Israel led air strikes, the U.S. President toured Asia, and the economy struggled this weekend. During that time, United Methodist Women’s Division directors addressed those issues and more – trying to give a voice to women and children who might be lost amidst the struggles.

The Women’s Division directors met in Stamford, Conn., Oct. 17-20. The Women’s Division represents United Methodist Women, a 1-million member organization whose purpose is to foster spiritual growth, develop leaders, and advocate for justice.

One concern of directors is the plan of Israel to build a wall that will be three times as long and two times as high as the Berlin wall, will displace people, and will destroy needed agricultural areas. In April 2002, the Israeli government steering committee called for an immediate commencement to the wall, according to the Palestinian Environmental NGOs (non-governmental organizations) Network. Discussion of the issue came on the morning of more Israeli air strikes. Directors voted on a grant for the US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation. The coalition wants freedom from occupation and equal rights for all.

Concerned about the Korean Crisis, the growing humanitarian crisis in North Korea, famine and disease, the Division directors also called on their organization to respond in Asia. They are urging members to contemplate the Gospel call to be peace makers; to urge members of Congress for multilateral, diplomatic solutions to the crisis; and to ask President Bush to continue negotiations and increase humanitarian assistance. They also want women to work ecumenically, with the Korean community, and with Christians in the Korean peninsula on the issues.

United Methodist Women must be realizing the importance of peace dialogue as part of their mission. While non-profits around the country seem to be struggling financially, United Methodist Women members have increased their gifts to mission – realizing that women and children are the first to suffer during economic downturns.

Connie Takamine, treasurer of the United Methodist Women’s Division, announced more than a seven percent increase in United Methodist Women’s gifts to mission for the past three quarters of 2003.

The announcement brought applause and an energy to the Women’s Division board of directors meeting. They voted to support many other organizations relating to women and children. United Methodist Women raise money for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in more than 100 countries around the world.

Responding to international needs, directors voted upon more than $54,000 worth of grants for international programs. Such programs include support for the Angel Coalition Network in Russia, which helps locate trafficked women around the world who want to come home. It also includes support for the printing of health materials for rural villages and schools in India, which will deal with HIV/AIDS prevention, nutrition, and counseling.

In national ministries, the Division voted on more than $80,000 worth of grants. Among other things, grants include scholarship funds for students who have battled cancer or whose families face the battle. One grant will go to the Navajo United Methodist Center – the only of its kind in a 200-mile radius – which helps women and children who have faced domestic violence.

Other items from the Division board of directors meeting: