Central UMC Visits First UMC, Moheto in Kenya
Central UMC Visits First UMC, Moheto in Kenya
On December 1, 2024, Mary Z. and Marcia Longknight embarked on a meaningful journey to visit our friends at First UMC, Moheto, in Kenya. This connection began through Central’s involvement with the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN). First UMC, Moheto holds the distinction of being the first Reconciling church in all of Africa, a discovery that inspired a partnership between our congregations.
Since then, this relationship has flourished, with mutual exchanges of support and inspiration, including a visit from Pastor Kennedy to Central UMC, strengthening our shared mission and fellowship.
A key focus of RMN has been providing scholarships for girls to attend school, empowering young women to pursue their dreams through education. During their visit, Mary and Marcia will meet with some of these scholarship recipients, including girls who have recently graduated.
Stay tuned for updates from Mary and Marcia as they share stories from their trip. We can’t wait to hear more upon their return!
Since then, this relationship has flourished, with mutual exchanges of support and inspiration, including a visit from Pastor Kennedy to Central UMC, strengthening our shared mission and fellowship.
A key focus of RMN has been providing scholarships for girls to attend school, empowering young women to pursue their dreams through education. During their visit, Mary and Marcia will meet with some of these scholarship recipients, including girls who have recently graduated.
Stay tuned for updates from Mary and Marcia as they share stories from their trip. We can’t wait to hear more upon their return!
UPDATE: From Mary Z. - December 9, 2024
Marcia and Anthony, Leah Wandera’s father and minister/District Superintendent, visited a UMC ministry in a suburban area focused on education. The trip required navigating long, rugged roads, but the warm welcome made it worthwhile.
The church is a modest sheet-metal structure without electricity or running water, with small classrooms for 33 children. Despite the lack of basic supplies, a dedicated teacher—a college graduate—provides instruction. The community dreams of building a church-owned elementary and high school, a challenging but hopeful vision.
The main gathering space is outdoors under a tarp, with a dirt floor and plastic chairs. Around 25 women and many children greeted the visitors with enthusiasm. The children shared poems, recitations, and songs, brightening the atmosphere with their energy.
The UWF group here has existed in name only, without training or resources. Marcia and Anthony shared the UWF’s global mission, emphasizing the connection with women’s groups worldwide. The message, “You are not alone—you have UWF sisters around the world,” was met with applause and joy.
The women introduced themselves, shared about their families, and described small businesses they run to support each other. Through a “table bank” system, they pool resources to provide short-term loans and fund product creation. During the visit, they proudly demonstrated their liquid soap, “Hope Solutions,” and a new perfume product.
The group expressed a desire for prayers, financial support, and leadership training, such as guidance from a missionary. Their commitment to faith and collective growth was inspiring.
December 10, 2024, Marcia and Anthony attended a District UWF gathering to continue connecting with and encouraging these communities.
Thank you for praying for Marcia and Mary Z., and for everyone at First UMC, Moheto.
The church is a modest sheet-metal structure without electricity or running water, with small classrooms for 33 children. Despite the lack of basic supplies, a dedicated teacher—a college graduate—provides instruction. The community dreams of building a church-owned elementary and high school, a challenging but hopeful vision.
The main gathering space is outdoors under a tarp, with a dirt floor and plastic chairs. Around 25 women and many children greeted the visitors with enthusiasm. The children shared poems, recitations, and songs, brightening the atmosphere with their energy.
The UWF group here has existed in name only, without training or resources. Marcia and Anthony shared the UWF’s global mission, emphasizing the connection with women’s groups worldwide. The message, “You are not alone—you have UWF sisters around the world,” was met with applause and joy.
The women introduced themselves, shared about their families, and described small businesses they run to support each other. Through a “table bank” system, they pool resources to provide short-term loans and fund product creation. During the visit, they proudly demonstrated their liquid soap, “Hope Solutions,” and a new perfume product.
The group expressed a desire for prayers, financial support, and leadership training, such as guidance from a missionary. Their commitment to faith and collective growth was inspiring.
December 10, 2024, Marcia and Anthony attended a District UWF gathering to continue connecting with and encouraging these communities.
Thank you for praying for Marcia and Mary Z., and for everyone at First UMC, Moheto.
Prayer for Mary Z & Marcia Longknight
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2024
December
Advent Day 1 - HopeAdvent Day 2 – Hope – Emma Community MarketAdvent Day 3 – Hope – Angel TreeAdvent Day 4 – Hope – Haywood Street CongregationAdvent Day 5 – Hope – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 6 – Hope – Church and SocietyAdvent Day 7 – Hope – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 8 - PeaceAdvent Day 9 – Peace – Prison MinistryAdvent Day 10 – Peace – Creation CareAdvent Day 11 – Peace – Wilderness TrailAdvent Day 12 – Peace – Children's MinistryC4C Winter Coat Drive 2024Advent Day 13 – Peace – Habitat for HumanityAdvent Day 14 – Peace – United Women in FaithAdvent Day 15 - Rev. Ann OwensCentral UMC Visits First UMC, Moheto in KenyaAdvent Day 16 – Joy – College ChristmasAdvent Day 17 – Joy – Reconciling Ministries NetworkAdvent Day 18 – Joy – ABCCMAdvent Day 19 – Joy – Stephen MinistryAdvent Day 20 – Joy – Children's MinistryAdvent Day 21 – Joy – Youth MinistryAdvent Day 22 – LoveAdvent Day 23 – Love – Recovery ResourcesAdvent Day 24 – Love – Worship and the ArtsAdvent Day 25 – Christmas
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