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 heartsonmap).Whiletheselocationsareeasy tofindonGoogleMaps,youmightnotdiscover that Mthatha lies near the birthplace of Nelson Mandela. Mostexcitingofall 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 Africatoday. Inaddition,eachlocation (society) is supported bylocal preacherswho 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
Lungisa Nyangane and Rev. Terrence Lumko, who was then planting the circuit. A simple structure there served as the first church where Bill preached during the trip.
One ongoing need is the ability to purchase land. Churchesareunderstandablyhesitanttoinvestheavily in buildings on property they do not own. While land may be considered affordable by U.S. standards, many societies still lack the resources to acquire it.
We look forward to welcoming Bishop Nyangane and Brother Jobe Tukwayo of EMC South Africa as delegates to the EMC General Conference this July. That will be a wonderful opportunity for you to talk with these great men of God and learn more firsthand!
…and now you are IN THE KNOW!
Revs. Bill and Lisa Walker are EMC Missionaries serving the Global Conferences of the Evangelical Methodist Church International. They simultaneously co-chair the EMC Board of World Missions. Contact the Walkers for more information or to schedule a visit to your church! billwalkeremc@gmail.com or lisawalkeremc@gmail.com. Learn more at www.emchurch.org/ministries/missions.
Scan the code or copy the link to support the Walkers:
https://emchq.churchcenter.com/giving/to /bill-and-lisa-walker
