 Missionaries Prepare to be Sent Into the World |
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After more than three weeks of training, ten United Methodists will be commissioned and sent to missionary assignments around the world. Family, friends, and supporters are invited to participate in the commissioning via a live web event on October 11, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. ET. Global Ministries executive Judy Chung says that the training helps prepare the individuals for the mission field while building a foundation of support. "These three weeks are important not only to learn the nuts and bolts of mission, but for bonding with other new missionaries and getting to know the staff of Global Ministries who are standing behind them." Rukang and Fresie Chikomb will serve together in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Chikomb said the training was helpful in strengthening his spirit for the ministry where he is called. "Being among the Global Ministries group shows how hope is built around the world. This training becomes a community that shows how we care for others." The service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Flushing, New York. Eumin and Prumeh Kim, two of the missionaries being commissioned, have strong connections with the church. They are assigned to work with the United Methodist Mission Center in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Rev. Kim recalled his first visit to Kazakhstan, noting the distance between United Methodist churches: "After traveling through the night on a train, I arrived eight hours later to the house church off a dirt road in Ushtobe." Upon returning home to Queens, New York, where there are more than 200 faith communities, he thought, "Why are there so many churches here and so few churches over there? This marked the beginning of my sense of calling to become a missionary to Central Asia." Thomas Kemper, the top executive for Global Ministries, says: "It is a joy to visit with this diverse group. I am confident that as they go into the world they will share Christ's love. Having served as a missionary in Brazil, I have experienced the powerful transformation that happens--not only in the communities they serve but also in the hearts of the missionaries themselves." More information about the missionaries and their placement sites is found below.
Date posted: Oct 04, 2011 |
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