Mission Related News

“When I think about where we are right now, there is a dynamic in our relationships that is more about how we are different instead of together,” shared Rev. Renee Mikell as she led the opening session of Mission u on Sunday, March 12, at Olmsted Manor Retreat Center.   “Who Can We Be Together?” was the theme echoed by Rev. Mikell and Rev. Rick Nelson, who coordinated the event and led opening worship on Sunday evening. “Who can we be together every day?” Nelson asked. “Together, we come to ... read more

by David Kissinger A Western Pennsylvania Disaster Response Team of five consisting of David Kissinger, David Seib, Peggy Seib, Todd Ernst and Leslie Foland traveled to Fort Myers Florida to help with cleanup after Hurricane Ian. The team met the morning of October 18th at a Sheetz in Morgantown, WV before traveling to the Washington Street Unity Methodist Church (UMC) in Columbia, SC.  After an overnight stay at the church, they travelled to North Fort Myers and were housed at the Good ... read more

Despite the pandemic, the Eastbrook Mission Barn sent more than 3000 UMCOR Cleaning Buckets and Hygiene Kits to needed areas around the country in 2021 and volunteers built 30 ramps in the area. In her January 2022 newsletter, Mission Barn Director Katie Peterson provided the numbers and gave an update on what's happening and how volunteers can help in 2022.  She also offered thanks for prayers, donations of money, supplies and kits, as well as service by volunteers.  "Your hands and feet are ... read more

The Nyadire Connection (TNC) mission support organization is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and has selected a new leadership team as part of its “Forward 15” strategy for the future. Founded in 2006 after a mission trip by 18 Pittsburgh residents to Zimbabwe, TNC (www.nyadire.org) is a faith-based, all-volunteer, non-profit organization that supports the Nyadire United Methodist Mission in the northeastern part of Zimbabwe. Since its founding, TNC and its donors have provided more ... read more

In response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that rocked Haiti on August 14, The United Methodist Committee on Relief has awarded grants to provide urgently needed medical supplies. The quake, which particularly damaged the southern and western regions of the island, has left more than 2,200 dead and 12,000 injured. Several hospitals have been damaged or destroyed. Those still open are completely overwhelmed, lacking sufficient personnel and medical supplies.  The first UMCOR grant, to the ... read more

Since 1989, Global Links has worked to recover surplus medical supplies from hospitals and relied on volunteers to sort and package them to send to areas where they are needed. More recently through partnerships with many "safety-net" organizations in the Pittsburgh region they've also provided basic first-aid and hygiene supplies for homeless people and mobility devices for area residents.  During the COVID-19 pandemic, while their community partners were seeing an increasing need, Global ... read more

Soon after tornadoes and hailstorms devastated several communities in Nashville and other parts of Middle Tennessee during the early morning hours of March 3, United Methodists were praying and working together to help those affected. "I am thankful that through our United Methodist Connection, before daylight, our people were connecting and mobilizing to respond to the disaster," said Bishop Bill McAlilly of the Tennessee Conference. "As we continue to assess damages to churches, homes and ... read more

Mission Volunteers are individuals or couples (ages 18 and up) who seek long-term partnerships with communities around the world. Mission Volunteer opportunities are diverse and range from working with refugees, children and youth, serving as a teacher, pastor, camp director or health care professional. The length of service ranges from two months to more than two years.   Current Mission Volunteer placement openings with immediate need: Nepal- United Mission to Nepal Tansen Tutorial Group, a ... read more

Dr. Belinda Forbes, center, is shown with WPAUMC Mission Engagement Coordinator Sandra Matoushaya, left, and the Rev. Alyce Weaver Dunn, director of connectional ministries at the UM Center in Cranberry Twp.  Dr. Belinda Forbes, a dentist and United Methodist missionary serving with Acción Médica Cristiana (Christian Medical Action or AMC) in Managua, Nicaragua, will speak at several Western PA churches during November.  AMC is a Nicaraguan Christian ecumenical organization specializing in ... read more

The Western PA Disaster Response Ministries Team has been lending assistance on a case by case basis in areas affected by flash flooding and tornado activity this summer.  As of July 1, 2019, David Kissinger of Elton: Zion UMC, who has served as coordinator of the Johnstown District Disaster Response Team since 2015, is coordinating the Conference Disaster Response Ministries Team. Kissinger has been involved in Disaster Response Ministry for several years in Pennsylvania and beyond, including ... read more