Issuu

Photo courtesy of Chanceline Oya Basilwango

Photo courtesy of Rev. Patricia Marques

Photo by John Ntambo

Photo courtesy of Roberta Rios Lage

THIS MOMENT MATTERS

ACROSS CONGREGATIONS, COMMUNITIES AND CONTINENTS— YOUR GENEROSITY IS ALLEVIATING HUMAN SUFFERING INSIDE: Discover how Global Ministries missionaries are

bringing hope to survivors affected by five key areas of humanitarian need.

We are called to welcome the stranger, feed the hungry, heal the sick and proclaim good news to the poor. That calling has not changed. If anything, it has become even clearer. THIS MOMENT MATTERS. See how Patricia is mentoring pastors in PORTUGAL.

page 7 See how Willie is reducing economic pressures driving migration in MEXICO.

See how Norman is building foodsecure communities in the D. R. CONGO.

page 6

page 4

A Shared Commitment to Serving Others Global Ministries’ faithful network of missionaries, ministry partners and other servant leaders in almost 60 countries.

 Global Ministries

 Global Health Projects

+ H igher Education

 Advance Projects

and Ministry  UMCOR  Missionaries

 Scholarships

See how Chanceline is empowering young women in MOZAMBIQUE to escape exploitation.

page 8

 Yambasu Agriculture

Initiative

TOGETHER WE CONNECT MINISTRY PARTNERS

For more than 100 years, Global Ministries’ faithful network of missionaries has served throughout the world—walking alongside vulnerable people as they access food, healthcare, education, stability and pathways to peace, while striving to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.

See how Roberta is expanding access to critical healthcare in MOZAMBIQUE.

page 5

Scan the QR code to view a detailed map and learn about the different project types.

PEOPLE, CONGREGATIONS AND AROUND THE WORLD.

Photo by Paulin Ngoy Male

“Once you equip people with agriculture and food to eat, about 90 percent of their problems—access to education, interpersonal conflict, child marriage, drug abuse, unemployment—will be solved.” –NORMAN YEKEYE, Native of Zimbabwe, Missionary/Agriculturalist and Rural Economic Development Specialist in the D. R. Congo

AGRICULTURE/FOOD SECURITY

YOU ARE HELPING VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES GROW SUSTAINABLE FUTURES THROUGH AGRICULTURE For young people aging out of orphan care, rural families facing food insecurity and mothers striving to nourish their children, access to agricultural expertise and resources can be life changing. Norman Yekeye, UMC missionary and agricultural specialist with the North Katanga Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is uniquely equipped to help these populations. Raised by his grandmother in rural Zimbabwe, Norman understands firsthand both the challenges and potential of small-scale farming. Today, thanks to generous supporters like you, Norman is helping communities build stronger, more food-secure futures through the Yambasu Agriculture Initiative. A recent initiative at Kamisamba Farm in the North Katanga Conference is empowering young adults raised in the Kamina orphanage to become self-sustaining farmers. Launched in conjunction with Global Health, the initiative is also helping pregnant women and mothers with children under five learn how to grow nutrient-rich crops to combat malnutrition.

Diversity in the Field Leads to Nutrition on the Table Relying on a single crop can leave communities vulnerable to drought, pests, market fluctuations and malnutrition. To address these challenges,

the Yambasu Agricultural Initiative (YAI) carefully selects crops based on their nutritional value, climate resilience and species diversity. In the D. R. Congo, YAI supports the cultivation of cowpeas, soybeans, maize, tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, rice and chili peppers. Together, these crops provide a wide range of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fiber, minerals and healthy oils that help combat malnutrition. Crops are also chosen based on their ability to thrive in low-rainfall conditions and sandy soils, which increases the likelihood of successful harvests. YAI produces maize seed locally, ensuring farmers have easy access to quality seeds. With four maize varieties maturing within three to six months, staggered harvests throughout the year provide consistent food supplies, strengthening food security and reducing hunger periods.

Photo by Dr. Patrick Kilunji, Director of Shungu Hospital, Kamina

Democratic Republic of the Congo Agriculture/Food Security

Photo by Norman Yekeye

Mozambique Global Health GLOBAL HEALTH

YOU ARE HELPING TO TRANSFORM LIVES THROUGH IMPROVED MEDICAL CARE When Roberta Rios Lage left her home country of Brazil to serve in Mozambique as a United Methodist missionary and speech therapist, she discovered a critical gap in the nation’s healthcare: speech therapy services simply did not exist. Rather than accept that reality, she set out to change it. Today, thanks to the support of people like you, Roberta is pioneering a field that is transforming lives across her region. She works with some of the most vulnerable—premature infants, children with autism and developmental disabilities and adults recovering from neurological conditions.

Photo courtesy of Roberta Rios Lage

“As long as hunger, wars and people in conflict situations exist, mission will always be necessary.” –ROBERTA RIOS LAGE, Native of Brazil, Missionary/Speech Therapist to Mozambique

Her interventions help children communicate, attend school, build friendships and participate more fully in community life. In some cases, her work saves the lives of patients who must develop the self-feeding skills necessary to survive. One young boy living with muscular dystrophy arrived unable to chew food, close his mouth or communicate effectively. After months of therapy, he can now eat soft foods, interact more confidently with others and experience a quality of life that once seemed impossible.

Around the world, dedicated United Methodist missionaries are hard at work alleviating hunger, poverty, displacement and disease and empowering future leaders to do the same. Your gift supports their efforts to share Christ’s love in action. Give now at giveumcmission.org/weconnect, using the QR code or returning the reply card enclosed.

Photos courtesy of Robe

In a Time of Escalating Human Suffering, We Choose Generosity

rta Rios Lage

Roberta is also training local nurses and healthcare professionals, laying the foundation for sustainable speech therapy services that will continue serving communities long into the future.

MIGRATION

Mexico

YOU ARE HELPING FAMILIES THRIVE WITHOUT LEAVING HOME

Migration

“I believe that every ministry is like a college kid. Your expectation after you support them is for them to be on their own, to be creative, to be self-sustainable.” –GUILLERMO “WILLIE” BERMAN RAMIREZ, Native of Mexico, Missionary/Engineer to Mexico

For more than 20 years, United Methodist missionary Guillermo “Willie” Berman Ramirez, a native of Mexico, has been helping families build hopeful, stable futures without having to leave home. He directs a nonprofit in Rio Bravo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, on the border near McAllen, Texas. Once a ministry focused primarily on short-term projects, it is now a thriving network of community programs that serves families year-round. With the support of generous donors like you, Willie has helped establish and strengthen a medical clinic, elementary school, daycare center, after-school programs and outreach

initiatives that support women, children and vulnerable families. By creating opportunities for women to earn income through small business ventures, connecting families with essential healthcare and educational resources and developing programs that help keep families together, his efforts help reduce the economic pressures that often drive migration. What makes Willie’s work especially transformative is his commitment to sustainability. Under his leadership, ministries that once depended heavily on outside support are increasingly led by local leaders and designed to become selfsustaining, creating lasting change that will continue for generations. “I like to tell volunteers who come here to support us: ‘Don’t take your hammer back with you. Give us the tools. Give us the tools and empower us to help ourselves,’” he says.

Photos courtesy of Guillermo "Willie" Berman

For many families in northern Mexico, economic hardship and limited access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities create difficult choices. Too often, parents feel compelled to leave their communities—and sometimes their families—in search of a better future.

Help More Families Prosper Without Leaving Home Your gift helps create powerful alternatives to migration that enable families to stay together. Give today at giveumcmission.org/weconnect, scan the QR code or return the enclosed reply card. Together, we can help more families build brighter futures right where they call home. 6

Photos courtesy of Rev. Patricia Marques

EDUCATION

YOU ARE HELPING TO WELCOME THE DISPLACED AND EQUIP LEADERS As migration reshapes communities across Portugal, many newcomers face the challenges of building a life in an unfamiliar country while navigating language barriers, economic uncertainty and social isolation. To address these challenges, Igreja Evangélica Metodista Portuguesa (the Portuguese Methodist Evangelical Church) is working hard to prepare a new generation of servant leaders to serve evolving congregations. As a United Methodist missionary from Brazil serving in Portugal, the Rev. Patricia Marques is helping to meet both areas of need. Through a social outreach program, she provides practical support to displaced people, providing food, clothing, transportation and pastoral care during times of crisis. Patricia is strengthening the future of the church by leading the United Methodist Bible Institute, where she mentors and trains pastors. Under her leadership, new church leaders are being equipped with the knowledge, compassion and practical ministry skills needed to serve their communities. A recent meaningful experience offered her the opportunity to mentor the Rev. Filipa Teixeira, a young woman who overcame cultural barriers and is now an ordained pastor. Thanks to the support of people like you, Patricia's ministry is creating lasting impact—offering hope, belonging and practical support to vulnerable people while preparing faithful leaders who will serve the church and their communities for years to come.

“It was great to have someone as empathetic as Rev. Patricia Marques teach me about pastoral practice and awareness of our communities’ needs. I’m very grateful to have her in my journey, knowing that I can count on her wisdom, experience, support and light way of being.” –REV. FILIPA TEIXEIRA, recently ordained pastor in Portugal

Portugal Education

Photo courtesy of Rev.

Patricia Marques

Train the Next Generation Support mentors and educators like Rev. Patricia Marques and further the United Methodists’ historic commitment to education, academic freedom and holistic formation. Give at giveumcmission.org/weconnect, using the QR code or returning the reply card enclosed. 7

PEACE

YOU ARE HELPING TO BUILD MORE STABLE, PEACEFUL COMMUNITIES

Mozambique Peace

“From the teachings of John Wesley, I have learned that faith is not a solitary journey but must be expressed through service to others.” – CHANCELINE OYA BASILWANGO, Native of the D. R. Congo, Global Mission Fellow to Mozambique

As a Global Mission Fellow, Chanceline Oya Basilwango is dedicated to changing these realities. Working alongside local partners, she supports programs that provide girls with scholarships, mentoring, leadership development and safe spaces where they can learn about their rights and build confidence. Girls also learn how to produce reusable sanitary pads, helping to reduce barriers to their education. The impact extends beyond the classroom. Through school gardens and greenhouse projects, girls gain

access to nutritious food while also learning income-generating agricultural skills. Community education campaigns engage parents, teachers, church leaders and local officials in preventing gender-based violence and supporting girls’ futures.

Photo courtesy of Chanceline Oya Basilwango

In rural Mozambique, many girls face overwhelming barriers like poverty, early marriage, early pregnancy and gender-based violence. Some frequently miss school because of prohibitive distances or the lack of access to basic sanitary products. Others face pressure to abandon education altogether.

Drawing on her own experience growing up in the conflictaffected D. R. Congo, Chanceline believes that education, opportunity and dignity are essential foundations for lasting peace. Thanks to supporters like you, vulnerable girls are gaining the tools to remain in school, avoid exploitation and build brighter futures for themselves, their families and their communities. Photos courtesy of Chanceline Oya Basilwango

Help Build More Stable, Peaceful Communities When you give today and support more Global Mission Fellows like Chanceline, you are investing in stronger families, safer communities and a more peaceful future for communities and nations. Give at giveumcmission.org/weconnect, using the QR code or returning the reply card enclosed.