One-handed thanks is still good enough

Missionary pilot Jacques Umembudi, with the Wings of the Morning Aviation Ministry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a delegate to General Conference for the Central Congo Conference. At the Advance display, he told this story:

“Just last year, I had an emergency call concerning a school teacher who was walking close to a river and was attacked by a crocodile. The crocodile snapped off his left arm. He was bleeding to death when I found him, and we flew him to a nearby Presbyterian hospital. Almost 3 weeks later, I was called to fly him back home. He wanted to express his gratitude to us.

“The man started to cry. You see, Africans use both hands to take the two hands of another to say thank you. He said, ‘I cannot express my gratitude. I don’t have my left hand anymore. But please understand, I am very grateful to you for saving my life.’  And I told him, ‘Just stay thanks to God, because he’s the one who provided.’”

UMCOR Aviation Ministries can be supported by giving to Advance #3019626.


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
Social Concerns
Bishop C. Dale White speaks at the 1980 United Methodist General Conference in Indianapolis about his 11-day visit to Iran in November aimed at fostering dialogue amid the Iranian hostage crisis. White spoke about his delegation’s meeting with the Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. File photo courtesy of the United Methodist Commission on Archives and History.

Taking action during a previous Iran crisis

A few weeks into the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis, Bishop C. Dale White of New Jersey joined a small delegation of religious leaders headed to Iran in hopes of fostering dialogue.
Faith Stories
The Rev. Eun Chul Cho preaches at First Korean United Methodist Church in Wheeling, Illinois, in 2023. File photo by the Rev. Thomas E. Kim.

Why I chose to remain in The United Methodist Church

Retired Northern Illinois Conference elder reflects on his early experiences in the church and the relationships he built with United Methodist leaders during his years of ministry.
Social Concerns
The Rev. Mark Obrzut. Photo courtesy of Lucy Obrzut.

Rising up and loving boldly

During the Susquehanna Annual Conference, members were challenged to join a revolution of love and transform the world through faithful and courageous discipleship.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2026 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved