Past Issues

UMMA Update, April 6, 2004

1. Spring Board 2004 "Thanks for the Memories" by Howard Heiner and Fred Price
2. Spiritual Nurture Note by Oscar Romero
3. Missionary Milestones by Carolyn Belshe Cowen
4. Optimistic Overseas Observations by Richard Schwenk, editor
5. Volunteer Opportunities with MFSA by Nan McCurdy
6. Central Conference Workshops Sign-up by Carolyn Cowen

1. Spring Board 2004 "Thanks for the Memories" by Howard Heiner and Fred Price

With apologies to Bob Hope, if there were a theme to the Spring 2004 Board of Director's Meeting for the General Board of Global Ministries in Stamford, Connecticut, it would have been "Thanks for the Memories."

With the quadrennium coming to an end and with the retirement of Joyce Sohl, as the Deputy General Secretary of the Women's Division and Janice Love's appointment to succeed her, there were numerous opportunities to look back and remember, as well as occasions for celebration.

Before proceeding, we might say a word about Janice Love, Associate Professor in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of South Carolina. Holding a PhD in Political Science, she has received more than a dozen awards, written two books and scads of articles. She has served on numerous national and international organizations. Asked to describe her philosophy of administration and management she said in part, "I am deeply committed and have considerable practice in creating transparent, democratic and participatory processes." She will bring a keen intellect and a wealth of experience to her work as Deputy General Secretary of the Women's Division.

Below are highlights of some reports and events.

Treasurer's Report by Roland Fernandes

Revenue for 2003 was up about one million dollars over 2002. This was due to additional income from the Collins Trust. Almost all other areas were down.

Mission Personnel expenditures were down 8% and Other Program areas were down 20%. Total Net Assets have declined over one hundred million dollars since 1999. The good news is that Board investments showed a net appreciation of $13.7 million for 2003 compared with a net depreciation of $18.9 million in 2002.

Mission Personnel Program Area Report by Edith Gleaves

She began her report by noting areas to celebrate: 1,041 mission personnel from numerous countries serving in seventy different countries.

The commissioning of thirty new Deaconesses and four new Church and Community Workers on, as well as a new class of US-2's to be trained this summer were also cause for celebration.

Other points made were: The temporary moratorium on preparation and training of Standard Support Missionaries begun in 2004 continues. The hope is to lift the moratorium in 2005. Preparation and Training will make use of a more mobile and flexible model.

Several mission personnel programs are in the process of completion and will not be renewed. The Missioner of Hope Program begun in 1999 will end March 31, 2005. For a variety of reasons, the 10-10- 10 Program will come to completion with the current terms of remaining 10-10-10 missionaries.

With consultation, 33 National Plan for Hispanic Ministries missionaries were reduced to 24. It is hoped, the year 2005 will see their increase once again.

Edith also looked to the future. Noting the financial challenge, she pointed out that an Office of Development now exists. This office is doing a review and revision of the entire Covenant Relation Program to include individual donors, as well as churches.

There was also a follow-up report on the Mission Personnel Ad-Hoc Committee Report. The following actions were taken by the Cabinet:

1. Reinstitute the Global Mission Personnel Conference in 2005 - Financial issues make the 2005 date questionable. The Cabinet set the goal of one GMPC quadrennially.
2. Assign Directors on the MP Committee to attend Missionary Association Meetings - This already exists for NADAM and CCW; regarding UMMA, the Cabinet agreed to assign a Director in an unofficial capacity to attend meetings. It will not always be the same individual.
3. Approve new avenues of Internet communication - accepted as proposed.
4. Create talk-back sessions at events where Cabinet members and/or Directors are scheduled to attend - accepted as proposed

[We celebrated with Edith her mother's improving health and rejoiced that her mother had been up and walking - and we thanked God.]

It is also to be noted that the General Secretary, Randy Day, will be meeting with representatives of the three mission associations (Church and Community Workers, National Association of Deaconesses and Missionaries and UMMA) this summer. The exact date depends upon the General Secretary's schedule.

General Secretary, Randy Day's Address: "Mission - God's Call From Tomorrow"

Beginning with greetings and noting the upcoming General Conference, he went on to express appreciation to the Directors, Bishop Martinez, President of the Board and others. Then noting a conversation with his son, he developed his theme: "God's Call From Tomorrow." He then reviewed the Board's response to its four goals.

Goal I: Making Disciples for Jesus Christ

He noted that 50 of our 300 Standard Support Missionaries are involved in the Board's eleven new (Cambodia, Cameroon, Honduras, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Senegal and Vietnam), or renewed (Russia, Lithuania, Latvia) initiatives. There are more than three hundred new congregations or fellowships. He gave some additional details regarding Russia, Cambodia, Honduras, Nepal and Senegal. The cost of these new initiatives is two million dollars.

Goal II: Strengthen, Develop and Renew Christian Congregations and Communities

Rev. Day noted: the 100th anniversary of the Mission Study Program in 2002; Ten thousand women gathered for the Quadrennial Assembly in 2002; strengthened commitments to Schools of Congregational Development, Academies of Evangelization and Church Growth and the Holy Boldness Academies; strong growth in the Volunteers in Mission program; the Asian American Language Ministry, the Korean American Ministries Plan, the National Plan for Hispanic Ministries and the Native American Comprehensive Plan have flourished; the Action Plan for the Comprehensive Plan for Town and Country Ministries was completed; the United Methodist Development Fund remains strong; the Consultation for Eastern Europe and Balkans was held; Eglise Protestante Methodiste de Cote d'Ivoire was received as a mission of the Board.

Goal III: Alleviate Human Suffering

The Health and Relief Unit made up of UMCOR and the Health and Welfare Program Area illustrate this area. For example, today there are some 550 relief workers, most under UMCOR-NGO. An outstanding example of United Methodist response in this area is the 20 million dollars raised for "Love in the Midst of Tragedy" in response to the 9/11 attacks. In addition UMCOR is at work among refugees, in refugee resettlement, economic and housing rehabilitation, landmine removal, natural disaster response and material support. The list went on with AIDS education, prevention and treatment, etc.

Goal IV: Seek Justice, Freedom and Peace

The future of Korea was considered, the end of bombing on Vieques island was welcomed, the Women's Division took a strong stand against the Iraq invasion, dialogue was fostered between Christian and Muslim students in West Africa, reconciliation was a major goal in parts of the former Soviet Union, Communities of Shalom were developed, mission studies such as "Building Interfaith Communities" and one on Restorative Justice were launched. Finally concern for Haiti has led to the development of three priorities: education, emergency medical care and training for ministers and leaders to assist in dealing with stress, trauma and fear. He closed with the words from the hymn: "Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness"

You call from tomorrow, You break ancient schemes, From the bondage of sorrow, The captives dream dreams; Our women see visions, Our men clear their eyes, With bold new decisions Your people arise.

(Music and words by James K. Manley, 1978, Tune: SPIRIT )

The Proposed 2005-2008 Comprehensive Plan for Mission was received from the Mission Development Committee. The goal was to write it in such a way that the average churchgoer could understand it. The plan looked at four major settings and conditions in which the church must do mission and ministry: (1) A Multi-Faith Setting, (2) Globalization, (3) Seeking Peace and Security, and (4) Partnership. All of this was considered within the context of the Board's Four Goals.

A Summary of the Director Evaluation Process was also presented by the MDC. In general, the Directors expressed a fairly high degree of satisfaction. In their self-evaluation Directors raised the following for reflection: (1) Attendance at meetings, (2) Need for assistance in establishing relationships with their Annual Conferences, (3) Better balance between time for information sharing and policymaking activities, as well as (4) Need to improve written communications. Concerning suggestions they would make: (1) Nearly a third noted the need to increase Directors' participation in decision making, (2) Nearly one quarter again raised the issue of connection to Annual Conferences, and (3) Nearly one sixth raised the need for more training regarding roles and responsibilities for new Directors.

A Wholistic Strategy for Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean was received from the MDC as a recommendation to the General Conference to become Special Programs of the Church. This involves coordination rather than beginning new programs.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sierra Leone - Bishop Joseph Humper gave a stirring report on the Commission's work. He anticipated the report would be on his desk when he returned. Copies would go to the President, be placed in the national archives and go the Security Council of the United Nations. It would be put together in such a way that everyone could understand it and would become a part of the school curriculum from grade school on.

Finally, it was our privilege to be present on behalf of UMMA. Howard Heiner and Fred W. Price

2. Spiritual Nurture Note by Oscar Romero

"How easy it is to denounce structural injustice, institutionalized violence, social sin! And it is true, this sin is everywhere, but where are the roots of this social sin? In the heart of every human being. Present-day society is a sort of an anonymous world in which no one is willing to admit guilt, and everyone is responsible. We are all sinners, and we have all contributed to this massive crime and violence in our country. Salvation begins with the human person, with human dignity, with saving every person from sin. And in Lent this is God's call: Be converted!" Source: "The Violence of Love" by Oscar Romero.

3. Missionary Milestones by Carolyn Belshe Cowen

Last newsletter we had only the opportunity to share with our colleagues that precious tribute from Paul Webster about Roxanne's courageous going on to join her family and friends following such a struggle with cancer. We now want to share a couple of tributes that have made their way to us on Roxanne and others:

Roxanne Webster, who served in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo for eleven years, died on 27 January 2004. "While Roxanne and Paul were working in Musokatanda and Mujila Falls, we missionary colleagues in Congo and Zambia often remarked on Roxanne's courage and perseverance. We noticed that she never complained about sparse or difficult living conditions which many other missionaries would not have tolerated for two days! Her focus was on the work that she and Paul were doing. Among other activities, she enjoyed showing people new ways to use the agricultural products that Paul was helping them produce. During Roxanne's illness, we marveled that she could just keep on going, keep on working in spite of great physical suffering, but at the same time we were not surprised by this - she was the same Roxanne we knew here." - Ellen and Jeff Hoover.

"A missionary is someone who has the ability to move outside of one's own community or group, regardless of cultural differences, for the sake of sharing the gospel and meeting human and spiritual needs. Roxanne Webster truly exemplified the virtues of a missionary through her warm spirit and gift of hospitality. She was a self-less soul who opened her humble door and welcomed in all visitors.

Roxanne was jovial and calm, able to absorb all the turbulence, confusion and troubles that were thrown to her in her life and missionary career. She took things in stride and lived for others, relishing the contact and interaction with the Congolese women and children. She fully supported and participated in the women's work and United Methodist Women's activities in Musokatanda. In Roxanne's vocabulary, "Love is a verb."

In one of her Sunday School projects in this rural Congolese village, she created a large white banner with the Methodist cross & flame that flourished with the hand prints of the Sunday School children. It read, "Yesu anapenda watoto" Jesus loves the children. Now in the turmoil and uncertainty of the Congo, we can only be assured that this glowing coal of warmth and light that Roxanne brought to the children and loved ones of the Congo lives on in their hearts, dreams and visions.

Roxanne never complained of her own illnesses and suffering. She chose instead to serve as the balm of Musokatanda; the balm for all wounds; a flame lily on the scorched savannah. Chosen by Christ, sent as a missionary, wounded in her body, Roxanne nevertheless glowed with love and healing to those she served." - Niels and Brigetta French

Dow Kirkpatrick, who served in South America for over twelve years, died in his sleep on 11 March 2004. After active service he struggled with Parkinson's disease for 12 years." (from First UMC Evanston, IL and the Atlanta Constitution)

"Dow Kirkpatrick was born in Sesser, Illinois, on January 3, 1917. He received his A.B. from Asbury College, B.D. from Emory University, and Ph.D. from Drew University, after which he did postgraduate work at Oxford University in England. He also served several councils and conferences, including the World Methodist Council and the World Methodist Conference." - Chandler Library

"Dow Kirkpatrick spent more than 35 years of local parish pastoral ministry and seven years as a missionary of the World Division. He and Marjorie then took on being "missionaries-in-reverse" by putting together a program they named Encuentros (encounters) toward deepening the spirituality of U.S. church folk - a concept they successfully developed through their experiences in the local congregation, working in Latin America, then returning to the States - serving in that capacity for 12 1/2 years. Dow later represented the Board with delegations traveling into Latin America and in the States with Peace with Justice." Provided by MIR David and Kristen Markay

"In addition to Dow and Marjorie's many years of service as missionaries, Dow was a key member of the Board of Directors of GBGM in the late 1950's and 60's. Dow's mission interpretation for the Board through national/Annual Conference/local church seminars created many materials and videos on mission history for more than three decades which is now housed in the library at Emory University's Candler School of Theology - including interviews with many liberation theology and progressive political leaders including now President Lula of Brazil. A highly effective communicator to North Americans on themes of liberation theology - while pastoring St. Mark's UMC in Atlanta, he also was a close ally and friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. in the civil rights struggle in Atlanta.

He and Marjorie made the first gift to the Encounter Fund, followed later with a rather large gift. He was a strong influence in getting the Latin America/Caribbean region "back onto the map" for mission for the United Methodist Church." - Wilson Boots

"Helen and I were active in Evanston's First United Methodist Church when Dow and Marjory Kirkpatrick ended their tenure. We had several profound theological debates in and outside church membership class and visited in their home while I was a student at GETS and NU.

Years later, Dow came to do an "encuentro" in our church in Marion, Indiana, with significant positive responses from several youth and adults there. Dow edited and wrote many books, presided over the design of the current structure of the United Methodist Church, and created constructive controversy by unfailingly finding the relevance of Sunday's lectionary to Saturday's headlines when he preached." - James Dwyer

"We knew Dow as an inspiring preacher in Evanston in the 1960s. His Sunday sermons were often the topic in Monday classes and coffee breaks at Garrett. He also made a significant mark at the Board and as a missionary in South America." - Richard and Caring Schwenk

Harry Greenberg, who served in South Africa for sixteen years, died on 21 March 2004. Harry served in Mozambique to build infrastructure 50 or so years ago. Then, he went to 475 to serve as Assistant Treasurer where he helped architect the famous Collins Trust By-Laws. I never did such remarkable and outstanding things in my life, but I did get to walk many miles on Mozambique trails and paths in three different locations 50 years after Harry had been there. He built systems for water and power that were incredibly skilled. Then, lo! I was sent to NY where I followed Anna Morford as Asst. Treas. One day a call came through needing some help on health benefits. It was Harry. When he learned my name and where I had been, voices started cracking and tears were inevitable on both ends of the line. God bless Harry. More about his life will be placed on our website when submitted. - Carolyn Belshe Cowen

4. Optimistic Overseas Observations by Richard Schwenk, editor

Good examples of recent Christian developments in three countries give me reason to hope for the success of His mission with a ripple effect.

1. Caring and I visited the Philippines in February and were impressed by the growing number of Methodist-related schools from kindergarten to universities and seminaries. We had just finished an article on schools for the March issue of New World Outlook, but we discovered many other K through high schools that are a part of local UM Churches in the country. We estimate the enrolment in all of these church schools to be at least 1,000 more students than we first reported.

Thus a grand total of at least 24,000 students are enrolled in UMC-related educational institutions this year by our count. The UMC educational institutions are the launching pad for many community development projects in education, health and agriculture. With Bible courses, chapel services, morning devotions, and Christian youth activities, many students of these Methodist-related schools go on to become pastors, deaconesses and active lay leaders.

2. This March I had the opportunity to visit Germany and was impressed by what may be a Christian revival among the youth, at least in an area between Stuttgart and Ulm. One of the spurs to this movement started about four years ago when a Lutheran pastor in Laichingen asked some of his youth to prepare a contemporary musical band to play in church in two months for Youth Sunday. They searched out six of the best young musicians from various churches, including the daughter of the Methodist pastor. The Christian rock band was a big hit and now plays monthly to 400 ecumenical youth in an abandoned factory - as did the Wesleys. Calling themselves "Freequency" [sic] they have recently released an original CD in English, entitled: Have a Nice Bath with these words, "...I got to know a man, he said he's supposed to be...living water. I found out...we all really need this thing...bathing without [His living] water isn't that cool."

3. The other day I was curious to see how things were going in our first assignment as a missionary couple in Kapit, Sarawak, Malaysia, 1965-79. So I typed these words into a Google search: "Methodist + Kapit" Up jumped this informative Kapit website. I discovered that an outstanding product of our Methodist schools and MYF and the former principal of our Methodist Secondary School is now Minister of Social Development and Urbanization. He is Dr. James Jemut Masing who officiated at the Methodist Iban Annual Conference Sarawak (MIACS) dinner for more than 1000. Dr. Masing praised the Methodist mission for its contribution to the Iban community that included introducing education and giving health care and agricultural education starting in 1949. Literacy was about 5% then and headhunting had finally stopped at the end of WWII. Most youth are now literate. There are 43,362 Methodist Ibans, 15 pastors and 50 assistant pastors in Sarawak. The MIACS recently expanded to Johore Baharu where about 35,000 Ibans have migrated and work in Singapore factories. This is becoming one of the missionary projects of the Iban-speaking Methodist church that was a mission itself until recent years. Surely, God is making seeds grow and bear fruit. Happy Easter!

5. Volunteer Opportunities with MFSA by Nan McCurdy

The Methodist Federation for Social Action needs progressive United Methodists who care about the future of the church and are able to attend General Conference for one or two weeks in Pittsburgh, April 26-May 8.

For nearly a century now, the Methodist Federation for Social Action (founded in 1907 as the Methodist Federation for Social Service) has been involved in this quadrennial decision-making gathering. As an independent group of United Methodists with no official standing, we have consistently supported the social justice ministries of the church and challenged the church always to find new ways to embody the call of the Gospel to be the inclusive, justice-seeking, risk-taking Body of Christ. Find out all about volunteer opportunities with MFSA.

6. Central Conference Workshops Sign-up by Carolyn Cowen

General Board of Discipleship is seeking volunteers of the UMMA community to help with training, particularly in Central Conferences. Carolyn [Belshe] Cowen is establishing a database. If you are interested, jot down some notes using the following guidelines. Send to ccmission@cox.net, or 618 N. 41st West Avenue, Tulsa OK 74127-5008.

Name:

Contact Info (postal, email, fax, telephone):

Missionary Status (Active, Inactive, Retired):

Teaching Expertise: age level, topics, areas:

Specialized Credentials and Academic Degrees:

Publications (International and US):

Availability of your written materials for Central Conference (manuals, handbooks, textbooks, or subjects):

Current Passport and Health Records Listing Immunizations:

Countries which you are not available to volunteer in:

Months or seasons when you are not available to volunteer:

Any priority of geographical areas?

Last Modified: 11 April 2004 Copyright © 1999-2004 United Methodist Missionary Association

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