A Moment for Mission
“Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground.” —Ephesians 6:13, CEB
Life for United Methodists in the East Congo Episcopal Area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo often centers around the church. Hymns unify people throughout the day among those walking to retrieve water from a distance, gathering for various community programs or closing the day with prayer and gratitude. Grace-filled social action is taken to include survivors of regional conflict, especially women and girls suffering from gender-based violence.
In 2022, the Methodist University of Kindu received a grant of $48,600 from the Central Conference Theological Education Fund (CCTEF) to support the theological education of 72 students. Bishop Gabriel Yemba Unda shared, “I am very pleased and proud of the support in pastoral training that my episcopal area receives from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM)”.
Thanks to United Methodists’ generous support of the World Service Fund, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry cultivates a dynamic culture of call and vocational discernment that encourages lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in God’s ministry and mission for the church.
Children’s Message
Let's imagine for a moment that we’re all like seeds planted in a garden. Just like seeds need the right soil, water and sunlight to grow into beautiful flowers or strong trees, we need the right tools and support to grow into the leaders God wants us to be.
As you grow, the gardener might take different forms depending on the kind of plant you are growing to be. The gardener helps us find the best soil (education), provides the water (spiritual and character formation), and shines the sunlight (leadership development) on us so we can grow and blossom!
You have Sunday school teachers, school teachers, our pastor and so many others who are serving as gardeners to help young people grow strong. There are also organizations in the church that can help you. For example, when you are ready for college, the Board of Higher Education and Ministry might support you with a scholarship or help you find the right school.
When we grow and become the leaders God intended us to be, we can help our church and our community in amazing ways. We are so thankful for the gardeners who support and guide us.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the gift of education. Help us to learn and grow each day. Be with those who are discerning your call on their life. Thank you for this connection that supports Christian leaders. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“Therefore, pick up the full armor of God so that you can stand your ground.” —Ephesians 6:13, CEB
Growing up as a pastor’s child in the Missouri Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, the Rev. Kevin Kosh Jr. resisted the idea of following in his father’s footsteps. Initially valuing intellectual pursuits, his perspective shifted during college at Rust College, a United Methodist–affiliated institution. Reflecting on his journey, Kosh acknowledges wrestling with his calling, eventually embracing it.
Attending Rust College ignited Kosh’s passion for supporting young adults. Now, as director of the National Network of Young Adults (NNYA), he nurtures future leaders, mirroring the mentorship he received from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM). Through GBHEM-sponsored college tours and scholarships, Kosh accessed enriching educational opportunities, merging his faith and intellect.
After completing a master of divinity degree at Gammon Theological Seminary, Kosh embarked on ministerial roles in Mississippi, emphasizing the importance of balance and fostering community among young adults. His journey illustrates the fusion of faith and intellect, empowering him to fulfill his calling and guide others in theirs. Read the full article: https://www.gbhem.org/news/faith-and-intellect-help-rev-kosh-jr-cast-a-wider-net/.
Thanks to United Methodists’ generous support of the World Service Fund, the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry cultivates a dynamic culture of call and vocational discernment that encourages lay and clergy leaders to discover, claim and flourish in God’s ministry and mission for the church.