Daily Digest: June 14, 2013

"It has been a long four years, and when I think of it, I can't help but to be amazed by what God has done for me." - Patience Awadhi, a Congolese graduate of Africa University.

The Church in China: To serve God, society

NANJING, China (UMNS) - A bakery that trains people with mental challenges and aid for migrant workers are just some ways the Amity Foundation is working to assist those on the margins of Chinese society. Now, as one of China's first nongovernmental organizations, the Christian ministry is helping expand the capability of civil society to address social problems.
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The Church in China: A Bible printing press

NANJING, China (UMNS) - In November 2012, Amity Printing Press produced its 100th million copy of the Bible. Of that number, 60 million Bibles are being read in China and 40 million in different languages around the world. The presses haven't stopped running. A slideshow offers an overview of the ministry.
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Africa U. celebrates 19th graduation ceremony

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UMNS) - Patience Awadhi, a Congolese woman who earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, is one of 450 who graduated from United Methodist-related Africa University on June 8. Awadhi is the firstborn in a family of eight. Her father works in a store, and her mother sells vegetables at the local market. Awadhi came to Africa University without speaking a word of English, but on June 8, she received a first-class degree. She is one of many examples of African students from humble beginnings who now have a chance to be "agents of change."
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Pension board to hold listening session

GLENVIEW, Ill. (UMNS)-The United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits invites interested plan participants and other constituents to address the board of directors during a listening session on July 12 in Glenview. To place your name and topic on the agenda and for specific presentation requirements, contact Colette Nies by June 24 at 1-800-269-2244, extension 4296, or email [email protected].
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UMCOR aids landmine survivors in Myanmar

NEW YORK (UMNS) - In Myanmar, the United Methodist Committee on Relief has been lending support for Burmese survivors of violence, primarily in partnership with Clear Path International, since 2009. Part of that support is focusing on aid to survivors of the country's many landmines.
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Church vitality: Rural church prepares for growth

HORNSBY, Tenn. (UMNS) - Hornsby United Methodist Church in rural southwestern Tennessee had dwindled to eight members and a regular attendance of five or six. But as its new pastor says, the congregation has put its trust in God and is starting to grow again. Recently the church reopened its Sunday school. Casey Northcutt of the Memphis Annual (regional) Conference has the story.
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Making a home together after being homeless

EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. (UMNS) - Ray Perkowski and Barbara Glander stood at the altar of East Stroudsburg United Methodist Church and took their wedding vows. The Pocono Record tells how the two, who both were homeless, decided to get married while working at the soup kitchen of the church and how their lives have changed.
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Evangelism award winner leads a prayer party

PENSACOLA, Fla. (UMNS) - The Rev. Jeremy Mount, Harry Denman Evangelism Award winner for the Alabama-West Florida Annual (regional) Conference, is leading an unconventional congregation in an unconventional venue. The Pensacola News Journal has the story.
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