faith stories

The Rev. Tom Berlin (left) presents a copy of his book, “Courage,” to Massachusetts National Guard Chaplain Chad McCabe in the chapel at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. McCabe, whose unit was assigned to help provide security at the U.S. Capitol after the January riot, contacted Wesley Seminary asking for Bibles, novels and board games for troops stationed there. Photo by Lisa Helfert for Wesley Theological Seminary. Copyright 2021. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Church responds to chaplain's call to help soldiers

A National Guard chaplain got Bibles, games and 150 copies of a new book about courage when he turned to Wesley Theological Seminary for help keeping soldiers occupied in Washington in the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection.

Faith Sharing

Appalachian Trail chaplain “Chappy Jack” Layfield on the Appalachian Trail in Roan Mountain, Tenn. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Appalachian Trail chaplain shares faith journey in devotional book

“Chappy Jack” Layfield served as the 2019 Appalachian Trail chaplain. He has written a book of daily devotionals that chronicles his experiences on “the AT” and his spiritual growth as a result of the 2,200-mile hike.

Local Church

Billie Jean Baker has an apartment now but for about three years had no home of her own and often slept outside Dallas’ Oaklawn United Methodist Church. She recently received a Harry Denman Evangelism Award for helping the church expand its ministry with the homeless. Photo by Sam Hodges, UM News.

Evangelism award winner slept outside church

Billy Jean Baker is honored for using her personal experience with homelessness to help Dallas’ Oak Lawn United Methodist Church open its doors wider.

Mission and Ministry

Centenarian Joel Makombe spends time at his prayer shrine in Murewa, Zimbabwe. At 112, Makombe has been a United Methodist for more than 85 years. He is a founding member of Corner Store United Methodist Church in the Murewa Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe District. Photo by the Rev. Taurai Emmanel Maforo, UM News.

Centenarian stirs up faith in Zimbabwe

A Methodist for over 85 years, Joel Makombe shares his faith journey and experience living during flu, COVID-19 pandemics.

Sign up for our newsletter!

umnews-subscriptions