BAILEYTON, Tenn. -- Burned church has new hymnals
Last November the United Methodist church of Baileyton was burned and the congregation now worships in an elementary school. They were using hymnals borrowed from a Baptist church. When Holston Conference UM Men learned of the situation, they generously donated $594 for new UM hymnals. "Praise God," said Patricia Linn, a Baileyton church member. She especially thanks Holston Conference President James Ball. "You've helped me do something very big to help my church in its time of need."
From Leon N. DeLoney, president of the Northwestern District, Northern Illinois Conference UM Men
"Northern Illinois Conference Northwestern District UM Men have not been as active as we should have in the past, but, because of the general commission, men from 40 churches attended our conference gathering. The information you sent was very helpful; with it I was able to answer all questions from the men."
CLEARWATER, Fla. -- New members follow commission staff visit
Skycrest UMC received six new members following a Jan. 6 visit by staff and officers of the General Commission on UM Men. "All of that 'stand up and introduce yourselves' made four guys say to themselves: 'Hey, I want to state that I'm a member of UM Men, but I have to profess Jesus as my Lord and Saviour and then I need to join Skycrest UMC so that I can grow as a faithful disciple of Jesus," said Pastor Fred Ball. Commission members were in Clearwater for their annual staff meeting.
From Dick Davies, chaplain, Philmont Scout Ranch
"Please give our thanks to UM Men for the New Testaments given to Philmont Scouts. I can tell you that they are very popular. We make them available every night at our nightly worship services. The lost-and-found department of Philmont has never had a backpacker New Testament turned in. They have had everything else, from thousands of water bottles to cameras. People lose everything, but people seem to hang on to their new Testaments."
Middleburg Heights, OH -- Scout meeting led to church membership and election to episcopacy
Bishop John L. Hopkins told 68 people attending a Bishop's Dinner for Scouting that he became a Methodist because of scouting. He told an October gatherin at Pleasant Hill UMC that he moved to a new city when he was young. He was then invited to join a Boy Scout troop meeting in a Methodist Church. A few weeks passed and he was invited to Sunday school classes at the church. Attending Sunday school classes led to being a member of a confirmation class and that experience led to a lifetime of ministry in the denomination. Participants in the Bishop's Dinner committed to form two new Cub Scout packs, three Boy Scout troops and seven Venture crews.
From Captain Pete Keough, chaplain, TF 519 MP "Vipers", Baghdad, Iraq
"Thank you so much for the Strength for Service to God and Country books. They have arrrived safely and are being distributed as I write this note to you. I have been carrying copies with me as I go "outside the wire" to visit soldiers at places of duty within the Baghdad region. I have worked it out to where at least one book goes with every squad. The feedback from the soldiers is unanimous: "It is the perfect devotional for the warrior/soldier on the go." I keep mine in my left leg pocket, a perfect fit. Your ministry is a huge blessing. May God richly bless you all!!"
From Col. Curtis E. Wells, chaplain, Third Personal Command, Camp Donha, Kuwait
"I would like to thank The United Methodist Church for their caring support of the U.S. Armed forces. The devotional books were given to servicemen and women in the Kuwait area. They were pleased to receive and read such beautiful devotional books. Thank you and God bless you."
From Captain Vincent Dominique, chaplain, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
"When I place a copy of Strength for Service to God and Country in the hands of wounded soldiers, they are elated beyond measure. They see the book as a tangible manifestation of God's help and protection. They get so much out of the daily devotionals that it is unbelieveable."
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