September 1997

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"Sonya Wu: Welcoming the Strangers in Our Land"' by A. Victoria Hunter

At a time when immigrants face increasing intolerance and scant social services, Sonya Wu, 1996 Theressa Hoover awardee, found a way to make a difference. Ms. Wu chose to live at Jubilee Partners, a Christian service community offering a short-term home, hospitality, orientation, and English-language classes to refugees. This article shows how this 22-year-old woman touched the lives of more than 40 families, what she learned from these people, and her plans for the future.

"In a Volcano's Path: Life Erupts in Montserrat" by Yvette Moore

Just as Montserrat, a small British Caribbean isle in the Leeward chain, had just about recovered from devastating Hurricane Hugo of 1989, the Soufriere Hills volcano erupted after lying dormant for 300 years. Yvette Moore interviews the Rev. Joan Meade, a pastor in the Leeward Islands District of the Methodist Church about the effects on the country, the people, the environment, and the new ministries of the church during this disaster.

"South Africa's Road to Freedom" by Yvette Moore

Bishop Mvume Dandala of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa says that South Africa's new challenge is to learn to live free. Education, he states, is the key to this and the church can play a unique role in securing freedom by educating youngsters 1-7 years old. This article explores the youth who once took to the street to protest apartheid and their under-education and problems of the society. It also looks at the solutions, including education of youth, teaching the children to remember the apartheid, and realizing that progress takes time.

"South Africa: Caring for Youth Across Racial Lines" by Nolundi Rawana

In the 1970s when the Central Methodist Mission opened the doors of Careways Children's Centre in the heart of Johannesburg, only white children were allowed to enter. But in 1982, when its two sister centers in Soweto collapsed for lack of funds, the mission made the historic decision to buck apartheid and cater to children of all races. Today, the center offers safe and moderately priced after-school care for children of all races. This article explores the children's interesting schedule, the unique activities and programs in which they participate, and the environment the center tries to create for all children of all abilities and walks of life.

"South Africa: For Love of Children" by Nolundi Rawana

In today's South Africa, where quality education is often available only to children of affluent families, the Methodist Church is making a difference. Its For Love of Children preschool in Johannesburg serves children from low-income households, including single-parent homes, and homeless children. This article looks at the skills that this school teaches 3- through 6-year-olds, how it tries to help kids develop self-esteem, and how it is structured to encourage holistic development.

"South Africa: Single Women Welcome at Wesley Residence" by Nolundi Rawana

Wesley Ladies Residence opened in 1929 in downtown Johannesburg to accommodate young rural women who came to the city in search of jobs. It was one of a kind then, and it still is now. This article looks at the changes the home has gone through including a move, name change, and frequent visits from authorities because of defiance of apartheid mandates. It also explores the type of unique atmosphere and facilities that the residence currently provides.

"Bosnian Teens Look Ahead" by A. Victoria Hunter

A. Victoria Hunter wrote this article based on her interview with Bosnian teen women who recently visited the United States. They talk about the war, the effects of the war on their youth, how it is to be a war refugee, and their cautious optimism about the future.

"When Billy Cries 'Help!'" by Rayford Woodrick

This article explores the trauma of a five-year-old boy named Billy,* who loved to visit an elderly neighbor. One day, the neighbor came home to find Billy's bike, but no Billy. When she found Billy in a tenant's apartment, he was shut in a dark attic and sexually abused. The article traces the process that Billy and his parents followed; how Wesley Community Center helped him through the interview and legal process in a way sensitive to children's needs; how the center seeks to prevent child abuse; and the work the Wesley House does to attempt to bring healing to Billy's young life and other children in the same situation.

*Names have been changed to protect the children.

Other Articles:

See also:

• Response
• Responsively Yours
• United Methodist Women
• Women's Division
• July-August Edition of Response