IN THE KNOW May 2026

IN THE KNOW Your EMC Missions update with Bill and Lisa Walker May 2026 Our EMC Global Conference in South Africa reports encouraging new growth, establishing new churches near Port Elizabeth (renamed Gqeberha) and Libode, outside Mthatha (see hearts on map). While these locations are easy to find on Google Maps, you might not discover that Mthatha lies near the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Most exciting of all—these churches formed are 2 new circuits! EMC South Africa uses traditional Wesleyan terminology such as “circuit” and “society,” where in the USA we might say “region” or “district” and “local church.” Early Methodist preachers in the United States often served circuits: groups of congregations under the care of a single pastor. This is the normal structure in EMC South Africa today. In addition, each location (society) is supported by local preachers who assist the pastor, who may oversee multiple societies. In midMarch, the Conference hosted a retreat to equip and encourage these valuable local preachers. When the Walkers visited South Africa in 2024, they had the opportunity to spend time in Motherwell, just outside Gqeberha—one of the new circuits. They were accompanied by Bishop