UM News Digest - Aug. 7, 2026

UM News Digest - Aug. 7, 2026

Medical camp | Serving those who serve | Support for immigrants

“I had suffered for years because I could not afford treatment. When I heard about the medical camp, I came very early because I finally saw hope.” — Fatuma Munga, an 18-year-old student who received medical care in Kenya.

A child receives eye medication during a free health clinic organized by The United Methodist Church’s Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. The free health clinic was organized by the Inspired Word Mission Center, a ministry of The United Methodist Church’s Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. Photo by Selina Mutua, UM News.

A patient receives eye medication during a free health clinic organized by The United Methodist Church at the Mwakirunge Dumpsite in the Kilifi District of Kenya. Photo by Selina Mutua, UM News.

Camp brings healthcare to vulnerable community
NAIROBI, Kenya (UM News) — More than 600 people living near a Kenyan dumpsite received free medical care through a United Methodist mission center’s outreach. Some of the beneficiaries had been living with disease and pain for years due to the long distance to health facilities and high costs of treatment. Selina Mutua has the story.

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Higher Education and Ministry
Serving those who serve in Chicago
CHICAGO — A police officer in Chicago was called by God into ministry and ended up right back where she started — this time as a police chaplain. The Rev. Kimberly Davis, a deacon, leads Christian fellowship worship twice a week, develops relationships with officers, officiates weddings and funerals and offers guidance. The Rev. Benjamin Perry reports.
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Michigan Conference
A ‘helping hand’ for detained immigrants
BALDWIN, Mich. — Michigan United Methodists have launched a new ministry, Helping Hands, to reach out to those detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the North Lake Processing Center. The Rev. Cherlyn McKanders and members of Covenant Community United Methodist Church visit immigrants being detained and provide prayer, encouragement and funds for calls home on the processing center’s pay phones. Glenn M. Wagner reports.
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Global Ministries
Reviving young lives in Monrovia’s streets
MONROVIA, Liberia — Young people trapped in addiction, prostitution and hopelessness are finding a new path through the “Zogos We Care” program. The initiative was founded by a National in Mission with the Liberia Conference, whose position is supported by the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. In addition to getting people off drugs, the program seeks to transform lives and give young adults a second chance. Christie House and the Rev. Caleb S. G. Dormah have the story.
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Ask The UMC
Exploring ‘Our Living World’
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — In a six-part series, Ask The UMC explores how United Methodists seek to sustain and renew links with one another, the world around them and the powers that lie behind it all. The series has been updated to include changes to the United Methodist Social Principles and Book of Resolutions following the 2024 General Conference.
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Garrett Seminary, MTSO
Seminaries partnering on Course of Study
EVANSTON, Ill. — United Methodist-affiliated Garrett Seminary and Methodist Theological School in Ohio are collaborating to form the Great Lakes Course of Study program, expanding the support and resources they offer United Methodist students seeking to become licensed local pastors. The course of study will begin serving students in the fall.
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United Methodist Communications
Best practices for adult Sunday school
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — One of the many ways Christians grow in faith together is through Sunday school. While Sunday school is often associated with children and youth, it is equally vital for adults. Philip J. Brooks offers suggestions for creating space for deeper spiritual formation.
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