David Wildman, Executive Secretary for Human Rights and Racial Justice, GBGM and Mel Lehman, Editor, Children of Iraq Newsletter discuss the current war in Iraq with Primetimers. Image by: Lane Winn Source: Mission Volunteers

Older Adults from across the United States gathered in New York City for a Primetimers event entitled “A Global Perspective on Current Issues: Understanding and Responding.” From Sunday, March 30 through Thursday, April 3, Primetimers explored issues of national and international concern through lectures, discussions, worship, prayer, and service. During a seminar put on by the Women’s Division’s Seminar Program on National and International Affairs located at the Church Center for the United Nations, Primetimers were able to dialogue with General Board of Global Ministries staffpersons, a representative of the International Peace Academy, as well as the Editor of the Children of Iraq Newsletter. Throughout the week, Primetimers also participated in two service projects and daily worship.

“A Global Perspective on Current Issues” is one of eight Primetimers events scheduled for 2003. Through the Primetimers program, the General Board of Global Ministries provides a Christian service experience with learning, travel, and cultural discovery. All events are in varying locations with unique themes, but all have components of hands-on service, educational forums such as lectures and workshops, and faith-filled reflection. Events are open to all persons 50 years old and older.

Primetimers involved in this event came to New York from many different backgrounds and came for a variety of reasons. “I’m just trying to figure out how to live right now,” Rosalie Branigan of Placitas, New Mexico. Though Branigan has been and continues to be an active United Methodist, she noted that “we are living in unique times.” Jimmy Wickiser of Pueblo West, Colorado came to the Primetimers event “to hear viewpoints other than my own.” Several participants had had children participate in the Seminar Program and wanted to experience it for themselves.

Participants explored global issues such as the current conflict in Iraq, economic injustice and hunger, as well as HIV/AIDS. Angela Muvumba of the International Peace Academy’s Africa Program discussed the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa and then the group had opportunity to learn about HIV/AIDS locally. On Tuesday, Primetimers volunteered for the 2003 AIDS Walk, an experience which for many participants turned out to be a highlight of the week. This annual walk raises funds for the direct care of individuals living with HIV/AIDS as well as for advocacy. After leaving the AIDS Walk office, one Primetimer noted, “Volunteering is not always an easy thing to do by yourself, but with a group, it becomes much easier.”

Though Rosalie Branigan was at first hesitant to come to New York City, she was pleased that she attended the program. “It was a great way to travel, and also to contribute to a place while expanding one’s own understanding of the world and of God.”

For more information on the Primetimers program, visit the website at http://gbgm-umc.org/vim/features/primepro.htm or call tollfree 1-877-882-4724.

	See Also... Topic: Christian love |  Communities |  Education |  GBGM programs |  International affairs |  Volunteers |  Women |  Geographic Region: Africa |  Iraq |  World |  Source: Mission Volunteers
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Date posted: Apr 04, 2003