Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19 and 20
Going Global
Did you know that we have six Global Partnerships in Western PA? Our conference partners with Nicaragua, East Germany, Russia, Encounter with Christ in Latin America and the Caribbean, Zimbabwe and Fiji. In the next couple of weeks, WPA Missions will be featuring these partnerships by sharing stories of the amazing work being done in these areas.
Fiji: Our most recent partnership was signed a year ago tomorrow in Suva Fiji. Western PA has a sizable population of Fijians who live in the Connellsville District Area. Many Fijians moved to the area to work within the fracking industry. After building a relationship with this community, mission teams visited Fiji and eventually a small group accompanied Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi to Fiji. The group met with the President of The Methodist Church in Fiji and their cabinet and toured the conference offices. They visited the women’s division, several theological schools, the Methodist Lay Training Center (MLTC), and children’s home. The group discussed areas of mutual ministry and ways we can partner to support the diasporic Fijian Community of WPA, which sometimes feels disconnected. This resulted in an invitation for our conference to partner with their MLTC to give support financially, in hands-on mission, and continued partnership training.
Our conference was asked to help obtain a refrigerator, cooktops, ovens, and sewing machines to support the lay training center, which helps to support itself by cooking, sewing, and selling natural products. It is one of the oldest Methodist Church facilities in Fiji. WPA hopes to learn how to more effectively support the Fijian vacakatawa (Lay Leader) in WPA.
At our Western PA Annual Conference in June 2019, Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi signed the Western PA portion of the agreement. Later that summer, Connellsville DS Bob Zilhaver, Rev. Dr. Renee Mikell (representing Bishop Moore-Koikoi), and team leader Rev. Bev Roscoe presented the Partnership Agreement to the President at the Fijian Annual Conference in Suva.
Pictured on left: DS. Zilhaver watches as the President signs the Partnership Agreement.
Pictured on right: August 2019 Team, after a worship service with the President and Lay Leader
The mutual goal of the partnership is to work together to cultivate a more intentional and effective mission with and for the Fijian Community of Western Pennsylvania and with the mission of the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma.
Sierra Leone Bishop Dies at 63
People across the denomination mourn the loss of Bishop John K. Yambasu, who died in a car accident Aug. 16. Yambasu, 63, had many titles — bishop, chancellor of Africa University and president of the Africa College of Bishops. But the one he most cherished was beloved child of God. More..
Interim President of Africa Council of Bishops
Following the death of Bishop Yambasu, Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa, Resident Bishop of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, was elected today as interim president of the Africa College of Bishops. Africa University also announced the establishment of an endowed scholarship in memory of Bishop Yambasu. More...
Thomas Kemper leaves his post as General Secretary of Global Ministries
Thomas Kemper, General Secretary of Global Ministries who has led the Board for a decade, is leaving the post of general secretary at the end of the month. Last week missionaries prepared a video of statements of appreciation and affection for Kemper in many languages. A virtual missionary choir sang a composed song based on the phrase “From Everywhere to Everywhere,” a description of United Methodist missionaries popularized by Kemper. More...
Virtual Mission Opportunities
- Wednesday, August 20, 2020 at 12:00PM EDT:This week a new class of
Global Mission Fellows on the US-2 Track will begin their training. The Global Mission Fellows Program is an opportunity for young adults to work in social justice ministries for 2-years. They serve outside of their home communities, and on the US-2 Track these Fellows will all be serving within the US. Creating opportunities for young adults is a priority of Global Ministries. Young adults play a critical role as agents of change in The United Methodist Church. You can be part of their blessing service that will be live streamed on Facebook on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 12:00 PM EDT
- Thursday August 20, 2020. 1:00PM EDT: #StillinMission Episode 12. Our very own Western PA CCW- Natalie Marionneaux, Emily Everett and Umba llunga Kalangwa. Please spread the word by sharing the flyer. Register
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Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM: Jane and Larry Kies serving in Zimbabwe. Join the ZOOM presentation on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM. Hosted by Tammy Kuntz, United Methodist Volunteers in Mission North Central Jurisdiction Coordinator. Learn about the important work of missionaries Larry and Jane Kies at Africa University. For more information email Tammy Kuntz @ ncj@umvim.org
Watch this video that showcases their work at Africa University.
Volunteers in Mission Opportunties
Rebuild opportunities
- WPA Missions is looking for volunteers willing to help rebuild a home in Reynoldsville, PA in partnership with the Red Cross. A tree fell on a home, so there is need for roof repair on the second floor, including shingles and siding. If you have any construction experience or are willing to offer any assistance please contact the missions office at sandra.matoushaya@wpaumc.org
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WPA Missions is looking for volunteers to assist with a home in Jeannette. The home had extensive water damage and the Disaster Response Teams from Greensburg and Johnstown Districts had to demolish most of the first floor of the home. The homeowner has acquired cabinets, doors and windows to replace what had to be removed and is asking for help. If you are able to assist or know anyone willing to help please share have them contact our Conference Disaster Response Coordinator David Kissinger at 814-243-3254.
