Welcome to News Round-up, a column for items that take more than a single paragraph to explain. This feature will run as often as needed to fully inform readers of worldwide United Methodist life and work.
Liberia: Mixed Reactions Greets Weah's Call
From The New Dawn - Truly Independent
A United Methodist University student group in Liberia seems to be among the few citizens to endorse newly elected President George Manneh Weah's call for a meeting with members of his political opposition, according to an article written by Ben P. Wesee and posted on allAfrica.com. He writes:
"However, a group of students from the United Methodist University welcomes President Weah's proposal, noting that if Liberia is to rise again, every Liberian including the opposition community and developing partners should get involved.
"A campus-based group, Students for Peace and Development Initiative through its leader, Theodosia Cooper, says Liberia is at a critical stage, and playing politics or politicizing everything could cause the country more problems than good.
"Cooper argues that President Weah's intention for Liberia and Liberians is to better livelihood of everyone, calling on the opposition community to honor the President's invitation to discuss Liberia's future, a country they will one day govern.
"President Weah has proposed a one-day national forum between the Government of Liberia and opposition political parties with the hope of advancing ideas that will promote national unity and political tolerance."
Read the full article on allAfrica.com.
Bursting at the Seams, Ministry Seeking a New Home
Seven United Methodist churches around Danville, Ill., are banding together to find a new home for Fair Hope Children’s Ministry, which has been helping local families since 2004, writes Mary Wicoff of the Danville Commercial-News. Housed in a 3,500-square-foot former parsonage, the ministry has outgrown its current space.
"The ministry, located behind Bowman Avenue United Methodist Church, has started a fund to buy a larger, handicapped-accessible site or build one," writes Ms. Wicoff. "The goal is to raise $300,000."
"The faith-based nonprofit agency helps children from newborn to 18 by providing clothing, layettes, school supplies, portable infant beds and car seats."
The seven churches involved in the cooperative ministry are Bowman Avenue, Farmer’s Chapel, Danville First, Batestown, Catlin, St. James and Union Corner United Methodist churches.
Ms. Wicoff writes that the Fair Hope board "is looking for a one-level building with plenty of room for the ministry’s services — such as sorting, displaying and storing clothing — and space for meeting rooms and classrooms, as well as a children’s play area." Fair Hope's board is looking for property with a minimum of 7,500-9,500 square feet of usable space, located on a bus route or somewhere that clients can travel to easily.
"During an average year, about 500 families shop for basic clothing needs for 1,025 children; 100 play yards are distributed; 130 newborn layettes are shared; and more than 250 backpacks and school supplies are provided to children in need in Vermilion County. In the 2016-17 year, $3,000 was given to Danville District 118 for uniform standard of dress clothing," reported Ms. Wicoff.