local churches. Kara Witherow has the story.
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Michigan Conference
Native man shares boarding school experience
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan was among 27 states that participated in the residential school system, an effort in the 19th and 20th centuries to assimilate Native American children to white culture. At the age of 5, Bob Hazen, a member of Ewen United Methodist Church and now elder of the Lac Vieux Desert Chippewa Tribe, was taken from his family by a priest and a sheriff and spent the next 10 years in that school system. Kay DeMoss has his story.
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12News
Town's first Black mayor was a United Methodist
ORANGE, Texas — Essie Bellfield, the first Black and only female mayor of Orange, has died at age 89. She worked to advance civil rights in her southeast Texas community of 18,000 and was a faithful United Methodist. Tiana Johnson reports.
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We Are God's Family: Personal Encounters with Racism
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — UM News is inviting people to share their personal stories about encounters with racism, as well as ideas for combating it. We are seeking voices that reflect the diversity of the church to build understanding of how racism affects us all.
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