CHURCHES, CLINICS AND CLASSROOMS:

There's more work to be done!

There have been moments in my ministry where I have been overwhelmed by the great need of people around the world. My heart has been touched by people of less than moderate means who have shared food and water with me when they did not know where or when their next meal would come.

I have often said that wherever The United Methodist Church goes, we start churches, clinics and classrooms. Because of this work, I have been humbled by the faith stories of people who have been persecuted because of their belief in God – people who unashamedly speak the name of Jesus Christ and give great thanks for just the opportunity to worship. I have visited clinics in
West Africa that were destroyed in times of war and now have community-based health clinics to care for literally thousands of people in need of health care. I have spoken to children whose one desire is to have the chance to receive an education.

East Ohioans have a long history of supporting mission work at home and abroad. I applaud your efforts. But, there is more work to be done. I would like to challenge East Ohioans to be involved
in new work as it relates to The Bishop’s 3Cs Mission Initiative: Churches, Clinics and Classrooms, particularly in Africa and Russia. Why? The answer is simply because the need is so great.

Please prayerfully consider how your congregation could support Churches, Clinics and
Classrooms. The need is great, the opportunities plentiful.

In the Spirit of Christ,

John L. Hopkins
Resident Bishop

PRAY for God’s guidance as you
LOOK for ways to be helpful then,
SELECT a project or two or more.
INFORM others of work to be done.
ACT — just do it!
PRAY for God’s blessing.