World Projects
MULUNGWISHI SEMEINARY SCHOLARSHIPS (Dem. Rep. of Congo)
Since 1985 Mulungwishi has offered a Bachelor of Theology degree taught in French, serving the annual conferences in Southern Congo and North Katanga. These conferences are unable to provide enough support to sustain the physical plant and pay staff salaries. This advance special provides funds for salaries, scholarships, housing, and medical assistance for staff and students. Contributions also purchase library books and supplies.
AFRICAN CHURCH GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT
Since 1981 this program has played a critical role in empowering African United Methodists to meet the critical needs within their annual conferences. Over the years many benefited from scholarships from this fund. New churches have been built in response to phenomenal church growth. Contributions have enabled the reconstruction of churches, education and health facilities damaged by warfare. Christian education and evangelism programs have been initiated through ACG&D. Four wheel drive vehicles, motorbikes and bicycles have been purchased to enable outreach to remote areas. This is a unique partnership of United Methodist in Africa, Europe and the United States.
EASTERN DISTRICT METHODIST EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (Bolivia)
The Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia provides low-cost private educational and administers public schools in rural, low-income areas. Gifts purchase materials and equipment for the five Methodist schools serving more than 5,000 students. Improvements for libraries and laboratories are needed. Teacher training is an important part of this program.
EASTERN DISTRICT METHODIST EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (Bolivia)
The Evangelical Methodist Church in Bolivia provides low-cost private educational and administers public schools in rural, low-income areas. Gifts purchase materials and equipment for the five Methodist schools serving more than 5,000 students. Improvements for libraries and laboratories are needed. Teacher training is an important part of this program.
BISHOP JUDITH CRAIG'S CHILDREN'S VILLAGE (Liberia)
Civil war in Liberia has birthed a generation of young people who know nothing other than armed conflict. Over 10,000 children have been orphaned. Some of them are receiving counseling, schooling, health care and shelter at this facility. Currently school is being held in 10 cottages. The goal is to build a multi-purpose building for studies, worship and other activities. The cost of that project is $80,000. It takes $60.00 a month to sponsor one child at the village. Both needs can be served through this Advance Special.
SNETH NIKETAN SCHOOL FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
Sneth Niketan School is for children who are challenged with mental and physical disabilities. Children who are trainable, ages 5-15 are admitted to the school. They receive regular subjects as well as vocational training; home science for girls, carpentry and shalk making for boys. The school gives disadvataged children adequate skills to enable their independence. Gifts providi scholarships.
AFRICA UNIVERSITY
The University is offering Masters degree programs in agribusiness, agricultural economics, horticulture, and plant sciences in the near future. Africa University is the first private University in Zimbabwe and the only onerelated to the U.M.C. in Africa. Africa University uses an effective friend in fund raisers to support scholarships, and capital improvements, capital developments and its own capital endowment fund.
National Projects
APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECTS
Appalachia Service Project repairs home and builds homes as part of an affordable housing program. More than 150,000 volunteers from across the nation have lived out the gospel by working on ASP houses. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Each work team stays one week during the summer program. Housing is in schools, although persons can live in their RVs. There are three permanent ASP centers in Jonesville, VA; Chavies, KY; and Brenton, WV. Adult groups are welcome year-round at these centers and the length of time is negotiable. In addition to money, construction materials are welcome contributions.
Red Bird Mission
Financial assistance for hundreds of preschool through high school students. Red Bird School is a Christian mission school (k-12). Tuition is charged on a sliding scale of $8 to $51 per month based on family size and income. Tuition fees cover only 4% of the actual cost of an education but no child is turned away for the lack of ability to pay. The school is operating in the 23rd poorest county in the United States. The School is attempting to break this poverty cycle by providing a quality education, both secular and spiritual.
McCurdy School Program Support
McCurdy has been a school with a tradition as well as a vision since 1912. Their goal is still to provide a quality education with Christian emphasis, ministering to the whole person-Academically, spiritually, physically and socially. The 500 students served are predominantly Hispanic from a rural community struggling with poverty and violence, yet about 80% of the students go on to post secondary education. They need your support. The Campbell's labels for education program supplements their program with educational equipment as well as vans for transportation. Their volunteer in Mission program makes the most of your skills on their campus. The endowment fund will ensure a good Christian education for students from this area. Help them prepare the children and youth of today for the challenges of tomorrow.
Hunger and Relief
Haiti School Hot Lunch Program
Education for their children is a definite priority for Haitian parents. The Eglise Methodists D'Haiti has 105 schools (elementary and vocational) located throughout the country. Ninety-three of the schools provide a canteen program or school hot lunch which reaches about 17,000 students. Two years ago 25 cents would provide one meal of rice and beans. Inflation increased the cost of a meal to 50 cents in some places, 2 dollars in others. Most of the schools have had to cut back their meal program to a few meals a week; they often share it with younger brothers and sisters through the school fence. To meet the rising need, the Haiti Task Force encourages West Michigan congregations to take a "hearts of Haiti" offering on the first Sunday of each month; the goal is $1.00/ member for each offering.
Grace Children's Hospital
Haiti's leading curative and preventative treatment center for children and families suffering from TB. The hub of an integrated health service system reaching 50,000 persons.
National Disaster Response Fund
Enables UMCOR to respond to person in need after natural disasters in the United States. Floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, explosions, require relief, clean-up and rebuilding. Gifts support UMCOR's presence in times of crises.
Children Impacted by AIDS/HIV (Africa)
To combat the virtually uncontrolled spread of HIV/AIDS on the African continent, funds will support UMCOR programs on the disease and its prevention, community care programs for orphans, health coordinator training and educational literature.
