December 1997

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"Assembly Offering Will 'Make Plain the Vision'" by Annette M. Funk

The 1998 Assembly offering theme invites every member of United Methodist Women to reach out to sisters around the world. The offering helps women move from dependence to independence. This article looks at some of the projects and activities this offering will fund. For more information on the offering, click here.

"Saharawis: A People Seeking a Home" by A. Victoria Hunter

Zahra Ramdan of Western Sahara gave two reasons for a recent trip to the United States. She wanted to strengthen ties between Muslims and United Methodists and she wanted to share the story of her homeland. Western Sahara is the last colony in Africa and has known no stability for over twenty years. This article explores the plight of refugees who have fled Western Sahara; the women who have organized in refugee camps; the political situation; and the key to strengthening ties between Muslim and Christian women.

"Fiji Islands: A Powerful Blend of Gospel and Culture" by Yvette Moore

This article delves into the history and culture of the Fiji Islands' as it explores the colonialist rule that quietly ended, the council of chiefs that ruled the islands, and the transnational corporations that introduced secularization and consumerism. Within this history and culture, however, is embedded a tradition of Christian values and a story of evangelism. This article explores these aspects of the Fiji islands, how they complement and contradict each other, and the hopes for the future.

"Tongan Methodist Women: Offering Hand and Heart to Young Women and Unwed Mothers" by Yvette Moore

Methodist Women in Tonga are determined to help young women adjust to their lives once they've encountered setbacks. They have integrated Bible study with programs on issues like unemployment, prostitution and AIDS. They started work with unwed mothers, who carry with them a stigma because of their situation. In an island-wide crusade, they've coordinated and performed many other mission services, which this article explores in depth.

"Feeding God's Lambs in Brazil" by Yvette Moore

The call to the ministry came with a knock on the door for Gerusa Sanil do Santos who was in Brazil researching her doctoral dissertation. An intoxicated woman with three little girls assured her that she was not there to beg. She'd lost her faith to poverty, and did not know why she was there. The woman gave Ms. Santos her children. Thus started the Martha Strunk Evangelical Home for Minors. This article explores the ministry that Ms. Santos chose, the children's home she began, one child resident's story, and how the ministry grows.

"Camp Aldersgate: Making a Difference with Love" by Susan Van Dusen

One college student volunteered as a weekend respite-care provider at Camp Aldersgate in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her experience there helped prepare her for a career in special education. This article explores opportunities like this that Camp Aldersgate offers for children with disabilities and cancer; the touching stories of mission that teenagers reaching out have experienced; the wide variety of care the camp offers; and how United Methodist Women have made a difference in this mission.

"The Call Was from the Lord" by Mary Agnes Dougherty

This article gives a preview of a just-published history of the deaconess movement within United Methodism. Mary Agnes Dougherty, author of the article, is the writer of "My Calling to Fulfill: Deaconesses in the United Methodist Tradition." She explores testimonials, the deaconess beginnings, and the continuing movement.

"The Right People, The Right Time" by Betty Letzig

This article covers the 1997 quadrennial All-India Deaconess Assembly of the Methodist Church. It shares the challenges before deaconesses: to be where the need is. It shows the pain and hardship of a society and traditions, which deaconesses must confront. And it signifies a renewal and recommitment for deaconesses in their ongoing ministry.

"To Visit Senegal's Imprisoned" by Alice Sapereau and Mavis Streyffeler

Women in prison in Dakar, Senegal, are forgotten by families, government, almost everyone. But two United Methodist Women and their friends remember them. This article gives a glimpse of these women's ministry; their visits to women in prison who range from 11 to 55 years of age; the skills they bring with them and how they teach the incarcerated; and the way their ministry continues even after they finish their prison visit.

"Portuguese Youth: Fragile Dreams in a Global Economy" by Yvette Moore

As Portuguese youth glimpse at the global nature of the changing world, they start to worry about their place in it. This article explores the effects of globalization on young people in Portugal; the amount of stress and its effects that youth experience; and the quest of the Methodist youth to create a community that provides alternative ways of living.

Other Articles:

See also:

• Response
• Responsively Yours
• United Methodist Women
• Women's Division
• November Edition of Response