faith stories

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.

Mission and Ministry

Admiral Brett Giroir, lead federal coordinator for coronavirus testing, takes his turn speaking at a March 16 White House briefing that includes President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House coronavirus task force. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Giroir has received supportive emails and text messages from fellow members of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church in Dallas. Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen.

COVID-19 testing czar gets home church support

As a top federal official in the fight against the coronavirus, Admiral Brett Giroir appreciates emails, texts from Dallas’ Lovers Lane United Methodist Church.

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