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Daily Digest - July 24, 2020

“During this crisis, we have no time to sit and watch millions of Africans die because they are not informed or they are not in possession of masks or liquid soap to wash hands regularly. Instead, we felt we should participate by putting love in action.” — Africa University student Cesar Lodiha Akoka, on the COVID-19 prevention campaign spearheaded by young church leaders in Africa.


NEWS AND FEATURES 

Young African leaders unite for COVID-19 campaign

HARARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Young adults from the African continent have launched a COVID-19 prevention campaign in children’s homes, universities, health facilities, markets and other public places. United Methodist Discipleship Ministries provided money for the project, which has reached eight countries. Eveline Chikwanah reports. 
Read story 

West Ohio Conference
Praying while running

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — A request from a man in hospice care has led a pastor to combine his daily run with prayers for church members. The Rev. Justin Williams of Coburn United Methodist Church now carries a list of prayer requests while he runs or drives to the homes of congregants. The conference has the story. 
Read story

Clean water efforts aid villagers during pandemic
BLANTYRE, Malawi (UM News) — Through water, sanitation and hygiene training and the drilling of boreholes, more people in remote communities in Malawi and Zimbabwe have access to clean water, which has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chenayi Kumuterera and Francis Nkhoma report.
Read story
 

COMMENTARIES
UM News includes in the Daily Digest various commentaries about issues in the denomination. The opinion pieces reflect a variety of viewpoints and are the opinions of the writers, not the UM News staff.

UM & Global
Federal loan program lowers wall of separation

ATLANTA — The U.S. Paycheck Protection Program lowered the wall of separation between church and states in a significant way, writes the Rev. Robert J. Harman. The retired mission executive outlines possible implications for United Methodist entities that accepted funding through the federal loan/grant program. 
Read commentary
UM News: Millions in federal dollars boost ministries


RESOURCES

Religion and Race
Agency launches online anti-racism course 

WASHINGTON — The United Methodist Commission on Religion and Race is launching “You Are Here: First Steps for White Christians on Race and Racism,” an online course for Christians who want to acquire a fundamental understanding of race and racism from a biblical perspective. The four-part self-directed course begins Aug. 1 and special preregistration discounts are available. 
Register for course


RECENT HEADLINES 

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