Back Row:  Walter Schroeder, Alpha Takagi, Sue Pruner, Scott Thorshov
Mary Takagi, Edna Little, Dottie Andoli, Beth Mott, Lois Butler  (Barbara Lang)

The work of Global Ministries addresses our church's vision to "make disciples of all nations" and to "share the love of God".

SLOUMC maintains vital support for missions work worldwide. Our Global Ministries team has assisted our congregation by providing opportunities for service and support.

MISSIONARIES

We support Terry and Muriel Henderson in Mexico, David and Lorene Persons in the Congo, Carol Partridge in Macedonia, and Helen Sheperd in Mongolia.

The church's goal to support five missionaries within five years will be realized this summer when the congregation will vote to select a new missionary. We maintain contact with Dr. Elma Jocson, a former medical missionary in Nepal and with the Asian Rural Institute in Japan.

Special programs co-sponsored with Peace, Bible and Justice committee are scheduled when missionaries visit our church.

Davis and Lorene Persons

Terry and Mureal Henderson

Carol Partridge

Helen Shepard

SLOUMC continues its generous financial support of local and worldwide needs through Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas special offerings as well as UMCOR One Great Hour of Sharing and Advance Specials. Special offerings in 2007 exceeded $ 8,400 aiding Hope packs Project, flooding in Mexico, Asian Rural Institute, with $1,285 more through the December Alternative Gift Market (More Than a Bandage, Emergency Relief Funds, the work of our four missionaries and the Asian Rural Institute).

OUTREACH

There are many opportunities to share our talents and to support those in need:

• Fair Trade Coffee sales support the Dilkusha School for orphans in Fiji.

• Global Ministries collects pounds of cancelled stamps to send to Marion Missions Storehouse, to benefit shipping of goods to Africa.

• Advent gifts are collected for the local Drug Court Children's Christmas party.

• Hand knit or crocheted sweaters are sent to Knit for Kids for children in need in US and third world countries. So far in 2008, 167 sweaters have been shipped.

EDUCATION

We have created an age-appropriate missions map for the Sunday School and are preparing for our permanent Global Ministries' space in the narthex.