 First Primetimers Mission Group Visits Macedonia |
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by Nancy Eubanks* |
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Strumica, Macedonia, May 19, 2008--Thirteen United Methodist Primetimers arrived in Macedonia on May 15 for two weeks of ministry as Volunteers in Mission. In Strumica, a city in the far east of the small Balkan country, they packed and delivered meals to the elderly and visited children in schools, including one institution for youngsters with special needs. Primetimers is a program of volunteer mission service for older adults and relates to the Mission Volunteers office of the General Board of Global Ministries. The May trip is the first of a Primetimers group to Macedonia. Macedonia is a landlocked country bordered by Albania on the east, Bulgaria on the west, Greece on the south, and Serbia to the north. The small United Methodist Church plays a vital role in the religious and civic life of the country. Its origins are in the late 19th century through the mission work of European Methodists. In Strumica, the Primetimers visited Orthodox and Methodist churches and heard lectures about the history both of Macedonia and of Methodism in the area. The volunteer group is hosted by missionary Carol Partridge and her husband, Lee Roberts, who are based in Skopje, the Macedonian capital city. A fuller report on the visit to Macedonia will be made when the group returns to the United States. Learn more about the Primetimers' program, and other opportunities through Mission Volunteers. *Nancy Eubanks is a United Methodist Volunteer in Mission.
Date posted: May 20, 2008 |
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