Support UM News at General Conference: Your gift ensures that you and other visitors receive the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and diverse perspectives from General Conference.

Daily Digest July 13, 2018

I strongly believe it made a difference — the prayers and the solidarity in the Philippines and around the world.” — Thomas Kemper, Board of Global Ministries, about the successful campaign to get three missionaries out of the Philippines.
 

NEWS AND FEATURES

Last of detained missionaries arrives home
ATLANTA (UMNS) — Miracle Osman, the last of three United Methodist missionaries seeking to leave the Philippines after being placed on a government watch list, arrived July 13 in her home country of Malawi. The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries had launched a #LetThemLeave campaign on their behalf. Linda Bloom reports.
Read story 
Read press release from Global Ministries
Read statement from the Council of Bishops

 
GC2019 no longer needs registration fees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — The Commission on General Conference has reversed its call for $200 registration fees for visitors after finding other ways to cover costs of the special session of the denomination’s lawmaking assembly. Heather Hahn reports.
Read story
Read press release
 
Church provided family for Bulgarian boy
SOFIA, Bulgaria (UMNS) — Beginning when he was in day care, and continuing well into adulthood, The United Methodist Church has been a source of comfort, stability and inspiration to Presian Vlaiakov. Ginny Whitehouse shares his story of Christian formation under local church influence.
Read story 

More than names and numbers in Angola
MAPUTO, Mozambique (UMNS) — The Eastern Angola Conference has not had a statistics update report for two years. Recently, the Rev. Andre Cassule Zundo Viera was appointed conference statistician. His goal is to retrieve the missing information and “evaluate the progress of the church through statistics.” Priscilla Muzerengwa reports.
Read story


COMMENTARIES

Finding love at a United Methodist church
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Her pastor’s retirement led Rebecca K. Reynolds, who attends Broad Street United Methodist Church here, to write about how she found refuge among United Methodists after burning out in nondenominational megachurch leadership. “I ran to the Methodist Church because I know how Methodists love,” she says.
Read commentary


RECENT HEADLINES

Bishops seek ruling on Way Forward plans 

Rural pastors gain reliable transportation


EVENTS

Monday, July 23-Friday, July 27
Lake Junaluska summer youth event


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now

UM News Digest - Sept. 12, 2025

After assassination, bishops urge peacemaking; Mongolia Mission marks milestones, maps future; Special-needs baseball scores with community

UM News Digest - Sept. 10, 2025

Volunteers in Mission embark on new chapter; Africa University restarts malaria program; Church leaders decry US Supreme Court ruling

UM News Digest - Sept. 8, 2025

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity; After division, church sees new life; Love of music takes student to the mountains

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved