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Nothing But Nets
Malaria kills. Every 30 seconds a child dies from malaria.
Every year, more than a million children die from this disease.
Ninety percent of deaths caused by malaria occur in Africa. Malaria
infects nearly 500 million people each year. Children who survive often
experience health complications.
Malaria is a preventable disease. By answering Jesus' call to
"minister to the least of these who are members of our family," we can
beat this disease and save future generations. So give a child the
opportunity to be healthy. Pray. Communicate the need. Buy a bed net.
And save a life.
A partnership between the United Methodist Church, the United Nations Foundation, Sports Illustrated and the NBA Cares (National Basketball Association), Nothing But Nets raises money for treated bed nets to protect African children from mosquitoes carrying Malaria.
Each $10 donation will pay for the purchase and distribution of an
insecticide-treated bed net to a family in Africa, as well as education
about its use. A challenge grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation will match contributions dollar for dollar up to $3 million.
Learn more or donate now at:
At Mount Hope United Methodist Church we are planning to put together a Basketball Clinic to help local kids with their basketball skills and to raise money and awareness for the Nothing But Nets campaign. This clinic is planned to be either during Spring Break or immediately after the end of the school year in May.
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September 4, 2005 – World Service Fund
A MOMENT FOR MISSION
United Methodism talks a lot about “connectionalism.” For some, it’s just jargon. For others, the word has powerful implications for and impact on the lives of individuals and churches.
Connectionalism means our church is joined with all other United Methodist churches—in the United States and worldwide—emotionally, spiritually and financially. Connectionalism allows us to do work we couldn’t do on our own. Connectionalism furnishes us with resources, support, opportunities and ministries we could not create for ourselves. And connectionalism extends our local church endeavors allowing us to “go . . . and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Persons around the world depend on us!
The World Service Fund is the primary apportioned fund for connectionalism. World Service underwrites the work of United Methodist boards and agencies whose personnel carry out diverse ministries on our behalf. World Service undergirds missionaries and missionary programs. World Service is truly United Methodism in action. Through the World Service Fund, we serve the world!
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
United Methodism’s General Council on Finance and Administration (GCFA) recently reported that the denomination increased its giving for the seven apportioned funds during 2004 by almost $4.4 million over the previous year, an increase of 3.9 percent. Sandra Lackore, GCFA general secretary, said: “The faithfulness of United Methodists is amazing. We have spent far too little time as a denomination helping our members and friends connect their faith journey with their giving journey. Despite that, faithful United Methodists continue to generously support our denominational financial covenant.”
World Service, the largest apportioned fund, continuously needs our support—financially and spiritually. The scope of that fund and the ministries it enables requires 100-percent donations from all churches in order to fulfill the dreams and hopes of those whom our churches seek to serve.
August 28 Mission Focus: Africa University
A MOMENT FOR MISSION
Faith Katsonga represents the hundreds of students who have been a part of Africa University since its first year in 1992. She said, “My dream is to become a leader who exemplifies strong moral principles.” In the words of an African proverb, “Like a tree, the growth of a community is watered by the sweat of the many hands of its people.” Faith graduated this year in accounting, and she can’t wait to return to her own community.
Africa University was born from a dream, came to fruition and is now strongly in place. It is the only United Methodist institution of higher learning on the continent of Africa. Located in Old Mutare, Zimbabwe, about 160 miles from the capital Harare, the university is supported by contributions and apportionments from United Methodist churches and individuals.
Parts of Africa are in turmoil, while others are growing stable. Africa University is producing great leaders for the present and the future of a continent that is birthing Christians faster than any other place on the globe. An investment in Africa University benefits the entire world.
OFFERTORY PRAYER
God of wisdom and power, clear our minds so we can gain knowledge of you and your Son. Be with those who want to know more about you, who want to lead and to shape a world in desperate need. Be with Africa University and other colleges and universities as they attempt to teach the Word and the world. We bring our gifts today to further your love among people who sometimes are forgotten and to strengthen your church among people who hunger and thirst for something they cannot find elsewhere. Be with us as we minister in your name through these gifts. Amen.
NEWSLETTER NUGGET
Africa University is a dream come true! From its infancy in 1992 with 42 students, it now reaches more than 1,000 students from more than 20 countries. The university provides a safe place where students become acquainted with each other, with their continent and with the world.
Africa University is a beacon of hope and life in an area fraught with conflict and despair. Africa University teaches fundamentals for employment as well as the gospel of Jesus Christ. Students are involved in organizations that help them to share their faith and their love, as they prepare to leave the institution and to serve your children everywhere. Our church’s support of Africa University through our apportionments helps to keep the dream alive!
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