Faith in Action at Maryville First United Methodist Church is based on Acts 1:8:
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the ends of the earth."
Sudan 2012
Friends,
Thank you for allowing me to represent First Church on a recent trip to Southern Sudan. This was a wonderful trip that was full of information, hope and renewed spirit from our brothers and sisters in Southern Sudan.
During my time in Yei, Morobo, Mukaya and Juba I met with many people in fellowship and continuation of our commitment to help the people of this new democracy. In Pukuka, their new church building rises from the grasslands as a focal point of a community. A new bore hole provides water for approximately 2000 people in the community. The students will no longer need to learn under a mango tree, but will soon be able to use the new building. We took gifts of hymnals, shirts and a cross for the people of Pukuka United Methodist Church. We also made new friends and renewed our old friendships with the congregation. They are happy and excited to be able to serve the community in their new building. In Morobo, we support an Africa ELI sponsored schools. The students are amazing. They achieve great success in spite of their lack of basic needs. They are happy, healthy and work hard for success. I stayed two nights in Mukaya at the Excel Academy that Africa ELI sponsors. This campus is in the bush and surrounded by a local village. The students and staff are isolated but perform well. The school offers advanced classes in a primitive environment. The students realize their potential and their role in the emerging nation. I visited the Yei Campus of Excel Academy. The Nuba students that we sponsor thru Africa ELI were there. They told me stories of war, starvation, bombing and death. They were safe. Our church may not be able to stop the war and genocide in the Nuba Mountains, but we are able to keep these few students safe, fed and educated. In Juba I met with Jimmy and Angelo. They are doing well and sent messages of love to all of the members of our church.
First UMC currently sponsor 13 children from Pukuka UMC. We are building a church and a latrine in Pukuka. We have installed a well (bore hole) and provided agricultural training. FUMC will continue to provide agricultural training and student sponsorships. Additionally, as part of our covenant with Pukuka, the Outreach Team will consider supporting such things as a community savings cooperative, midwife training, school health kits and pastor/teacher support. FUMC also sponsors 13 children at Excel Academies thru Africa ELI. We will also consider other ways to help this incredible ministry to continue to educate future leaders of this nation. The love of First Church is teaching, telling and touching this corner of the world. We are living our faith. Thank you for the opportunity to serve in Southern Sudan.
Chris Hurley
Latvia 2010
During the sixty years of Occupation of Latvia, the Methodist Church was all but eradicated. Since Latvia's independence in 1992, the Methodist Church has begun a rebirth. The Latvian people are full of hope and seeking God's love. Their dedication to the church is remarkable. Since 2005, the Holston Conference has been emphasizing the support of Latvia.
On June 11, 2010 a mission team headed for Kuldiga, Latvia. Suzanne Stratton was honored to join this team. The mission of the team was to renovate the sanctuary of Kuldiga First United Methodist Church, teach Vacation Bible School, and teach an adult Bible School about John Wesley. These are just a few of the pictures from this faith filled journey!
24 persons representing Holston Conference were in Africa for two weeks in the summer of 2008. Trish Badgett, one of those representing our congregation, has pictures and would like to share her experience with Sunday School classes or other groups interested in hearing about the trip. Contact Trish - 983-3006.
Maryville First United Methodist Church has sponsored the mission work of
