New World Outlook THE MISSION MAGAZINE OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH • JULY/AUGUST 2014

MINISTRY NETWORKS IN THE UNITED STATES Global Ministries’ Ethnic Ministries

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New Series Vol. LXXIV, No. 5; Whole Series Vol. CIV, No. 4 New World Outlook NEW WORLD OUTLOOK JULY/AUGUST 2014

ISSN-0043-8812 Published bimonthly by the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 2014 by the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. No part of New World Outlook may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Editor. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes directly to New World Outlook, P.O. Box 395, Congers, New York 10920-0395. Subscriptions in the United States and Possessions: One year, $24.00. Single copies, $4.00. Two years, $42.00. All foreign countries: one year, $40.00. Church Subscription Program: 5 or more one- year subscriptions for $18 each. Publisher—Thomas Kemper Editor—Christie R. House Art Director—Hal Sadler Designer—Christopher G. Coleman Editorial Coordinator—Judith Santiago Editorial Office Christie R. House 475 Riverside Drive, Room 333 New York, NY 10115 212-870-3765

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COVER: GLORIA KIM Katelin Choe from California and Joseph Kim from Virginia (with Nathan Park in background) take a quick break from team-building activities of the Korean UMC Youth Initiative 2013 event to smile for the camera. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 3 MINISTRY NETWORKS IN THE UNITED STATES GLOBAL MINISTRIES’ ETHNIC MINISTRIES

6 MINISTRY NETWORKS IN THE UNITED STATES:ETHNIC/MINORITY MINISTRY PLANS by Christie R. House 8 A HOME IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: THE PACIFIC ISLANDER MINISTRY PLAN by Monalisa S. Tui’tahi 12 EXPLORATION AND BEYOND: A TONGAN AMERICAN YOUNG ADULT’S CALL by Laura Wise 16 PREPARING FOR A THIRD NATIONAL CONSULTATION ON HISPANIC/LATINO MINISTRY by Francisco Cañas 19 KEY ACTIONS FOR MINISTRY AND STRATEGIC PLANNING IN ANY COMMUNITY by Manuel Padilla 22 A TRANSFORMATIVE MODEL OF ACCOMPANIMENT by Luis Velásquez 24 MAP SPECIAL—SUBSTANTIAL INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS IN EASTERN NORTH AMERICA: BEFORE AND AFTER EUROPEAN CONTACT Poster Pull-out section 26 THE LONG JOURNEY OF HEALING by Chebon Kernell 28 MINISTRIES AND MISSION THAT TRANSCEND BOUNDARIES: THE KOREAN MINISTRY PLAN by Paul Chang and Christie R. House 30 PEACEMAKER DISCIPLES: KOREAN MINISTRY CONFLICT MANAGEMENT SEMINARS by Myungrae Kim Lee 34 INSPIRING NEW LEADERS: THE KOREAN-AMERICAN YOUTH INITIATIVE story and photos by Gloria Kim 38 CREATING A REVITALIZED FAITH COMMUNITY AT EDISON PARK UMC by Victor Melad, Jr. 40 REJUVENATING WORSHIP by John E. Roper

DEPARTMENTS 4 HOME: WHERE GOD MEETS COMMUNITY by Christie R. House 5 LETTERS FROM READERS 11 MISSION MEMO

Members of Rejuvenate, of Edmond Chinese 45 BULLETIN INSERTS ON MISSION International UMC, perform during a Chinese New Bulletin inserts can be clipped out of the magazine, copied back-to-back, Year outreach at University of Central Oklahoma. folded, and slipped into the Sunday bulletin. PHOTO: JOHN E. ROPER 47 FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY by Thomas Kemper 4 From the editor

HOME: WHERE GOD MEETS COMMUNITY

thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with Monalisa Tui’tahi for this I issue of New World Outlook. She described how her family left Tonga and arrived in Hawaii, where her father had secured a job and was al- ready working. Although she and her family were in a different country, where an unfamiliar language was spoken, she expressed the feeling of Dear Editor: being at home because of the church family they found at Kahuku UMC have just fi nished writing a pro- on the North Shore of Oahu. The church had a Tongan language minis- I gram for my UMW meeting, try that drew a small community of Tongans together for worship and basing it on your November-De- fellowship every week. Family, community, and God are all important cember 2013 issue. Several folks elements of most Pacifi c Island cultures. have read my copy and have en- Feeling at home in a community where your native tongue is spoken couraged me to use the material. and the culture and customs are familiar is important for all the ethnic/ I live at Brooks-Howell Home, a minority communities featured in this issue. Why do we do this min- retirement community owned and istry? Because God calls people home—to a place where worship is run by the Women’s Division for expressed in a way that is recognized and embraced, a place of com- deaconesses and missionaries. My munity and fellowship—regardless of where the community of believ- husband and I are retired missionar- ers actually resides. Even while we embrace a multicultural community ies with 44 years of service. I have in this country, people must have a solid base from which to venture used the articles by Ariarajah, Mc- out. Otherwise, it is easy to get lost and broken, hopelessly wandering Clain, Magruder, and yours about through a lonely wilderness. Wadi Foquin. Time constraints re- But it isn’t just the ethnic/minority populations that need this spiritual quired choosing only some of the home. I served for 12 years on the New York Conference’s Council on articles. I am very excited about the Youth Ministries as an adult coordinator. The New York Conference, as program and feel that this is a topic you might expect, encompasses the metropolitan area of New York City, (interfaith relations) that we really but the conference boundaries also stretch far north and west into rural need to address in the UMC in this upstate farmland, east to the shore communities of Long Island, and next country. God must weep over our door to the upscale suburbs of Westchester County and Connecticut. Our tendency to shut folks out. Thank council youth were Hispanic, Korean, Native American, Chinese, Indian, you for making this case. West Indian, Caribbean, Black, White, rich, and poor. And never have I I am sorry that some were seen the beloved community come together quite like it did on the New upset over the Nov-Dec issue ar- York CCYM. But many of those young people dug in and held on for dear ticles and hope that they will give life in their local youth groups. Those small church youth groups gave them another look. shelter and healing from gangs, drugs, divorce, alcohol, fear of failure, I am also delighted to see the high parental expectations, and low self-esteem—and they gathered in article on Sara Flores in the March- many young teens who were getting lost in the wilderness of US middle April 2014 issue. My husband and schools and high schools. For some of those youth, the United Methodist I have known Sara and her family youth group community saved their lives. for many years and worked with Those local churches, in whatever color or ethnicity—that bind commu- them. They are “salt of the earth” nities together for God’s purpose and introduce children, youth, and peo- folks. Thank you. ple of all ages to Jesus as friend and savior—need our prayer and support. This is our work, and this is what builds the beloved community of God. Sincerely, Jayne S. Smith Christie R. House Ashville, North Carolina New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 5 Letters from Readers

Art and Julianna, me to come with him to an AA meeting. I was 15 and my dad had just started a ust wanted to applaud your great 34-year journey of recovery. I remember walking into the room where the meet- J article, “How do I help some- ing was held, meeting my father’s friends, and seeing how thrilled my father’s one with a drinking problem.” (New friends were that I was willing to go to a meeting with him. All of them were hav- World Outlook January-February ing diffi culties mending relationships with their own children, so I’m sure it gave 2014, p. 16) them hope that they could build relationships with their children. When I fi rst came into Alcoholics I’d like to take you up on your offer to help. There seem to be quite a few Anonymous (May 17, 1994), I was a recovering pastors, and other pastors who have been broken by various things, bit of an odd duck in the UMC. Back who could benefi t from your experience, strength, and hope. Would you con- then, as an ordained clergyperson, I sider writing your story? I’ve been thinking of including a special place on the was viewed as being badly broken and SPSARV website for stories from recovering pastors. (Of course, I would want spilled out....Thanks to the grace of to abide by the 11th tradition concerning personal anonymity.) God and the support of several great district superintendents and bishops, Blessings, I not only “got it,” I have been able to give back to others for almost 20 Art Mellor, MSW years of faithful service to the church Executive Director, SPSARV and to the AA program. Being broken and spilled out isn’t so bad anyway; it’s what the woman with the alabas- Dear Editor: ter box did at the feet of Jesus! y husband’s great-aunt, Mrs. Jennie Reid Conard, was a missionary and If there is ever anything I can M principal at Crandon Institute in Montevideo, Uruguay. She arrived in Mon- do to help SPSARV, please don’t tevideo in 1914 and was still at Crandon 35 years later in 1949. We recently hesitate.... found an issue of World Outlook magazine (editors Elmer T. Clark and Dorothy “One Day at a Time,” all to the McConnell, associate editor Henry C. Sprinkle, Jr.) from October 1949! This is- Glory of God! sue has a four-page article on Crandon: “Crandon Grows at Seventy.” Interest- ing articles and advertisements from 65 years ago! I am sure you have this copy Pastor Jonathan Singleton in your archives. United Church of Sandwich, Northern IL Conference UMC Sincerely,

Ruth Kelly Dear Pastor Singleton, hank you so much for sharing T your story. It always brightens Most past issues of World Outlook and the Missionary Voice, New World my day to hear from recovering pas- Outlook’s predecessors, can now be accessed online through the General tors. Commission on Archives and History. The New World Outlook archive can I still remember—it’s almost 39 be found here: http://archives.gcah.org/xmlui/handle/10516/1279 years now—when my father asked 6

PHOTOS: COURTESY TRINITY UMC, GEORGIA; PAUL JEFFREY; GLORIA KIM; AND MELISSA HINNEN

MINISTRY NETWORKS IN THE UNITED STATES Ethnic/Minority Ministry Plans Coordinated by the General Board of Global Ministries

by Christie R. House

THERE ARE SIX GENERAL CONFERENCE MANDATED PLANS within The United Methodist Church for strengthening ministry among ethnic/minority populations in the United States. Two of those—Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC21) and the Native American Comprehensive Plan (NACP)—are partnered with the General Board of Discipleship. The other four are the responsibility of the General Board of Global Ministries, as follows.

• People-Centered: Strengthens the movement of God’s people National Plan for Hispanic/ in mission and ministry through the intentional process of Latino Ministry (NPHLM) acompañamiento (accompaniment, or walking with). • Connectional: Strives to strengthen connectional ties both through teaching and practice and by working in partnership with United Methodist program agencies, annual The 1988 General Conference affi rmed that “the ministry conferences, and trained lay/clergy leaders. with Hispanics must be a concern of the whole church” and • Resourceful: Believes that the people, or el pueblo, are the ordered appointment of a national committee to develop a church’s best resource—the NPHLM trains thousands of lay “national comprehensive plan” for Hispanic ministry that persons for Hispanic/Latino ministry. would include Hispanic ministries and programs, lay and • Prophetic: Emphasizes the need for the institutional clergy leadership, structures, and resources. That plan was church to speak a prophetic word of justice and hope in the presented and approved by the 1992 United Methodist midst of the serious social concerns and realities affecting General Conference. Hispanic/Latino communities.

THE NATIONAL PLAN FOR HISPANIC/LATINO AREAS OF MINISTRY AND GOALS FOR 2013-2016 MINISTRY IS: • Congregational development • Holistic: Assists annual conferences in training leaders, • Immigration ministry and other critical social concerns mobilizing congregations, and starting new communities of • Annual conference and church strategy faith among and with Hispanics and Latinos. • New leadership formation New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 7

Asian American Language CORE VALUES: Ministry (AALM) • Passionate spirituality • Radical hospitality • Small group ministry Created by action of General Conference in 1996, the Asian • Sacrifi cial stewardship American Language Ministry has been serving as an important resource for developing new ministries and strengthening AREAS OF MINISTRY AND GOALS FOR 2013-2016: existing ones in the Asian-American community. • Congregational development AALM represents 10 Asian-American sub-ethnic groups • Leadership formation with 15 different languages, including immigrants, refugees, • Next generation ministries and undocumented people who are Cambodian, Chinese, • Resource development for ministry—in Korean and English Filipino, Formosan/Taiwanese, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, • Working with the poor—on justice-related ministries to support South Asian, Vietnamese, and Hmong. This ministry immigrants and their struggles and advocate for the ordination considers second, third, and fourth generation Asian of Korean Americans and other racial/ethnic persons Americans who have had to confront many challenges living • Global partnerships for mission in the US society. AALM provides critical funding, technical assistance, and consultation needed to reach out to the Asian-American population in the United States.

• Every member of the body of Christ is important and equal Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan in the eyes of God. • The nature of the church and the Kingdom of God can be seen in diversity, as experienced on the fi rst Pentecost. • AALM seeks unity between the Asian community and the General Conference 2012 passed a comprehensive plan for general church. Pacifi c Islander ministry in the United States. The plan was • AALM seeks a vibrancy of the witness in Asian-Americans’ developed over a four-year period by a committee of Pacifi c deepened participation in the church’s total ministry. Islanders and Global Ministries staff members. The four- year study explored ways to empower Pacifi c-Island United AREAS OF MINISTRY AND GOALS FOR 2013-2016 Methodists to fully participate in the life of The United • Develop new congregations Methodist Church and to be agents of Christian love and • Recruit and train pastoral and lay leadership service within the world community. • Provide local pastor licensing courses in specifi c Asian languages • Equip and encourage next-generation leadership by dealing THE PACIFIC ISLANDER MINISTRY PLAN SEEKS TO: with current realities such as discrimination, generational • Enable Pacifi c-Islander United Methodists to navigate their confl icts, cultural understandings, and living in a multicultural, faith life in their new surroundings, incorporating their multiracial society gifts from their respective island homes with appropriate • Develop community ministries resources in their new home • Develop Christian language resources that are relevant and • Join all members of The United Methodist Church in culturally sensitive bringing different and diverse gifts to the table • Affi rm the common heritage of Pacifi c-Island people

Korean Ministry Plan (KMP) and THE NEW PLAN FOCUSES ON: the United Methodist Council on • Leadership Development Korean Ministries (UMCKM) • Youth and Young Adult Leadership Development • Ministry With the Poor • As fi rst-generation immigrants, Pacifi c Islanders identify Established by General Conference in 2000, the Korean themselves with the poor in this country and their needs Ministry Plan, which is coordinated by the General Board of align with the needs of the poor Global Ministries through the United Methodist Council on • Health Korean Ministries, seeks to integrate Wesleyan tradition and • Congregational Development Korean spirituality to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the • Language Resources transformation of the world. • Church as Community 8 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Pacifi c Islander Ministry

A HOME IN THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan, which was approved by the 2012 United Methodist General Conference, was developed over a four-year period by a committee of Pacifi c Islanders and Global Ministries staff members. The study explored ways to empower Pacifi c-Islander United Methodists to fully participate in the life of the church and to be agents of Christian love and service within the world community.

Dancers from Creation Dance Production, a multicultural dance Tongans from across The United Methodist Church give the invocation during troupe from Genesis United Methodist Church in San Jose, the worship at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, California, perform in the lobby of the Tampa Convention Center Texas, where the Pacifi c-Islander study was overwhelmingly approved. during the 2012 United Methodist General Conference. PHOTO: JOHN C. GOODWIN/UMNS PHOTO: KATHLEEN BARRY/UMNS New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 9

aving been approved by As a result, they formed General Conference in 2012, more in line with their na- H the Pacific Islander Ministry tive Methodist counter- Plan is the youngest ministry plan for parts, from whichever Global Ministries and also the newest country they came. While plan for the church as a whole. The The United Methodist people that the plan seeks to enable Church forms partner- and empower have been recent im- ships with some of these migrants to the United States, rela- Methodist denomina- tively speaking. The first generation is tions, there are no United just beginning to get older now. My Methodist churches, as parents, who arrived from Tonga in such, on the islands. So the mid-1970s, were part of the early the United Methodist Pacific-Islander migration—which re- structure and network ally boomed in the 1980s. connection is unfamiliar. According to the 2010 US Census, As recent immigrants, Dancers from the Creation Dance Production, a ministry of Genesis there are about 1.1 million Pacific Pacific Islanders have United Methodist Church in San Jose, California, perform a dance Islanders in the United States today. great language-resource of hospitality to open the evening worship celebration at the 2012 Those who come from Methodist needs. Most Pacific United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Florida. traditions are the Samoans, Fijians, Islanders speak only PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/UMNS and Tongans, and, to a lesser extent, their native language and people from the Marshall Islands and understand very limited English. we had our choir—we dressed as if US Pacific territories, such as Guam. However, their numbers are not suf- we were going to church in Tonga. The primary concentrations of Pacific ficient enough to demand much at- So this little church became the Islanders in the United States are in tention from local governments grounding place for all of our new the West. Hawaii and Los Angeles and existing community services. immigrant experiences—not just are the natural doors for this immi- Therefore, there are very few re- for our family, but for many of the gration. After people arrived, they sources available to them. Tongan families that were there in migrated and settled in pockets of the 1970s and 1980s. Kahuku UMC the West—Hawaii, California, and Family and Community fed the spirit of those who wanted Utah. A big pocket settled in Utah be- Like most Pacific Islanders, neither to attend church as they had known cause of the Mormon Church. There of my parents spoke English, and it, but who also needed to be a part are also a good number of Tongans they lived very much a Tongan life on of, find an identity with, and be con- (10 congregations) in the UM Rocky the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. nected to the church in the United Mountain Annual Conference. My dad, who had immigrated to States. I grew up living into and ex- They come with an already well- Hawaii a little earlier, found a group periencing the fullness of that kind developed sense of their faith experi- of Tongans in relationship with a lit- of church. There were several other ence, and that is a big part of who they tle church on the North Shore called Tongan immigrant families who also are and a defining part of their iden- Kahuku United Methodist Church. lived into the fullness of this expe- tity as new immigrants in the United When we settled there in 1976, we rience, including the `Ulu`ave fam- States. As soon as they settled, they immediately moved into that congre- ily. I grew up with the `Ulu`ave sib- formed churches—Wesleyan in tradi- gation, which had a Tongan language lings, the Rev. Linita `Ulu`ave Moa, tion. Methodism came to the Pacific ministry. We didn’t miss a beat in our the Rev. Dr. Kalesita `Ulu`ave Tu`ifua, Islands as early as 1822 through the faith experience—we walked right and the Rev. Solomone `Ulu`ave, all Methodist Church of Australia (which into a home church. of whom answered a call to minis- is now part of the Uniting Church of That was the grounding for my try that began in this little country Australia). Some of these congrega- life and for the life of my family. Here church in Hawaii. I think that experi- tions have tried to align themselves was a church that sounded like home ence has been the driving force for with The United Methodist Church, and did everything we had done in my own involvement and work in but they have not had much success. Tonga. We had our children’s Sunday, Pacific Islander Ministry. 10 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Kahuku UMC also had immigrants as part of The United Methodist Pacifi c Islander group that is very from the Philippines as members, Church. To have denominational involved in drafting and birthing the as well as Japanese members. Each support—not just in words, but in plan. That group continues to be the group worshiped in its own language, tangible ways, such as funding— liaison between the Pacifi c Islanders but we were all members of one says: “your participation as a faith and Global Ministries. church. Pastor Roy Kasaki was the community is valued, and we want pastor there for 20 years. It was in his to enable you and empower you to Ties That Bind person that the UMC became a reality be part of the work of making dis- Tongans and other Pacifi c Islanders for a group of Tongan Pacifi c Islanders ciples for the transformation of the have a big tie to their fi rst genera- back in those days. Looking back, I world in this particular setting.” tion. Because family connections So, for the fi rst two years are valued, you’ll often fi nd three we are still in a growing pro- generations in the pew together. cess. The plan is moving We are really trying to reach that forward, but as in any be- second generation. It is not uncom- ginning, we don’t yet know mon for them to be attending wor- where the road will take us. ship without any real commitment We’ve been through a real to the work of the church. People process of education con- of the fi rst immigrant generation cerning basic things—what are there because they are com- is a plan, what is grant writ- mitted. But often the second gen- ing, what kind of grant can eration is there out of respect for be requested? We’ve been their elders—just because they are learning about programmat- told to be there. Now is our time to ic things that the plan can make the church more relevant to support and how to identi- them—to help them connect. That fy non-programmatic things connection was made for us by our Monalisa Tui´tahi, representing the Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan, that can’t be supported. parents. But now we have to make addresses the pre-General Conference news briefi ng at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida. In many ways, we’re just that connection for ourselves and PHOTO: MIKE DUBOSE/UMNS learning the language. the next generation. We have concentrated At the end of the day, I realize that now see the foresight of our parents on leadership development this year. the work I do to establish and develop in fi nding that place to connect—so These different churches have lead- the Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan has we had a church home. That really ers in place who have formed congre- been a work of advocacy and giving helped my generation, the second- gations and ministries, but our work voice to a group of people that does generation, to feel connected. has really been to retool and equip not have voice, for one reason or an- those leaders as United Methodists. other, within the United Methodist Seeking Full Inclusion That is an ongoing process. connection. The United Methodist The catalyst for the work of the We have sponsored three leader- Pacifi c Islander Caucus was actually Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan has ship events so far: two in California, the driving force for bringing the plan been to bring into alignment this in San Bruno and Santa Ana, and one into fruition. It was the work of the people, whose whole identity and in Hawaii. They were all well attend- caucus—advocating, pushing, and life has been wrapped around being ed. The hunger and the need for con- actually drafting the plan. involved in the work of the church nection were so apparent. in a different setting, and culture, The Pacifi c Islander Ministry Plan Monalisa S. Tui’tahi is an attorney in and language. We see this action by structure has been developed and California and a member of the Pacifi c the General Conference in approv- there is a process for applying for and Islander Caucus of The United Methodist ing the plan as a big fi rst step. That receiving grants for Pacifi c Islander Church. Her husband, the Rev. Dr. Sio- endorsement was one of the fi rst ministry projects. We started out in saia Tui’tahi, is the pastor of First UMC tangible manifestations that Pacifi c 2013 with a Global Ministries’ staff of Santa Ana in the California-Pacifi c Islanders should be considered coordinator, and we have formed a Annual Conference. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 11 missionmemo

Help Needed in Zambia DEATHS—Robert Gebhart, retired missionary In April, Global Ministries announced the passing of who served more than 21 years in Switzerland, died United Methodist missionary Tshala Mwengo, who died November 28, 2012…Delores Thomas, retired mission- from injuries sustained in a bus accident. ary with more than 12 years of service in Sierra Leone, Mwengo served as the director of the Mujila Falls died February 26, 2014…Grace Roberts, retired mission- Agricultural Center in Mwinilunga, Zambia. ary with more than 12 years of service in the Southern Una Jones, Assistant General Secretary for Mission Congo, DRC, died March 9, 2014…Donald Moore, re- Volunteers, issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to help tired missionary with 11 years of service in the Central fi ll the ministry gap left by Mwengo until more permanent Congo, DRC, died March 16, 2014…David C. White, re- help is secured. tired missionary with more than 22 years of service in Mission Volunteers cited a need for an experienced in- Cuba, Fiji, and Mexico, died April 1, 2014…Gerald W. dividual or two to support the agricultural work and man- Weiss, retired missionary with more than 8 years of ser- age the fi nances of the Mujila Falls project. Mwengo’s vice in Uruguay, died April 6, 2014…Ellen Aurbakken, wife Betty, also a missionary with Global Ministries, con- retired missionary with more than 19 years of service tinues to serve Mujila Falls’nutrition program, nurturing in Algeria and South Africa, died April 12, 2014…Ella people both physically and spiritually. Griffi n, retired missionary with more than 17 years of Interested candidates available for three- to six-month service in Zimbabwe, died April 14, 2014…Harry Maclin, short-term assignments can contact Jones at ujones@ retired missionary with more than 19 years of service in umcmission.org. Central Congo, DRC, died April 14, 2014…Bishop James Lloyd Knox, retired missionary with 6 years of service UMCOR Board Approves Philippines, Haiti, and in Cuba, died April 16, 2014…Ruth Seamands, retired US Grants missionary with more than 14 years of service in India, The board of directors of the United Methodist Committee died April 17, 2014…Arsenia Parades, retired mission- on Relief (UMCOR) approved more than $5 million in ary with more than 6 years of service in Uruguay, died grants in support of relief and development work in the April 28, 2014…Vincent Scelba, retired missionary with Philippines, Haiti, and the United States at the April board 3 years of service in Haiti, died May 3, 2014…Bettie Sue of directors meeting in New York. Smith, retired deaconess with nearly 15 years of service Among the grants approved by UMCOR’s board was a at Red Bird Mission, died May 4, 2014…Delbert Rice, grant for more than $2.66 million to rebuild 200 homes in retired missionary with more than 40 years of service in the town of Tanauan, in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The the Philippines, died May 8, 2014…Roy Smyres, retired typhoon wreaked broad destruction and loss of life in the missionary with nearly 19 years of service in India, died Philippines last November. May 14, 2014…Eustolia O. Rodriguez, retired home In Haiti, UMCOR directors approved nearly $1.2 million missionary (EUB) with nearly 38 years of service in New to support development projects that are being imple- Mexico, died May 20, 2014…Nancy Garrison, retired mented by UMCOR partners Eglise Methodiste d’Haiti missionary with 33 years of service in Brazil, died May (EMH)—the Methodist Church of Haiti—and International 29, 2014. Rescue Committee (IRC). The grants include two school construction projects—the extension of an EMH kinder- Tshala Mwengo, an active missionary from the DR. Congo garten and high school. serving the past 7 years with the Mujila Falls Agricultural In the United States, UMCOR board of directors ap- Center in Mwinilunga, Zambia, died as a result of a bus proved six grants made to fi ve US annual conferences, for a accident, April 14, 2014. He was an Africa University total of $1.55 million. These will assist the Rocky Mountain, graduate. He is survived by his wife, Betty Tshala, who Central Texas, Alaska, Dakotas, and North Carolina confer- continues as a missionary at Mujila Falls, and their ences in their ongoing response to major disasters. young son. 12 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

EXPLORATION AND BEYOND

ATongan American Young Adult’s Call

Altar setting, Exploration 2013, Denver Colorado. PHOTO: GAVIN RICHARDSON

by Laura Wise

inaitakala (Kala) Salakielu, a second-generation Tongan American, is A Traditional Upbringing an active member of The United Methodist Church and a leader of Kala Salakielu was brought up in Global Ministries’ Pacific Islander Ministry Plan. Last year, from No- the Methodist tradition. During her vember 15 to17, she joined more than 400 other young adults at Ex- childhood, church became a familiar Sploration 2013, held in Denver, Colorado. To attend, Salakielu traveled across part of her life. For her, Sunday was the Pacific Ocean from her home in Honolulu, Hawaii, but she was also em- a day for family bonding and spiri- barking on a long spiritual journey. tual renewal. As she entered into While Exploration 2013 was a time of learning and sharing among people young adulthood, she recalls “going coming from many different cultures, it also reignited Salakielu’s passion for my own way for a while before find- work within the Pacific Islander Ministry Plan. For months after her brief time ing my way back to the church.” in Denver, she continued to focus on the thoughts and feelings stirred up by Then, her faith being strongly root- her rich experiences there. Through prayer, she began to explore where her ed, she entered into a more mean- new knowledge might eventually lead her. ingful fellowship with God. Back at New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 13

her childhood church—First Tongan two years, it is a three-day event organized by the General Board of Higher United Methodist in Honolulu—she Education and Ministry—its prime purpose being to help young adults discern began by serving as secretary for whether or not they have a call to ordained ministry. Thus Exploration aims to the local unit of United Methodist create a space where young people can enjoy fellowship with one another, Women. Her secretarial duties quick- participate in worship and in workshops, reflect on theology, and learn how to ly expanded to embrace many other identify an authentic call church ministries. It was as a leader in to ordination. Exploration her local congregation that Salakielu is a tool that helps young first met Myungim Kim, a member of adults prepare for the “The worship services were the Global Ministries staff. next steps that God is calling them to take. a new experience for me. In Sowing a Seed Not knowing what to Salakielu credits Myungim Kim—for- expect from her three- the Tongan community, we merly Executive Secretary for the day trip last year, Salakielu don’t know the traditional Asian American Language Ministry packed her bags and head- and the Pacific Islander Ministry ed to Denver with an open Methodist hymns. That’s why Plan—for getting her to Denver for mind. She boarded a plane Exploration 2013. In a brief interview, in Honolulu and arrived in I’m here—to open my eyes.” Kim explained her motivation for get- Denver eight hours later. ting Salakielu involved. “Young peo- Once there, she found ple are not the future,” she insisted. herself responding to the “They are the present. We need to energy of the event. The electrifying worship activities provided her with her address the present lack of young most memorable moments. “The worship services were a new experience for adults in church leadership.” When me,” she explained. “In the Tongan community, we don’t know the traditional Kim first met Salakielu at a district Methodist hymns. That’s why I’m here—to open my eyes.” event in Santa Ana, California, Kim There is no denying the hard work that goes into successfully crossing cul- was impressed with the leadership tural boundaries, yet the effort is a necessary part of any ministry that reaches role she had taken in her congrega- out to all. To be at one, we need to embrace the underlying thread of unity that tion. Kim hoped that, while attending Exploration, Salakielu would be able to interact with young adults from all across the United States, learning new ways in which she personally could worship and serve God. “My work was sowing the seed,” Kim explained. “I reminded Kala that it was her responsibility to learn what she could from the gathering. I only provided her with the opportunity. I see great potential in her,” Kim con- tinued, “as a leader in her communi- ty and in the church.” Kim said she hopes that in the future, more Pacific Islanders will be represented in the young adult gatherings of the church.

Creating an Inclusive Church Exploration is one of the largest gatherings for young adults in The A pastor prays for one of the participants at Exploration 2013, Denver Colorado. United Methodist Church. Held every PHOTO: COURTESY GBHEM 14 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

all people share. So confronting cul- added, “I can accept my brothers for into deep contemplation. “I’m a lead- tural boundaries is a key component who they are. That pastor’s message er here in my church,” she realized, of The United Methodist Church’s really opened my eyes. It helped me “yet the older generation doesn’t rec- ministry plans. The Pacific Islander to understand in a new way that we ognize me as such. When I returned Ministry Plan is one of four such plans are all part of God’s kingdom.” home from Denver, I began to pray assigned to Global Ministries. All four For Salakielu, the three-day week- about that moment of calling I felt. In enable the development of racial and end she spent at Exploration in the following weeks, my prayer con- ethnic minority ministries within the Denver came and went much too firmed, I want to be a pastor.” Yet, larger church. Empowering young quickly. She describes her experience even then, Salakielu was not ready adults like Salakielu is a necessary there as life-changing. The gathering to consider seminary. There are no means of linking culturally different allowed her to join in community with Methodist seminaries in Hawaii, so communities together and creating other young adults from highly di- pursuing her dream would separate an inclusive church. verse backgrounds. Exploration pro- her from her family. “Sometimes I feel discouraged,” vided her with a space where she Tongans have developed a family- Kala says, “that I’m the only one could dig deeper into her faith as oriented culture in which it is custom- fighting for my people. I want to she sought to discern what God was ary for children to live with their parents connect—to be a bridge with and leading her to do. In fact, Exploration until they leave to marry. The Tongan for my community and a bridge be- 2013 began a process that confirmed family structure is also very close-knit tween my parents’ generation and Salakielu’s decision to enter into full- and communal, placing the well-be- the rest of the church.” Exploration time ministry. ing of the whole family before an indi- 2013 sparked Salakielu’s passion to vidual’s personal needs. Salakielu has become a bridge builder. It inspired Hearing the Call many strong ties to her home and fam- her to see the church as being at the The end of Salakielu’s Exploration ex- ily in Honolulu. If she left Hawaii, she forefront of barrier breaking through- perience was also the beginning of would be diverging from tradition. So out the world. It also showed her the her journey into ministry. When she she had to keep tradition in mind while endless possibilities of service. returned home to Hawaii, she entered contemplating her next steps. Salakielu also left the Exploration gathering with a new understanding of and re- spect for the diversity already present within the church. While at a worship celebra- tion, she was touched when she heard a member of the clergy speak out about how boundless God’s love actu- ally is. Opening up during an interview, Salakielu revealed that she has two brothers who identify themselves as being gay. “I hate it when I hear people bashing them,” she said. “It’s hurtful because they are my family.” Recalling one particular worship service at Exploration, she reported that “I heard a pastor affirming God’s love for all people, includ- ing our LGBT brothers and sis- A worship service, Exploration 2013, in Denver Colorado. ters. It made me proud.” She PHOTO: GAVIN RICHARDSON New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 15

Starting with this realization, extended her search for the Salalielu began to explore how right theological education to her gifts and passions could other institutions of higher learn- be used in ministry. “I want ing on the East Coast, along to work with youth,” was her with Claremont. conclusion. She loves kids and Kala Salakielu is an excep- has been working as a teach- tional young adult with a key er in Honolulu. Her passion asset: a willing spirit. While for young people and ability Exploration 2013 was the cat- to work with them is one of alyst that set God’s plan for her special spiritual gifts. Still, her life into motion, she has though she immediately began been willing to step outside looking for lay or staff positions her comfort zone, her culture, at nearby churches that would and her family traditions to enable her to work with youth, seek God’s plan for her life. “I she searched to no avail. left Exploration 2013 feeling proud,” she says, “knowing Doors Open Suddenly that my dreams are valid. I saw It was at this point that the importance of being a cul- Salakielu turned to deep prayer tural bridge to bring the Tongan about her calling and her fu- culture to people who might ture in ministry. God answered not know who we are.” She by directing her attention to a adds: “I need to grow. I must well-known Bible story about let go of some of my cultural an earlier leader called to fol- beliefs to be the bridge-builder low God’s will. I want to become.” “The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go As she moves forward, from your country, your people, A welcome sign at Exploration 2013, held in Denver, Colorado. Salakielu is thankful to have and your father’s household to PHOTO: COURTESY GBHEM had the opportunity to attend the land I will show you. I will Exploration 2013. “I think about make you into a great nation, and I School of Theology in California, was Exploration every day,” she says. will bless you; I will make your name speaking. Dr. Kua n said that in an ef- “I’ve never forgotten my time there, great, and you will be a blessing. I fort to increase access to theologi- and the experience will continue to will bless those who bless you and cal education, Claremont would now push me forward.” She also hopes to whoever curses you I will curse; and offer classes online for people inter- take more young Tongan Americans all peoples on earth will be blessed ested in pursuing a ministerial de- to Exploration in the future. Every through you.’ So Abram went, as the gree while in Hawaii. This was yet day, she comes a step closer to re- Lord had told him; and Lot went with another clear message confirming alizing her goal: to help others cross him. (Genesis 12:1-4, NIV) Salakielu’s call. cultural boundaries while using the Salakielu received this message Salakielu has finally applied to semi- church as their guide. with divine clarity. “You need to leave nary. She knows now that Exploration and grow,” she realized. She knew at 2013 and the events that followed Laura Wise is serving as a Mission In- this moment that she was being led were set in motion by God to place her tern with the General Board of Global to apply to seminary, even though she on the right path to her destination. Ministries. Originally from Texas, would have to leave home to do so. She has taken the events of recent she served in the Philippines with InPeace Shortly after this revelation, months to heart and can now see the for the first half of her Mission Intern as- Salakielu was invited to a district larger picture—the importance of ac- signment. She is now completing her ser- event held in Hawaii, in which she cepting her call. Having been blessed vice in the United States, interning with gladly participated. The Rev. Dr. with the desire to work on cross-cul- Global Ministries’ Communication and Jeffery Kuan, president of Claremont tural dialogue in the church, Salakielu Development unit. 16 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Hispanic/Latino Ministry Preparing for a Third National Consultation on Hispanic/Latino Ministry An invitation to refl ect on our practice of ministry in the 21st century by Francisco Cañas

he most recent US Census signifi cantly we are contributing to racial and ethnic groups that have (2010) reported that the the cross-cultural vitality, multiethnic been subsumed under the umbrella Hispanic/Latino population enrichment, language diversity, and terms “Hispanic” and “Latino.” This is becoming the largest mi- pool of talent in the United States. focus on differences has enabled me norityT group in the United States. Hispanics and Latinos in the United to refl ect more on the importance of This is a sensationalist claim, but States need to be seen and described this diverse group’s socioeconom- not because the population projec- in broader terms than those pertain- ic, political, and religious distinctions tions aren’t true. Despite the fact ing to our status as fi rst- or second- or than on its astounding and growing that 53 million Hispanics and Lati- even third-generation immigrants. Our numbers, which the mass media nos together form the largest US community is immensely complex— have already begun to dramatize. minority group—with Hispanics de- young, vibrant, and rich in human As we passed through the gates of fi ned as speaking Spanish and La- resources. A 360-degree range of the 21st century, we also entered into tinos, as Latin Americans speaking world views is represented in our di- a divisive debate on the positive and languages other than Spanish—their verse population, which features dif- negative impacts that migrant com- growing numbers do not refl ect ei- ferent cultural backgrounds, political munities can have on life in the United ther their community’s self-image or leanings, and theological perspec- States. As paradoxical as this might their own individual perceptions of tives. Yet, given the rich and varied sound, the debate has been instru- their standing in US society today. tapestry woven into Hispanic/Latino mental in making politicians, business It is interesting to consider how ministry, the forces of technological communities, and religious leaders the mass media, internet, politicians, change and new worldwide perspec- aware of the fundamental transfor- and business owners perceive the tives are putting us all into a spin. It mation that the Hispanic/Latino pop- Hispanic/Latino community as having is almost impossible for The United ulation is undergoing as technology considerable political power and mar- Methodist Church to maintain its in- and globalization continue to change ket potential. At the same time, how- stitutional relevancy if it continues to the world. ever, these same entities perceive rely on the ministerial paradigms of While Hispanic and Latino commu- our growing presence in the United 100 years ago. nities keep growing in numbers, this States as posing a threat to the larg- increase in population is not being er society. Meanwhile, we members Unpacking the Demographics driven by migration, as many people of the Hispanic/Latino community As director of the National Plan for assume. Instead, it is attributable to are still in the process of discover- Hispanic/Latino Ministry, I work to a younger population and higher birth ing and appreciating ourselves. We interpret the different dynamics and rate. The US Census Bureau report- are still defi ning who we are and how patterns to be found in the varied ed that, by the end of the year 2012,

ARTWORK: LISA KATZENSTEIN New World Outlook 17

For too long the church has stayed behind closed doors. Long ago, John Wesley affirmed that the world is our parish.

So why are we, the church, still cloistered behind closed doors? It is time to connect with the world.

—David Wildman 18 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

63 out of every 100 Hispanics living reach them have been undertaken mission and role in society. Developing in the United States were between with a clear awareness of the ways new bilingual, cross-cultural, and cross- the ages of 18 and 27. Living in a in which their cultural, religious, po- generational resources could help us predominately English-speaking so- litical, and economic practices differ move in the right direction, forming ciety, cross-cultural children born in from those of their predecessors in the kind of leaders that our new com- the United States naturally become earlier generations. Duplicating these munities require. This could be just the bilingual, with English as their pri- updated means of outreach in the beginning of a new, challenging, and mary language. This shift from immi- pursuit of religious goals and values exciting journey. Our new methodol- grant to native born was already ap- would be a significant step for the ogy must include a full awareness and parent as early as the year 2000. It church. It would call us to transform acknowledgment of the variety of cul- is now reshaping the composition of our outworn strategies and programs tures represented within the Hispanic/ the Hispanic/Latino population in the into new ones that are more relevant Latino community. Across its connec- United States. This shift in the popu- to the needs and expectations of tion, the church must have a clear lation is challenging the current strat- Hispanic and Latino Americans today. view of the existing resources in order egies and outreach programs of The Bold steps such as these reflect a to identify, nurture, and develop rele- United Methodist Church. response to some of the new demo- vant lay and pastoral leadership for the graphic trends among Hispanic and 21st century. A Changing Landscape Latino Americans. Just as members As the National Plan for Hispanic/ Unfortunately, many of our de- of the mass media are beginning to Latino Ministry committee has reaf- nominational leaders show a lack show a disposition to reinvent them- firmed, our commitment to annual of awareness about this new pro- selves in order to survive and thrive, conferences, districts, and local con- file of Hispanics and Latinos living in the church also needs to respond ef- gregations continues. We will still the United States. Some persistent- fectively to the spiritual needs and provide the necessary and properly ly invite foreign pastoral leaders— expectations of our Hispanics and focused level of accompaniment for whose practice of ministry is mainly Latinos, who together represent 17 their Hispanic/Latino ministries. Yet, in Spanish—to found and shepherd percent of the general US population. we are also mindful that the rapidly new US Hispanic/Latino congrega- Flexibility, veracity, and respect are changing make-up of this young pop- tions. However, these pastors all too key ingredients in any type of relation- ulation is pressing us, as the body of often lack the basic cross-cultural and ship. Becoming flexible enough in our Christ, to hold our third national con- theological training needed for the perception and understanding to em- sultation. So, from March 12 to 14, task. Often they desperately try to brace the new, distinctive, US-born 2015, the III National Consultation on mirror a core of doctrines and liturgi- Hispanics and Latinos will empow- Hispanic/Latino Ministry will be con- cal acts that are significantly different er us to strengthen our relationships vened at the Divinity School of Duke from our Wesleyan tradition. with them as individuals, parents, ed- University in Durham, North Carolina. In contrast to this insensitive, dis- ucators, and religious leaders, both The main purpose of this consul- criminatory, and non-productive evan- within our own communities and with tation is to provide the sacred space gelical strategy, we have the foresight the rest of society. required to originate a communal of Univision, the nation’s top Spanish- process of reflection and dialogue. In language network, and ABC News, Taking Meaningful Steps this sacred space, in this new millen- which has announced its new cable As this new ethnic reality arises, it par- nium—in light of the new composi- channel called Fusion. This channel allels the needs and expectations of tion of Hispanics and Latinos in the signals ABC’s new effort to reinvent The United Methodist Church in the United States and in society in gen- its marketing strategies as it focuses United States for church growth. As a eral—we hope to find effective ways on reaching out to a Hispanic/Latino result, the National Plan for Hispanic/ to rearticulate our theological and population whose primary language is Latino Ministry must redirect its cre- ministerial understanding. English. These English-speakers have ativity, energy, and resources to meet a robust economic and political fu- the spiritual needs of Christians in the The Rev. Francisco Cañas is executive di- ture in the United States. The vision- United States today. The National Plan rector for the National Plan for Hispanic/ ary marketing strategies now being needs to increase its scope, reinvent Latino Ministry, General Board of Global used by the business community to its methodology, and contextualize its Ministries. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 19

KEY ACTIONS FOR MINISTRY & STRATEGIC PLANNING IN ANY COMMUNITY by Manuel Padilla

AS A MEANS of spreading spiritual holiness around the world, Methodism’s founder, John Wesley, developed what we now call the United Methodist “connection.” Wesley recognized the need for an organized system of communication and accountability. Connection serves as a means to link and interlock ministries un- dertaken at the local, regional, national, and global levels. Today, The United Methodist Church continues to be organized as a “connectional” system, which “provides us with wonderful opportunities to carry out our mission in unity and strength.” (2012 Book of Discipline ¶701) Every local church is a contributing part of a network of organizations that work together in mission and ministry. This structure allows the church as a whole to achieve far more than any single church or person could accomplish alone. In the United States, as throughout the world, United Methodism is becoming increasingly diverse in its outreach. In recent times, through efforts to attract individuals from a vari- ety of cultures—people coming from different backgrounds and speaking different languages but sharing a common faith—the US church has created a number of national plans for ministry. One of the fi rst such plans was the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry—the plan in which I am engaged.

Four Programmatic Agencies The United Methodist Church has four programmatic agencies— ARTWORK: LISA KATZENSTEIN all classifi ed as general boards and each assigned a special set of 20 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

duties. The General Board of Church out of such Spirit-led fi ndings that we Hispanic/Latino ministry—one that and Society (GBCS) deals with and can develop effective strategies for can guide your congregation in creat- provides resources for issues of so- positive change. ing a vision statement of its own. cial justice. This agency works with The National Plan for Hispanic/ A church’s vision can grow out of the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Latino Ministry uses the term “ac- its members’ assessment of local Ministry to affi rm and protect the tion plan” to identify the steps need- reality as compared to gospel teach- rights of immigrants. The General ed to address a particular community’s ings about neighborhood dynam- Board of Discipleship (GBOD) pro- needs and has an action plan to follow ics. In the very process of interpret- vides leadership and resources for its work with annual conferences ing your community’s strengths and for spiritual growth—focusing on and local churches across the connec- shortcomings, your congregation will Christian education, evangelism, tion. Our vision is to create “a church become better able to discern God’s stewardship, and lay ministry. It is in- for all the nations, where all can hear will for your ministry. volved in planting new churches and the mighty works of God in their own Once the congregation has a clear revitalizing existing ones. The General tongue.” This calls us to embrace peo- vision and an understanding of where Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) connects the church in mission, train- ing missionaries from all parts of the world and sending them out to serve all over the globe. This agency also trains and works with volunteers, re- sponds to issues of global health, and provides aid in natural and human- caused disasters. The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) prepares new generations of church leaders by increasing ac- cess to education, resourcing United Methodist-related colleges and uni- versities, and overseeing ordination and campus ministries. All four agencies equip local churches for ministry and help pro- vide a common vision. The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry GRAPHIC: MANUEL PADILLA works with the agencies and annual conferences to live out that unifi ed vision while answering God’s call to ple throughout the church who want that vision might lead, the next step the church. to undertake work with Hispanics and is to establish your action plan’s pri- Latinos or to assist those already en- orities. You can do that by answering Developing an Action Plan gaged in such work in their own com- three simple questions about com- The local church—that is, you and munities. Such Christian service is munity life. me—is called to minister to members undertaken without regard to race, lan- of the surrounding community (2012 guage, social status, or national origin. Where Is God Already Book of Discipline ¶202). On a local Each local congregation needs to Working? level, we answer God’s call by trans- develop an action plan that is specif- God has been working in our world forming lives in our church neighbor- ic to its own community. To be effec- since its creation and is already at work hood. However, before we begin to tive, the plan must be designed based in every community. So your congrega- make plans, we fi rst must listen to on a clear vision of local circumstanc- tion’s fi rst priority is to discern where our neighbors to learn about their own es. Your annual conference probably God is already at work in your area.This perceptions, needs, and dreams. It is already has a vision statement for can be done through a study of places New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 21

where people gather—ranging from their own sources of pride and ideas information. What has been learned homes, schools, and other churches to for improvement, the church builds from the local leaders will help the offi ces, restaurants, and coffee shops. up the leaders’ ownership as part of church pinpoint the places where the Also look for a network of community the listening process. Some present community’s most pressing needs lie. leaders with whom you can consult. or potential leaders may want to join However, discovering what is Everywhere in town that church with your church in the process of needed or what can be improved members go, they can identify and conducting meetings and identifying upon is more than an intellectual ex- get to know more local leaders. When the make-up of the local leadership ercise in compiling facts and fi gures. fi nding a leader willing to talk with contingent. Afterward, church leaders We are primarily searching for plac- church representatives, set up a 30-minute meeting. Ask about the community’s strengths and the leader’s vision for the area. “ In Wesleyan terms, we are searching for God’s Encourage church representa- ‘preparing grace,’ also known as ‘prevenient grace,’ tives to ask the leaders for the names of two or three other which is already at work in your community. God local leaders and visit each of them in turn. Soon, your con- has already raised up people who are helping our gregation will get a sense of what God is up to in your area communities not only to survive but to thrive.” and where your congregation might join an existing ministry rather than starting a new one. can report on what they’ve learned es where the Holy Spirit is already In Wesleyan terms, we are search- from others even as they watch posi- moving, and we’re reaching out to ing for God’s “preparing grace,” also tive energy grow. In church language, others willing to join in opening our- known as “prevenient grace,” which we’re inviting the Holy Spirit to come selves to the Spirit’s guidance. The is already at work in your communi- into our community and lead us in our more a group’s members engage in ty. God has already raised up people work among its people. dialogue with one another, the clearer who are helping our communities not becomes their picture of the present only to survive but to thrive. Often, we What Does the Community and their vision for the future. need only to join in the work of salva- Need? Where the answers to these three tion and discipleship that is already There are two ways of assessing the basic questions intersect, your congre- under way. needs of a community. Demographic gation will discover its priorities and studies (such as the US Census or can create a process based on them. What Are We Doing Well? the Pew Hispanic websites: http:// Such an action plan should outline the All too often, we begin planning our pewhispanic.org/ and http://factfi nd- steps that the church needs to take to ministry research by asking the ques- er2.census.gov/ ) can help provide a improve the community—one priority tion: “What are this community’s bird’s-eye view through which some at a time—slowly changing the com- problems?” Though all communities of the community’s problem areas munity to look more like the vision the have their share of diffi culties, we can be identifi ed. In addition, the city church has dreamed it could be. shouldn’t expect to build a vibrant planning commission and the board ministry on a list that highlights prob- of education may also have helpful Manuel Padilla is a missionary for lems. Every community is home to statistical data on hand. strategy and ministry with the Nation- complainers who harbor the idea that Then all of this demographic infor- al Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry. somebody “out there” should come mation must be balanced by an “on- A native of Mexico, Padilla is based in in and “do something to fi x things.” the-ground view”obtained by compil- Nashville, Tennessee. He works close- Instead, the congregation needs ing all of the local leader interviews. ly with annual conferences to develop to begin its task by talking about the Those listening sessions held with more effective ministries with the rapid- community’s gifts and strengths. local leaders serve to supplement the ly growing Hispanic/Latino population By asking community leaders about available demographic and statistical in the United States. 22 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

A Transformative Model of Accompaniment

by Luis Velásquez

My journey as an undocumented student in the United States has not been easy, but I have not walked it alone. This past spring, at Reinhardt University in Waleska, Georgia, I received the Academic Honors Scholar Award, along with the Academic Program Award for Psychology, which is given to one student each year. Being just days away from toss- ing my mortarboard cap in the air with my fellow classmates at Reinhardt’s commence- ment ceremony, I cannot explain how excited I was to have fi nally arrived at this moment. Given my community developer training at Mi Familia Center and the economic support I received from Global Ministries through its National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, I have been empowered not only to serve “the least of these” but to accompany them in their daily endeavors. At the Mi Familia Center, I’ve had the opportunity to walk alongside migrants who, like me, are striving for a better future.

Shoulder to Shoulder My parents and I were fervent participants at the United Methodist church we attended. My mother engaged in a variety of church ministries because she wanted to bring people’s lives closer to Christ. But in 2011, my parents were taken into detention and deported to their home country. Because my brothers were very young, they stayed with me until my parents had resettled. This family separation took place while I was trying to transfer from a small technical college to a four-year university. As an undocumented member of a minority group in the United States, establishing my identity had suddenly become more complex. My future dreams were hanging by a thread. To supplement my existing scholarships, I applied to Global Ministries for a National Leadership Development Grant that would en- able me to pay my full tuition. That would bring me closer to becoming the fi rst member of my family to graduate from an institution of higher learning. Dr. Aquiles Martínez, executive director of Mi Familia Center and a professor of religion at Reinhardt University, became my mentor. While I was on a Christian retreat organized by the North Georgia Conference, he telephoned me to report that I had been given the grant. This good news came in the midst of my family’s crisis, so I knew that the people of God were walking shoulder to shoulder with me in the midst of crisis and pain. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 23

Community, Communication, In an orientation for new ESL stu- perfect picture of communal empa- and Communion dents, Dr. Martínez observed: “We thy and spiritual union. Serving as a community developer at are all students here, and life is our the Mi Familia Center, my tasks were greatest teacher. We will make mis- Faith Encounters to coordinate classes in English as a takes, but this is a place in which you As my time as a community de- Second Language (ESL), computer can be yourself.” His dialogue with veloper ended, I was given the basics, and tutoring classes for mi- the community wasn’t based on hi- opportunity to officially participate grant children. The center’s mission erarchical notions. True communica- in building a community of faith. is to provide essential services for tion presupposes two equal parties. The goals for our faith encounters the area’s growing Hispanic/Latino Slowly, I started to realize that a per- were to celebrate God and to reaf- migrant families, particularly for son of faith must live a life of rever- firm one another. Mi Familia Center women, children and youth, “to fa- ence toward others and that God’s challenged me to be more inclusive cilitate their social integration, partici- love manifests itself through open, in embracing people from all walks pation, and contribution to the well- transparent communications. Our of life. It challenged me to hum- being of our communities.” message of hope and compassion be- bly learn along with new migrants The Rev. Francisco Cañas, exec- comes tangible only when what we as we interpreted scripture togeth- utive director of Global Ministries’ think, say, and do becomes a single er, reflecting on our trials as immi- National Plan for Hispanic/Latino thread in the fabric of life. grants as well as our successes. Ministry, helped me understand the While I was working at Mi Familia It was a process that sometimes importance of community. I learned Center, the house of one of our vol- challenged my own faith. that collective wisdom is better than in- unteers burned down and she lost But God’s plan for me became clearer through this opportunity. It gave me a glimpse of what my life would be like if I realized my aspi- ration to become a community faith leader. Now, at this pivotal point in my story, I understand that life is al- ways about the process—the jour- ney itself—not the final destination. Looking back gives me confirma- tion that I have not walked alone. I see many other footprints in the sand. A trifold accompaniment has changed my life: Global Ministries, the National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry, and Mi Familia Center have modeled the life of Jesus Christ for me. During commencement, when Some of the staff and families of Mi Familia Center in Canton, Georgia. I finally walked up to receive my de- PHOTO: COURTESY LUIS VELÁSQUEZ gree, I did not walk alone. My heart will always cherish those who be- dividual intelligence, interdependence all of her belongings. When I noti- lieved in me, supported me, and is better than independence, and ac- fied the members of our communi- transformed me through their faith- countability is a key factor in achieving ty, our students sprang into action to ful accompaniment. an organization’s mission. The English help her. Suddenly, as we stood in classes at Mi Familia Center aim to solidarity with one another, the mis- Luis Velásquez is a graduate of Rein- teach more than just language. Their sion of Mi Familia became clearly vis- hardt University who served as a Com- purpose is for everyone to both teach ible. The students who had benefited munity Developer at Mi Familia Center and learn together as equal members from our services had become em- in Canton, Georgia. http://www.Mifa- of God’s community. powered to return the favor. It was a miliacenter.org/mission.php. 24 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG Montagnais Substantial Indigenous Populations St. Lawrence Iroquoians in Eastern North America Ea

St. Lawrence Before and After European Contact Iroquoians Wester St. Lawrence Abenak Iroquoians Huron Nipmuck Oneida Mohawk Onondaga Mahican POPULATION DECLINES Cayuga Neutral Seneca Southern Indigenous Peoples of Eastern North America New England Algonquians Population fi gures used here are estimates based on the Susquehannock work of Douglas Ubelaker, a Smithsonian anthropologist, who used a tribe-by-tribe analysis to determine the Erie Delaware numbers. He suggested 1.2 million as the number of indigenous peoples living in the Eastern half of North America just before European contact. However, other scholars estimate a number closer to 2.4 million. Manahoac Nanticoke

15 0 0 Virginian 1.2 TO 2.4 MILLION Algonquians Monacan INDIGENOUS PEOPLES North Carolina Iroquoians Virginian & Tutelo North Carolina Iroquoians

Joara Chiaha Neusiok

proto-Cherokee Cofi tachequi Ilapi

165 0 Tugalo 379,000 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Coosa Santee or Itaba Ocute Hymahi Sewee 58,000 EUROPEANS Wando 1, 6 0 0 AFRICANS Altamaha Orista/Edisto Africans were fi rst brought as Ichisi slaves by the Dutch colonists, and Toa more than half lived in the north. Guale Apalachicola

Apalachee 18 0 0 Pensacola Timucua 178,000 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 4,763,000 EUROPEANS 1,002,000 AFRICANS Jororo By 1800, Europeans far outnumbered indigenous people Tocobaga in North America. Africans, though 900,000 of this number were in slavery, also outnumbered Calusa indigenous populations. Tequesta New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 25

Montagnais Saint Pierre (1650)

Micmac Micmac

Micmac Maliseet- Quebec (1608) Maliseet- Passamaquoddy Passamaquoddy

Micmac Port-Royal (1605-07) astern Abenaki Eastern Abenaki Ville-Marie (Montreal—1642)

St. Lawrence Iroquoians Permaquid (1625-29) Popham Colony (1607-08) rn Western ki Abenaki Hilton’s Point (Dover—1623) Piscataqua (Portsmouth—1623) Huron Southern Naumkeag (Salem—1626) Wampanoag New England Boston (1630) Mohawk Algonquians PLYMOUTH (1620) The pilgrims took over the land Narragansett Oneida of the Wampanoag who were wiped out by disease. Onondaga Providence (1636) Mohegan/Pequot Cayuga Neutral Seneca Mahican Newport (1639) Quinnipiac (New Haven—1638) Erie

Nieuw Amsterdam (New York—1625) Before 1500 Delaware By 1650 Chester (1642) Native American settlements Susquehannock Native American populations thrived along the eastern Zwaanendael (Lewes—1631) were decimated by disease, seaboard of North America. invasive species that wiped proto-Shawnee While some tribal groups moved St Mary’s City (1634) out their cultivated indigenous with seasonal migrations for Virginian food sources, confl icts with hunting, women cultivated Algonquians settlers, and the loss of “great fi elds of corn, beans, and Middle Plantation (Williamsburg—1633) lands that sustained them. squash…spread out as far as Whole villages of indigenous the eye could see,” according Jamestown (1607) people, even those who had Tutelo Saponi to Hernando De Soto, who, in never met a European, were

1539, brought a 600-member Roanoke Island (1585-86) wiped out because of disease army from Spain to Florida’s transmitted by insects, plants, coast, along with pigs, horses, and exposure to other tribes and invasive crops and insects. that had made contact. Major Native American tribal names colonial cities that replaced and territories are shaded at left. indigenous settlements are Cherokee Cofi tachequi marked at left.

Proto-Yamasee Charlesfort (1562-1587)

Guale—surrendered to Spain in 1600 Apalachicola (proto-Lower Creek) San Miguel de Gualdape (1526-27)

TIMUCUA Apalachee Spanish settlers waged war on the Timucua. Religious missions also brought many European MAP KEY Santa María de Ochuse (Pensacola—1559) colonizers into Timucua territory. From a population of 200,000 before European contact, Indian-occupied area by 1650, their numbers had fallen to just 2,500. European-occupied area

Calusa ARTWORK AND GRAPHICS BY CHRISTOPHER G. COLEMAN SOURCE: TRIBAL AREAS AND TOWN NAMES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, MARCH 2007, A WORLD TRANSFORMED 26 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Th e Long Journey of Healing

by Chebon Kernell

THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Over the course of the 2008-2011 quadrennium, listening sessions were is now part of a worldwide move- held with indigenous communities from the United States and abroad. In this ment, having joined with certain other way, church leaders began to hear stories about the relationships that formed Christian denominations in acknowl- between members of the Christian faith and members of indigenous commu- edging the harm done to and atrocities nities across the world. In some circumstances, stories showed mutuality and committed against the world’s indige- care. But other narratives laid bare the horrifi c history of assimilation and colo- nous peoples. Along with the Anglican nization that accompanied the Christian movement. Church of Canada, Episcopalians and Before 2012, the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Mennonites in the United States are Concerns (now the Offi ce of Christian Unity and Interreligious Relationships) among ecumenical partners who have provided the leadership for listening sessions. After consultation with indig- taken steps in past years to acknowl- enous communities at listening sessions and after work with an Advisory edge and seek forgiveness for past sins, Task Force of United Methodists and Native American leaders, an Act of while seeking to build better relation- Repentance was performed during a worship service at the 2012 General ships with indigenous groups of North Conference in Tampa, Florida. America and the world. In 2008, the At the conclusion of this worship service (and of the General Conference United Methodist General Conference itself), The United Methodist Church pledged to affi rm the presence of Native Resolution #3323 was revised and re- Americans and other indigenous persons in the life of the church. A new res- adopted, with a renewed emphasis on olution was passed on the consent calendar that year—Resolution #3324— healing the church’s relationships with which further acknowledged the history of indigenous people and the church indigenous people. It reads as follows: while confi rming that the work of 2012 was just a starting point—a fi rst step in a long journey of repentance and healing. Be it resolved that United Methodist churches throughout the world seek Weighing Diverse Perspectives ways to build bridges of respect and Throughout this time, the voices heard and opinions expressed among mem- understanding, that our churches lis- bers of Native American communities in the United States remained both ten and become educated about the diverse and powerful. Many of these voices were those of lifelong United history of the relationship between Methodists whose skepticism was stoked by the long string of promises indigenous persons and Christian made—but not kept—by church offi cials throughout history. Such promises colonizers in their own geographic were typically broken by those who controlled the denomination’s offi cial deci- locations, and that, through prayer sion-making bodies of local churches and annual conferences. and relationship building, we develop means for reconciliation and celebrate the gifts that indigenous people bring to the body of Jesus in the world.

Children in a camp at Salmon Lake, north of Nome, Alaska, learn to better appreciate their native culture. The camp is sponsored by the Northern Alaska Wellness Initiative and supported by the United Methodist Nome Community Center. PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 27

Other voices of Native American leaders sought to emphasize the spirit of endurance possessed by Native American United Methodists, who have AFFIRMING fought diligently to keep their churches open and their ministries active de- spite their lack of denominational resources. While church offi cials continued COMMITMENTS to neglect them, they were determined not to let diffi culties and disappoint- TO ACT ments deter them from their calling. Native voices coming from outside the United Methodist structure encour- In 2012, the United Methodist Council aged the indigenous Methodist community to demand that the denomina- of Bishops issued its own statement tion’s words be followed up by actions. Among the countless numbers of on the rights of indigenous people and Native people who continue to exist and thrive in the world today, many say pledged to protect Native American that the church has no bearing on the spiritual lives of their tribal communi- ministries and fellowships. The ties. Many are still connected to their traditional forms of spirituality. statement further indicated that the It is now—when these voices are fi nally being heard—that The United council would: Methodist Church is beginning to take its fi rst steps toward healing its rela- tionships with indigenous peoples. In conjunction with the General Board of Global Ministries, the Council Š Affi rm a commitment to empower the of Bishops has provided funding that will allow Global Ministries’ Executive presence of Native and indigenous Secretary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries to plan and staff fol- people in the life of the denomination. low-up activities to the Act of Repentance. The goal is to assist the denomina- tion in taking the necessary steps to provide a future that ceases to do harm Š Support Native American Ministries Sunday in US annual conferences. to the indigenous communities of our world. Currently, nearly 20 US annual conferences have begun this work through Š Strengthen committees on Native their conference committees on Native American Ministries (CONAM), which American Ministries (CONAM) in the already include both indigenous and non-indigenous members. For example, in United States and other indigenous the Upper New York Conference, districtwide learning days for clergy and laity ministries in the central conferences. are being sponsored by the annual conference in hopes of creating a better un- Š Support second-mile giving through derstanding of the history of Native American communities and the church’s the Advance and other churchwide role in that history. And in the Rocky Mountain Conference, a pilgrimage to the funding for Native ministries. Sand Creek Massacre site was the focus of this year’s annual conference. In various other annual conferences, multiyear plans have been designed Š Commit to the development of new to provide opportunities for education and dialogue involving Native and non- Native and indigenous ministries Native members. In other Acts of Repentance, worship services have been and strengthen church support for planned to provide times for the entire annual conference to pause and dem- existing Native community entities. onstrate churchwide contrition. Throughout the fall of 2014, educational Š Create a theological statement “webinars” (web seminars) will be hosted by the General Board of Global that demonstrates a respect for the Ministries to further educate United Methodists on the possibilities that exist diversity of theology and ecclesiology in building relationships with indigenous people. found in the context of Native and indigenous ministries. Small Steps to Reconciliation It is hoped by those within the indigenous leadership of The United Methodist Š Commit to host Acts of Repentance in Church that these steps would be just the fi rst of many in the journey of heal- annual conferences. ing our relationships. For it must be recognized that one love offering or one Š Commit to developing relationships worship service will not take us to the true destination of healing and whole- of mutuality with Native peoples in ness that we all seek. The church must embark on a process of truly affi rming local contexts. the presence and voice of the indigenous community, even if it means chang- ing our entire way of existence. Š Initiate programs of education for non-Native people about why the Act of Repentance is important. The Rev. Chebon Kernell, a citizen of the Seminole Nation, is the executive secre- tary of Native American and Indigenous Ministries for the General Board of Global Ministries. He also serves the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church as Coordinator of the Act of Repentance. 28 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Korean Ministry

MINISTRIES AND MISSION THAT TRANSCEND BOUNDARIES Th e Korean Ministry Plan

The Rev. Paul Chang by Paul Chang and Christie R. House PHOTO: MIKE DUBOSE/UMNS

n a denominational level, Congregational Development in recognition of the stra- The UM Council/KMP works with Korean United Methodist churches and tegic importance of the other agencies to launch new viable congregations, nurturing them to become ministries of the Korean self-sustaining churches. Part of this development strategy is also to equip OUnited Methodist Church, the 2000 new congregations with resources and training for small group ministry, which General Conference approved the has proven to be an effective method to help members become agents for United Methodist Council on Kore- spreading the gospel and forming new disciples. an Ministries/Korean Ministry Plan In the last quadrennium, the UM Council/KMP designated a matching fund of (UM Council/KMP) to provide sup- $1 million to be used to support new church starts. Korean United Methodists port for the revival and growth of across the country raised funds and successfully matched this amount over a Korean United Methodist ministries. four-year period. The One Million Dollar Matching Fund Campaign will contin- As a General Conference Initiative, ue throughout the current quadrennium. The plan has helped launch about 13 the Korean Ministry Plan is staffed new congregations, most of them still in their fi rst or second year. by Global Ministries but collaborates One of those new congregations launched in 2013 was Alpha Korean with other United Methodist boards United Methodist Church in Washington, DC, developed in collaboration and agencies, jurisdictional and annu- with the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference. Under the leadership of al conferences, and related networks the Rev. Sung Hwan Cho, Alpha KUMC is the only Korean congregation in to further its core ministries. Washington, DC. The congregation seeks to reach out to the Korean com- The core ministries of the plan munity there, which is composed of about 3,000 immigrants, 1,000 Korean have been defi ned for 2013 to 2016 nationals, and 500 students. as Congregational Development, Leadership Formation, Next Leadership Formation Generation Ministries, Resource The UM Council/KMP seeks to identify, recruit, and train current and fu- Development for Ministry, Justice- ture leaders in the Korean UMC. To strengthen new church development related Ministries (primarily immigra- and revitalize existing congregations, UM Council/KMP produced a leader- tion reform and Korean unifi cation ship training resource called Longing to Meet You!: Small Group Ministry and reconciliation), and Fostering Leadership Training. Available in both Korean and English, the English edi- Global Partnerships, or International tion of Longing to Meet You has been published through Abingdon Press Missions (supported by Korean and is available through Cokesbury online and the Korean Ministry Plan of- United Methodist churches). fi ce at Global Ministries. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 29

In the area of Leadership that the task force will be able to gain The Korean Ministry Plan has Formation, KMP initiatives are shift- momentum around this issue and developed and continues to sup- ing the focus from “revival and bring about positive change, although port three next generation net- growth” to “spirituality and a healthy it is currently a challenging area. The works across the country. The Youth church.” This shift will be reflected in KMP also considers support for vari- Initiative has served a central role in the newly developed and supported ous leadership development pro- the next generation leadership devel- programs of Conflict Transformation grams of national and jurisdictional opment. An article by Gloria Kim fol- and the Academy of Spiritual Korean caucuses and other ministry lows with more details. The College Formation. An article on the Conflict networks upon request. Initiative has been effective in nur- Management Seminars by Myungrae turing college leadership, vital for Kim Lee follows. The “Korean Next Generation Ministries the future of the Korean UMC. The Academy of Spiritual Formation,” Second and third generations of Children’s Ministry Initiative offers which works in collaboration with the Korean Americans are known as teacher training, consultations, and Upper Room of the General Board of “next generations” in the Korean other opportunities for effective chil- Discipleship, launched its first acad- UMC—those whose main language dren’s ministry. emy in February 2013 in the San is English. These age groups may Francisco area under the leadership include anyone from children up Global Partnerships and of the Rev. Im Jung, who is a regional through young clergy and lay lead- International Mission coordinator with GBOD for Spiritual ers already working in the church. Increasingly, Korean United Methodists Formation academies. Preparations Increasingly, young Korean clergy are becoming more closely involved are currently underway for the 2014 serve in environments that include with mission ministry around the academy in the Northeast. multiethnic groups and interracial world. Korean missionaries are serving As the importance of the roles of families. Supporting the work of through Global Ministries in Mongolia, Korean clergywomen and cross-cul- young clergy and providing leader- Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Russia, tural clergy appointment grow day ship training and opportunities are Korea, Thailand, and Tanzania. Young by day, KMP will continue to be sup- primary foci, as well as supporting adult Korean missionaries served last portive of Korean clergywomen in innovative and creative ministries year in Brazil and Switzerland. The their leadership development. In par- that reach younger generations of Korean Ministry Plan’s first project ticular, a task force has been created Korean Americans. The KMP has for international mission in partner- to work on the issue of Korean cler- developed a plan to help start five ship with Global Ministries is a small gywomen’s appointment to Korean- to seven new English-language group-leader training event in October speaking congregations. It is hoped congregations. 2014. The Myanmar Methodist Church (South) and its Episcopal lead- er, Bishop Mowia, asked the Korean Ministry Plan to come and work in partnership on this project to revitalize the Myanmar Methodist Church. One hundred pastors and laity in Myanmar will be trained using the small-group ministry resource KMP developed, Longing to Meet You. The UM Council/ KMP is ready to connect Korean United Methodists to mission minis- tries where God calls them to serve.

The Rev. Paul H. Chang is the executive director of the Korean Ministry Plan, General Board of Global Ministries. At the ecumenical “Call for Peace and Reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula” conference, a Christie R. House is the editor of New woman plays the Gayageum, a Korean traditional string instrument. PHOTO: MELISSA HINNEN World Outlook magazine. 30 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

PEACEMAKER DISCIPLES Korean Ministry Confl ict Management Seminars

by Myungrae Kim Lee

ver the last century, the of Korean UMW, the Korean UMC mission. The parable of the mustard Korean United Method- Council, and the Korean Ministry Plan seed is lived out every day in the work ist Church in the United have been working together to hold of Korean United Methodist Women. States has grown expo- confl ict management seminars for In the late 1800s, Korea was ruled Onentially. Nevertheless, during this Korean United Methodist churches in by puppet governments controlled period of growth, internal divisions the United States. In this effort, the by foreign powers. Severe drought have arisen that have left lasting organizations have become peace- caused widespread famine, and be- scars. As a result, the United Method- makers for reconciliation. cause of the rigid social stratifica- ist Council on Korean Ministries tions of Korean society at the time, saw the need to establish a series The Roots of Korean of confl ict management seminars. Mission However, to do so, the Council need- This present-day ministry to repair Th rough the confl ict ed a partner with a nationwide net- divisions and confl icts in the church “ work that reached the lay members has roots that can be traced back management seminar, of the church. 127 years. Many faithful Christians we have learned Seeing the National Network of before us made our Korean church to turn confl ict Korean United Methodist Women possible through their sweat, tears, (NNKUMW) as an ideal potential part- and prayers. Korean UMW members into constructive ner, the Rev. Paul Chang, executive were especially faithful—often work- discussion. Th is helps director of Global Ministries’ Korean ing without recognition from their Ministry Plan, recommended that the local churches, but always striving to to keep the church Council work with the NNKUMW in achieve their primary purpose: to con- healthy and the planning the seminars. The women duct and support mission work. community mature. were already well aware of the prob- Throughout history, in times when lem, with more than 60 percent of society tried to deprive women of Th erefore, I want KUMW groups reporting internal power, God has been using these to live the life of a strife in their local churches. As a re- “powerless” women as instruments peacemaker. sult, since 2012, the National Network through which to fulfi ll God’s great ” —Participant Quote New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 31

the poor—especially women and children—suffered immeasurably. But God knew of their suffering and brought relief for the Koreans through women in the United States and China. In 1884, Lucinda Brown Baldwin, an elderly widow who belonged to the Woman’s Foreign Missionary Society (WFMS) in Ohio, sent an of- fering to the Cincinnati WFMS trea- surer. She stipulated that the money be used for the education and evan- gelization of destitute Korean women. By the next year, the New York and New England WFMS chapters had secured Mrs. Mary Fletcher Scranton as their fi rst missionary to Korea. At age 52, the widowed Mrs. Scranton had already been planning to accom- pany her son, Dr. William B. Scranton, who—with his wife and child and a Myungrae Kim Lee, executive director, National Network of Korean United Methodist Women, colleague—was being sent to Korea in a moment of prayer at the ecumenical “Call for Peace and Reconciliation on the Korean by the Methodist Episcopal Church Peninsula” held in Atlanta, Georgia. (MEC) Board of Missions to open a PHOTO: MELISSA HINNEN school and a medical practice. In time, the school that Mary Scranton, founded in Korea grew to become Ewha Womans University— “ Forgiveness is a willful acceptance of God’s grace. the world’s largest university for Reconciliation is part of the process of forgiveness. women. Th erefore, we must learn the process of Two years later, in 1897, the WFMS of the Methodist Episcopal Church, forgiveness—repeatedly. —Participant Quote South, sent its fi rst women to serve ” as missionaries in Korea: Dr. Doris Yu and Josephine E. P. Campbell. Dr. together to build schools and church- People ridiculed her because of her Yu was a Chinese Methodist who es for women. Evangelical women’s background, but, through her work, 600 had received her medical degree ministries became a foundation for people were led to Jesus Christ. from Soochow College, China—a the Korean churches. Missionary Through the work of other evan- MECS institution to which Josephine women taught Korean women how gelical women, the gospel spread Campbell was assigned as a teacher to read the Korean language, making to many parts of Korea. Churches by the WFMS. Using the mission of- the Bible and other major Christian were built and the mission crossed fering from Sunday school students doctrines available to them. The national borders to enter Manchuria, in North Carolina, Campbell began Evangelical women of Korea then Siberia, Mongolia, and Japan. In what would eventually become the traveled across their country and fact, the Korean Methodist Women Baewha girl’s school—still oper- spread the gospel to other women formed the backbone of all the Bible ating today as Baewha Women’s who did not know Jesus Christ, lead- Women in Asia. They fasted to save University in Seoul, Korea. ing them to churches. food and collected offerings. They The women sent as missionar- The fi rst evangelical Korean woman also cultivated plants, raised chick- ies by the northern and southern was Mrs. Samduk Chun. She was ens, sold eggs, and washed clothes US missionary societies worked from the upper class of Korean society. to raise mission money. 32 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG “I apply the ministry of confl ict management to my daily life in order to become a peacemaker. When I begin my day, I pray for guidance in my decisions. In addition to ministries of evange- lization and education, the KMW also However, I am tested through my relationships inherited the social justice concerns with my family, my children, my mother-in-law, that have long typified Methodist women around the world. During church members, and partners in mission. I know the Japanese occupation of Korea, that it is not easy to live in peace, reconciliation, Korean Methodist women supported and love. But the ministry of confl ict management the independence movement. As a result, many members of the KMW provides the clarity I need to focus on my prayers, were arrested and tortured—their meditations on the Bible, and refl ections. families being torn apart. Some paid ” with their lives. —Participant Quote

Korean Immigration women participated in the burgeon- Mission Comes Full Circle In 1903, the fi rst 102 Korean immi- ing temperance movement. In the 1990s, what was then the grants to Hawaii arrived on the SS Throughout the 20th century, Women’s Division of Global Ministries Gaelic to work on sugar-cane farms. Korean churches began establish- accepted the Korean UMW as mis- Fifty-two people among them were ing themselves in metropolitan areas sion partners—symbolically cultivat- Methodist, and some of these immi- across the United States. These ing the fruit of the seeds that their grant women in Hawaii had been ed- Korean churches and their organi- foremothers had planted more than ucated by Methodist missionaries. In zations fl ourished as a result of the a century before. In 1992, the Rev. turn, these Methodists helped build dedication and faithful devotion of Hae Sun Kim was hired as a consul- Korean Methodist churches and or- the Korean UMW. Koreans, like tant for the Korean UMW. She real- ganized local branches of the KMW many other immigrant groups in the ized that, although its members had to participate in mission work. The United States, worked hard, strived a passion for mission, they lacked KMW worked to create an indepen- to provide a good education for their suffi cient mission education. Thus, dent fund to teach Korean language children, and were faithful to their Rev. Kim and the US UMW created classes and enrich the poor, and the churches. a national training program for the Korean UMW. This program follows the Wesleyan tradition of promoting both personal and social holiness. Through the national training sem- inar, Korean UMW members joined their local US UMW members, be- coming offi cers and directors in their annual conferences. In 2004, Mrs. Kyungja Kim of the New York Annual Conference became the fi rst Korean president of the Women’s Division. As a graduate of Ewha Womans College, Kim further symbolized the United Methodist Women’s long-last- ing impact upon the Korean UMW. The Korean UMW is no longer an organization that receives help. Instead, it strives to provide help and support for others. In this way, those

A choir participates in the ecumenical “Call for Peace and Reconciliation on the Korean who are themselves the fruit of mis- Peninsula,” Atlanta, Georgia. sion are planting new seeds of mis- PHOTO: MELISSA HINNEN sion for the ones that follow. New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 33

Confl ict Management Currently, the National Network of Korean United Methodist Women has 10 regional organizations. The National Network, together with the Korean UMC Council, operates con- fl ict management seminars in each of these 10 regional areas. As the NNKUMW executive director, I re- cently participated in one of these seminars, sharing the experiences and principles that the Korean UMW promotes. Through this participation, I realized that the Korean UMW has to balance church growth with spiri- tual development. While revival and growth bring a quantitative expan- sion, the work of reconciliation goes deeper, requiring the development of spiritual maturity. The confl ict management ministry strives to address the confl icts that Korean United Methodist Women volunteers serving at the UMCOR West Depot, arise within local churches, but it can Salt Lake City, Utah. be extended to confl icts between PHOTO: COURTESY UMCOR neighbors here and around the world. Our basic text for the seminar comes Confl icts are normal and they arise ministry of conflict management, from 2 Corinthians 5:18-19: “All this naturally. They are not always nega- struggle daily to become true peace- is from God, who reconciled us to tive, as they can promote critical dis- makers. Korean immigrants want himself through Christ, and has given cussion and change. However, it is to be healed and accepted in their us the ministry of reconciliation; that important to approach confl icts with churches. Even while, in immigrant is, in Christ God was reconciling the a positive attitude and an acceptance churches, many confl icts and divi- world to himself, not counting their of others who differ. While not all sions still remain, the confl ict man- trespasses against them, and en- confl icts can be resolved, most can agement seed has been planted and trusting the message of reconcilia- be managed. Most importantly, it is will slowly grow. We know that the tion to us.” through our faith that we negotiate Kingdom of God grows in even the As followers of Jesus Christ, we and manage the confl icts in our lives. most diffi cult of circumstances and are called to reconciliation. As part of The ministry of confl ict manage- that it will produce the fruit of peace our human nature, our personal opin- ment calls for the ability to apologize someday. Eventually, we will say ions and interpretations of faith can and to accept. One does not have to that, with the help of the Lord, we create divisions and confl ict. Through compromise one’s own principles, healed our relationships with others, the ministry of confl ict management, but reconciliation is impossible with- overcame confl icts, and became ma- our personal faith, in conjunction with out the ability to hear and understand ture members of the Korean UMW the faith of our community, can grow the other person’s point of view and and the UMC. to resemble the spirit and teachings without the wisdom to make accept- of our savior. able compromises. Every day, we Myungrae Kim Lee is the executive In fact, I have learned that the min- must make an effort to be peacemak- director for the National Network of istry of confl ict management is need- ers and to maintain our humility while Korean United Methodist Women and ed for a healthy faith. To practice this in discussion with others. a member of the New York Annual ministry, we have to understand con- The nationwide members of the Conference Korean Methodist Church fl icts and how to overcome them. Korean UMW, who accepted the and Institute. 34 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

INSPIRING NEW LEADERS Th e Korean-American Youth Initiative story and photos by Gloria Kim

The experience of Korean immigrants in many ways repeats the experience of generations past. Both the “1.5” generation (those who immigrated as children) and the second generation have experienced what Will Herberg once called, “double alienation.” They have grown up in English-speaking American schools and Korean- speaking immigrant families and churches. They often experience themselves as on the margins of both American and Korean cultures. They are unable and often unwilling to participate fully in the ethnic life of the Korean-language churches of their parents. Yet bearing Korean names and a Korean family culture, they also experience a sense of marginalization from mainstream American culture and the life of its Protestant churches. The Korean American United Methodist Youth Initiative represents one attempt to offer resources specifi cally for Korean high school youth. Founded by fi rst-generation Korean American Christians and designed by second generation leaders, the Youth Initiative seeks to encourage young people to consider vocations in ministerial leadership. From “The Pluralism Project,” Harvard University Joseph Vang, a pastor who chaperoned his students to the YI 2013 conference from California, lifts up praise during worship. http://www.pluralism.org/religion/christianity/ issues/next-generation New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 35

he Korean-American United Methodist Youth Initiative (YI) is an annual leadership conference for rising high schoolT sophomores, juniors, and se- niors sponsored by the United Meth- odist Korean Ministry Plan. This ini- tiative was specifically created for Korean-American students across the United States who already serve as leaders within their youth groups at their local churches. These youth have been taught to have faith, to trust in the Lord, and to take up the burden of leadership for their generation. Still, many of them are uncertain about what their next steps should be. While the students who attend the Youth Initiative conference willingly A design team member, Richard Kim, gets help from students while he explains group projects embrace the challenge of leadership, and topics to all the students at YI 2013 in Georgia. many don’t yet know what becoming a leader fully entails. How should they This team performs many tasks, such coming without the many distractions act upon their calling? What steps as finding speakers, handling regis- that retreats usually have. All in all, should they take to develop the lead- trations, acquiring a host site (which the YI staff really did a great job, mak- ership abilities they will need? is always a university), recruiting ing it possible for us to give 100 per- and training counselors, and design- cent to God.” Creating the Youth Initiative ing conference T-shirts, binders, and The idea of a Youth Initiative began name tags. Most leadership team Tapping Leadership Potential with a handful of first-generation members have been under the age Almost all students who attend the immigrant Korean pastors who an- of 35. Youth Initiative conference are small- swered a call from God to nurture The Youth Initiative is not a re- group leaders, members of praise and raise future Korean-American treat, but a conference. The objec- Christian leaders. Their pastoral vi- tive is not only spiritual growth but sion came to fruition in the Youth also practical accomplishment. The “How is it possible to Initiative. The first conference of the evening programs are designed to Korean-American United Methodist be more inwardly focused, including maintain a single identity, Youth Initiative was held in 2001 at powerful times of praise and worship. wherever you are and Occidental College in Los Angeles. Every year, the conference includes a Since its inception, more than 1,000 full praise band with a worship lead- whomever you’re with?” participants have attended the three- er. The atmosphere is very energetic day event. First-generation pastors from the outset, as all the youth find provided the resources needed to excitement in worshiping God with bands, or part of a leadership team at create the conference, but they had one another. their local church, often responsible the wisdom to invite a separate lead- Jinu Kim, a 12th grader from the for a welcoming or fellowship ministry. ership team to develop it. Korean United Methodist Church of Korean-American United Methodist A design team—composed en- Atlanta, found this to be true at the churches recommend youth mem- tirely of young, second-generation 2012 Youth Initiative. “It wasn’t just bers for participation. While each stu- Korean Americans, both clergy and a retreat,” she said. “It was an eye- dent understands what it means to be laity—is responsible for developing opening experience. I was able to re- a visible leader, all need to learn what and implementing the conference. ally focus on the whole purpose of is required of spiritual leaders, both 36 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG “ How can you better equip yourself to inside the church and outside in so- accommodate a track-intensive sem- ciety. How is it possible to maintain a witness with the inar day. During that time, we talked single identity, wherever you are and people who are to students about digging in deeper, whomever you’re with? How can you while also giving them tangible an- better equip yourself to witness with around you on swers that they could take home and the people who are around you on a a daily basis?” work on post-conference. daily basis? Three core tracks in which all stu- As part of the Youth Initiative expe- dents took part covered the basics rience, Korean-American young peo- experience. High school students of spiritual leadership, spiritual gifts, ple are nurtured in a community that and new graduates are encouraged and evangelism. Other tracks were has been formed through small-group in their faith journeys by college stu- offered as choices, covering topics participation. Youth draw encourage- dents, while the college students as varied as fi nancial stewardship, ment from listening to one another or are mentored by design-team mem- social media and its infl uence, apolo- they fi nd it in the healing words of a bers. There have been gifted college getics, blind faith, human traffi cking, counselor. Jimmy Choi, a senior from students who are mentored by adult spiritual identity, leadership and net- the Korean United Methodist Church leaders and urged to consider semi- working, homelessness and poverty, of Greater Washington, in McLean, nary and ordained ministry. Young missions, and the road to becoming Virginia, said: “If I could, I would come clergy who are still struggling in their a seminarian. every year—not only because of the ministry encourage one another and The conference was designed to media, the people, and other enjoy- are guided by veteran youth pas- leave students with specifi c ideas able aspects but because of the way tors through the youth worker/pastor that they could implement in their God’s presence fi lls the rooms with small group. home churches. The local church prayer and praise that you can really benefi ts enormously when its youth enjoy. I learned a lot, especially from The 2014 YI return from an experience having my small group leader, and I am very The 2014 Youth Initiative confer- been energized and further empow- thankful for that.” ence, which was held this year in ered to serve. As a follow-up, Korean Informal mentorship by the de- June, took a very practical approach, churches in each jurisdiction gather sign team and other pastors is also bringing the format back to the ba- annually for a meeting where Youth an important aspect of the weekend sics. We reformatted the schedule to Initiative ideas are discussed. There is a separate time for churches within a geographic region to meet and dis- cuss ways in which they can further extend the Youth Initiative vision. As a tenth grader from the Korean United Methodist Church of Atlanta, Joseph An admitted that experiences as meaningful as the Youth Initiative are hard to come by. “So many things occurred in such a short time,” he recalled. “To be hon- est, I had felt lost and a lot weaker than I was before the fi rst stages of my relationship with God. But, through this conference, I was able to realize that God is still there for me and wants me to stand up.” “Through YI,” An continued, “I have created new relationships with Students and staff come together and take a group picture to remember the Youth Initiative God and with other people. God put Conference 2013 at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. all of these people in my life for a New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 37

Plan’s College Initiative conference to sponsor a combined YI/CI conference at Emory University in Atlanta. It was only natural for the two conferenc- es to come together, as high school youth leaders graduated and went on to college. The plan for future years is to deepen the relationship between the two initiatives and to sponsor a combined conference annually. It is our goal to mobilize and equip student leaders with both practical and spiritual knowledge. By doing so, we hope to inspire these young lead- ers to rediscover how God is calling Jennifer Pak and Hahna Cho from Virginia, and Paul Lee from Georgia (one of the YI them to contribute to the church, so- counselors) brainstorm presentation ideas for a group project at YI 2013. ciety, and their local communities. reason. I will grow to become a lead- Meeting New Needs Gloria Kim serves as the program director er at my church and I will break down In 2011, during what would have been for the Korean-American United Method- the barriers that stand between the its 11th year, the YI conference under- ist Youth Initiative. A married mother of church and God. YI gave me the sup- went an unexpected hiatus. Then, in two living in Los Angeles, she holds both port to know that every day is a vic- 2012, the Youth Initiative conference bachelor’s and master’s degrees in archi- tory. God has truly blessed me.” partnered with the Korean Ministry tecture and building construction.

Youth Initiative—the Korean-American Student Leadership Conference

For more information, visit us on the web at http://yiconference.org or join us on facebook, yiconference.

Nicole Kang, from Virginia and Andrew Min from California are all smiles during a challenging team-building session, YI 2013. 38 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

Asian-American Language Ministry

However, starting in the 1980s, at- tendance at worship began to drop, Creating a and throughout the 1990s it was on a steady slide. While at the time of the church’s founding and in its ear- Revitalized Faith lier days, its congregation was pri- marily Anglo, the English-speaking congregation was steadily shrinking. Community at Eventually, the church’s group of faith- ful worshipers dwindled to the point where the remaining members were Edison Park UMC barely able to maintain the building. Times had changed, and the by Victor Melad, Jr. make-up of the community had be- come far more diverse. The church had to change, too, if it was going FOR 123 YEARS, Edison Park United Methodist Church has been located to survive. in the far northwest corner of Chicago. In fact, the church was founded at This year, Chicago Magazine listed almost the same time that Edison Park—now one of the city’s 77 separate Edison Park as one of the city’s best communities—became part of Chicago’s expanding cityscape. Just a mile or neighborhoods to live in. The com- two farther out are such Chicago suburbs as Park Ridge to the north, Niles to munity is accessible, has affordable the east, and Skokie to the northeast. housing, and boasts good elemen- The Edison Park UMC is well-known locally, given its long history in the tary and high schools. Furthermore, community. The church is blessed with a beautiful sanctuary, adorned with this part of Chicago is known to be a prized stained-glass windows. Its congregation peaked in the glory days of safe place to live because of its large the 1950s, when the church regularly drew 1000 congregants to one of its city police and fi re departments, with three Sunday worship services—two held in the morning and a vespers ser- their host of police and fi re-fi ghting vice in the late afternoon. personnel. These urban benefi ts ex- tend to the nearby suburbs, making Edison Park a desirable place to live in or to live near.

Young Filipinos Arrive In recent times, many young Filipino families have immigrated to the United States and have resettled in the Skokie and Niles suburbs adja- cent to Edison Park. These young people’s arrival in the area created a great opportunity for Edison Park UMC to reach out and assist them. As new immigrants, the Filipinos needed advice and support to guide them through the complex process of cultural assimilation. They also needed a meeting place where dif- ferent Filipino families could connect The Edison Park UMC youth juggling team. PHOTO: COURTESY EDISON PARK UMC, CHICAGO New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 39

Edison Park UMC in Chicago, Illinois, is famous for its juggling ministry, which has continued with participation from Edison Park’s Filipino youth. PHOTOS: COURTESY EDISON PARK UMC, CHICAGO

with one another. As sojourners liv- were already worshiping. Since to catch the vision, fully understand- ing in a land far from their homeland, then, the church membership has ing how to reach out to unchurched they needed spiritual support to help increased to 120—the congregation people and make them disciples of them adjust to a new place, new now being 80 percent Filipino and Jesus Christ. neighbors, and unfamiliar customs 20 percent Caucasian American. The In our determination to further and expectations. And, being respon- average worship attendance has in- increase the church’s member- sible for rearing the next generation, creased from a handful to about 70. ship, we have begun a book study. they needed advice in navigating the The church’s leadership team and Chicago school system. A Church Is Revitalized its youth members took time to All of these newcomers’ major Given my nearly two-year tenure with read and study a book by Adam needs could potentially be met by the congregation, I can say that the Hamilton: Leading Beyond the Walls: the Edison Park United Methodist church’s regained strength lies in its Developing Congregations with Church. The church could act as an youth and young adults—all of whom a Heart for the Unchurched. I am incubator to help the Filipino fami- are Filipino. Edison Park UMC is fa- hopeful that, after eight weeks of lies grow as healthy Christians in mous for its Juggling Ministry, a min- in-depth study, we will all be able to the United States, fulfilling God’s istry that started a number of years grasp the principles Hamilton pres- dream for them, both as individuals ago and is carried on by the Filipino ents. Then, together, we can create and collectively. youth today. The jugglers have re- a turn-around for Christ at Edison So, in 2012, seeing an opportu- ceived an award from the Northern Park UMC—bringing to birth a new nity for church rebirth, the Northern Illinois Conference in recognition of faith community that will be vibrant, Illinois Conference called me their unique ministry and active out- caring, impassioned, and a source of away from the Philippines Central reach to other youth. new life for all. Conference and asked me to relocate Given that these young people are to Chicago. There, I was to provide the hope and future of the church, I The Rev. Victor Melad, Jr., is the pastor pastoral leadership for the Edison have been investing time each week of Edison Park United Methodist Church Park United Methodist Church, to nurture them through Bible study. in Chicago. He is an ordained pastor of where many Filipino immigrants Eventually, I believe, they will be able the Philippines Central Conference. 40 Members of the Edmond Chinese International UMC Rejuvenate Worship group, Edmond, Oklahoma. PHOTO: COURTESY ECIUMC

Rejuvenating Worship by John E. Roper

ow do you rejuvenate a ministry has had, we need first to heeding an inner call, he returned to church? One way is to open look at the church’s history. Edmund with his family to work in up an inclusive ministry that In 1979, the Wesley Foundation, a Asian student ministry. speaks to the average mem- neighbor of Central State University in Sensing the need for believers to ber’s heart. That’s what a few Edmond (now renamed the University experience more than just a Bible key leaders did at Edmond of Central Oklahoma, or UCO), de- study, Puong Lau and others found- Chinese International United cided to offer a Bible study for col- ed ECIUMC. Almost from the begin- HMethodist Church (ECIUMC) in Au- lege students who spoke Mandarin ning, the new church’s leaders saw gust 2011. In Edmond, Oklahoma— Chinese. By the mid-1980s, the group the need for their worship services to just north of Oklahoma City—these included several young Mandarin be understood in both Mandarin and leaders started a new church service speakers from Malaysia, who decid- English. Over the next 15 years or primarily designed for international ed to settle in the area and raise their so, various methods were employed college students and the church’s families there. The president of the to make this possible—from simulta- own youth. Chinese Bible study group at the time neous translation via headsets to a Rejuvenate Worship—RJ for was a young Malaysian man named translator on stage with the speaker. short—grew from these begin- Puong Lau. After graduation, he at- But while the church grew, there nings. To understand the impact this tended seminary in California—then, arose an ever-increasing disconnect New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 41

between the original immigrants, I agreed to apply, and it didn’t take middle school and high school. Most who spoke Chinese fluently, and their long for all involved to realize that this congregation members, though, are children, who grew up in the United move was God-ordained. After my either college undergrads or graduate States and spoke mainly English. first trial sermon, even my daughter students. Though they may be with This second group also included in- assured me that, whether I was hired us for only a few years, many take on ternational college students from or not, she was going to this church. active roles, making our services and other backgrounds and a handful of From the start, it became obvious our outreach come alive. American participants—all of whom to me that RJ was a congregation that were more comfortable with English. liked to have a bit of fun. On my first A Deeper Faith Connection Thus, in a move that echoed the Sunday as pastor, the congregation Challenging individual members to one that had touched the collegiate welcomed me with a guitar-playing get involved has become an increas- lives of many of ECIUMC’s founders, flash mob that belted out an original ing part of the RJ Worship ethos. the congregation decided to form song about me, while photos secretly This shift in mindset has affected the a second congregation for English appropriated from my Facebook page youth tremendously. While Pastor speakers. By 2013, when an interna- flashed on the screen. It was an un- Lau notes that “the youth used to sit tional Bible study in English had been inhibited and slightly wacky introduc- and do nothing,” now, he says, it is established on campus under the tion to a group of believers who love common to see one or more of them auspices of the RJ-infused Chinese the Lord but are not afraid to be a lit- on stage making music, offering tes- Christian Student Organization, the tle unconventional in their approach timony, acting as emcee, or working ministry that had started in 1979 to worship and ministry. behind the scenes. Speaking of RJ’s among the Chinese speakers had Part of this vibrancy can be attrib- impact on his own family, Lau says, come full circle. uted to the average age of our mem- “The children now feel like they’re bers, most of whom are somewhere learning more.” g Church Meets Pastor in their mid-20s. While adults ranging RJ’s influence has been felt not After two years of relying on guest in age from 40-somethings to retirees only by our regular Sunday worship- speakers, RJ Worship called me also attend, so do several students in ers but also by students on the UCO in April 2013 to be its first pas- tor. My family and I had served as WorldVenture missionaries since 1988, spending much of our lives in places as different as West Africa and Japan. However, because of my par- ents’ sudden health needs, my fam- ily was officially transferred in 2009 to work among internationals in the Oklahoma City metro area. One night, while I was leading a Bible study for Asians in the home of some Taiwanese believers, a young woman from China suggested I apply for the pastoral position opening up at her church. At first, I was a little sur- prised. While I had heard of ECIUMC, I had not heard of RJ Worship. Given that, after four years of ministry in Edmund, I hadn’t known that it had an English-speaking international congregation, my discovering the existence of RJ Worship was quite Edmond Chinese International United Methodist Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. a shock. But after praying about it, PHOTO: COURTESY ECIUMC 42 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG

campus. Moses, a UCO student and a and smiling face as well as a cheering Singapore, China, the United States, fi rst-generation immigrant from India, temperament,” she said. “He asked and Nigeria—all smiling, laughing, has never set foot inside ECIUMC. if I would like to be an usher, and I and praising God together. My daugh- But he has interacted with RJ mem- said ‘yes’ without hesitation.” Jade’s ter Sasha admits that “RJ is the fi rst bers when they’ve led the worship at story typifi es the way RJ members church I’ve ever truly felt connected UCO’s International Christian Student practice disciple-making, not only by to. Even though there’s a separate Organization meetings or during reaching out to non-Christians but service in Chinese,” she continues, Tuesday night Bible studies in the uni- also by helping new believers learn “almost all the faces I see from either versity’s Nigh Center. Nevertheless, how to better serve their Lord. congregation feel like family mem- these limited contacts have greatly None of this could be accom- bers—whether we’ve ever spoken or encouraged his faith. He has said that plished in a cold or divided church. not. There also seems to be a real de- an RJ meeting is “a place to forget Despite our having two distinct con- sire to grow closer to God. You can about worries and be close to God…a gregations—each having its own wor- feel God’s Spirit in the worship.” place that is surrounded with great ship style and language—ECIUMC brothers and sisters.” feels like one body. Periodically, we Breathing in New Life So, how do you rejuvenate a church? Capitalizing on the strength of our church’s diverse cultural backgrounds has worked for us. We’ve grown by reaching out to others traveling the same road that we once traveled—the often diffi cult road walked by a strang- er in a strange land. This outreach ap- peals to the hearts of our people. We’ve also learned to practice in- clusion, not marginalization, and to break up cliques that may be based on age, ethnicity, talent, career path, or any other divider. We’ve decided to see one another as family, no mat- ter what skin color, hair style, or facial features may tell us. And, most im- portantly, we’re determined to seek Pastor John Roper with some of the young members of Rejuvenate. God and God’s will fi rst and foremost PHOTO: COURTESY ECIUMC in our lives and ministry. If God is not at the center, nothing else mat- Others have been similarly impact- join together for special events, such ters. These practices guide us, in- ed by RJ Worship and its members. as Good Friday and Pentecost, and spire us, and keep us striving to be “I remember on the last day of our more than one family has opted to worthy of our full name, a command: Canyon Camp Retreat,” said Jade, attend both worship services on Rejuvenate Worship. a young woman from China, “when Sundays. Although I serve primarily we were singing hymns and worship- as the pastor of RJ, the members of John E. Roper, his wife Joyce, and their ing God, I burst into tears. Then Dana the Chinese congregation continually children served as missionaries with and Scott came up to me and prayed remind me that I am their pastor, too. WorldVenture in Côte d’Ivoire, Japan, for me. This is one of the unforget- This warm and friendly atmo- and Senegal for 20 years before being table memories I’ve had with RJ.” sphere is part of what attracts new transferred to work among international Soon after that experience, Jade ac- worshipers—and not just ones of immigrants in the Oklahoma City metro cepted Christ and found herself al- Chinese descent. A typical Sunday area. John has been the pastor of Reju- most immediately plunged into ser- may fi nd our pews fi lled with peo- venate Worship in Edmond, Oklahoma, vice. “Timothy told me I had a warm ple from Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, since April 2013. The III National Consultation on Hispanic/Latino Ministry

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MAIN ORGANIZERS The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministry MARCHA Metodistas Asociados Representando la Causa Hispano Americana

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CAL15NWO New World Outlook JULY/AUGUST 2014 45 just enriching, but vital. significant and meaningful ways. I think that cross-cultural exchange is not experience this more and more, I realize that these lessons change me in we recognize that what they have to teach us is incredibly valuable. As I them to be successful and become part of the community in America. Yet, December. After about 45 days, it was ready for processing. instruction of Alaa and Faeza, two Iraqi refugees, we started the vinegar in have things to teach us, too. Date vinegar is just one example. Under the home countries. after-effects of the trauma or persecution that caused them to leave their is another stress-filled challenge. And all this on top of dealing with the overwhelming. Finding a job that can both feed the family and pay rent a third, or fourth. Navigating systems like health care and education can be culture, and a new way of life. English is often not second language but have come here for protection. They must learn a new language, native language? what they are experiencing, even in their like they don’t have the words to describe when they come to the United States— me thinking: Is this how refugees feel I couldn’t think of words that fit. That got such a thing! What did it taste like?” Arizona. to hear how things were in sunny mom, who called from snowy Michigan “I tried date vinegar today,” I told my iskashitaa.blogspot.com. Annual Conference. What follows is from her blog originally posted on http:// Network Refugee in Tucson,Iskashitaa Arizona, part of the Desert Southwest General Board of Global Ministries. She serves as the Faith-Based Liaison for the Stephanie #3021848) Plotas (Advance of the is a US-2 young adult missionary Iraqi Refugees Introduce Date Vinegar

At Iskashitaa we work with refugees because care deeply. We want While all these struggles are real, we must recognize that refugees So often we see refugees solely as people in need of aid. After all, they I didn’t know how to describe it her; “Date vinegar? I’ve never heard of PHOTO: COURTESY STEPHANIE PLOTAS of turning them into vinegar. Dates are cooked prior to the process PHOTO: COURTESY JANJAY INNIS with fellow young adults at Global Ministries. Methodist Women’s Assembly in Kentucky shared some moments from the United a US-2In April, Janjay Innis, missionary, the relevancy of our work in future. table when it comes to engaging with their younger sisters and ensuring authentically with global women and learn about what they bring to the Africa, is about 28. I’m hopeful that such a statistic will cause us to engage the average age in central conferences, particularly, in Sub-Saharan where I currently serve as a missionary, I encountered women from all over from my homeland of Liberia, West Africa, or from the Pacific Northwest, and God’s call to live in relationship with one another. Whether they came the space to connect and reconnect with all who share in love of God I love that our church is a global connectional church. Northwest blog. Annual Conference news House in Washington State. This blog originally appeared in the Pacific for of Global Ministries serving as a Social Justice Advocate Tacoma Community #3021836) Innis (Advance Janjay with the General Board is a US-2 missionary “Make It Happen!” Gatherings, such as the United Methodist Women’s Assembly, give us Website: www.umcmission.org 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 The General Board of Global Ministries FKXUFKLQPLVVLRQ FRQQHFWLQJWKH  woman in the United States is 67, age of a United Methodist of United Methodist Women. ership roles within local chapters ership roles within local chapters inviting younger women into lead- making this goal a reality is about through action. A core theme in in Christ to transform the world ing our faith and the hope we have Methodist Women are connect- Happen” is about how we United the spirit of making it happen. the connection in Louisville, all I learned that, while the aver- The assembly’s theme “Make it • 212-870-3600 46 NEWWORLDOUTLOOK.ORG PHOTO: COURTESY WHITNEY PETERS WHITNEY COURTESY PHOTO: Whitney Peters at the Hinton Rural Life Center. Center. Life Rural Hinton the at Peters Whitney I still feel Ms. Molly’s grip as she shared such intimate words with me grip as she shared such intimate words with me I still feel Ms. Molly’s Molly’s story of isolation and struggle is one thousands in our na- Molly’s tion. I think of the elderly who are almost abandoned as they live out tion. I think of the elderly who are almost abandoned as they live out the rest of their lives. Are they our fellow church members? Neighbors? Relatives? after we had just met. How can include our isolated elderly brothers and sisters into our communities more? his, which is located just up the hill from hers. I thought of how easily she his, which is located just up the hill from hers. I thought of how easily she could fall. Then, her desperate reaction to our short visit made me think it is not often that she gets to interact with people other than her son.

Each of these moments happened as part of my Each of these moments happened as part my Something I quickly began to realize about this who should have family members tak- Ms. Molly, Part of my job is to conduct exit interviews with different community Part of my job is to conduct exit interviews with different community Going that morning to visit Ms. Molly (not her real ing care of her in her old age, is instead caring of ing care of her in old age, is instead caring her 40-year old son because of his many health prob- lems. She can barely walk between her house and her whole life. her whole life. The Hinton new work at the Hinton Rural Life Center. Center does home repairs, helps with landscap- ing, and builds staircases ramps for more than North Carolina. 100 homes each year in Western in my opinion, its biggest accomplishments However, involve visiting community members and building re- lationships with them. area is that retirees make up the majority of but social poverty poor—not just a financial poverty, as well. Those Who Are Left Out is a Mission Intern with the General Board (AdvanceWhitney #3021496) Peters of Global Ministries The United Methodist Church serving at the Hinton Rural Peters’ Carolina. This blog post was written for North Center in Western Life blog: http://whitney-p.blogspot.com/ . She reached out for my hand, and as she held on to me, said, “I love you.” members who have received help from Hinton Center within the last two years. Hinton Center wants feedback concerning the work that was done and any suggestions the clients may have. It is also a great way to stay in contact with those who have received help and show that Hinton still cares about them. realize the impact a simple “exit in- name), I didn’t terview” would have on me...or the impact of speak- ing on the phone earlier that week with an 80-year- old woman who confided in me about her constant battle of living on low-income wages throughout From the General Secretary by Thomas Kemper

The Rev. Sam Om is blessed for service by fellow missionaries. PHOTO: MELISSA HINNEN At the Intersection of Local Plans and Global Connections

he Rev. Sam Om is one of our new Sam Om is one of more than a dozen people United Methodist missionaries in who left Southeast Asia as a war refugee and T Cambodia. Born in Cambodia, he fl ed returned to his homeland in recent years as a warfare there and became a Christian in a missionary after encountering our ethnic/ refugee camp in the Philippines. From there, language ministries in the United States. That he came to the United States and joined a refugees or migrants return as missionaries to United Methodist Church. Eventually, he was their homelands is a part of the United Methodist ordained as an elder and then returned to DNA. United Methodism has one root in German Cambodia this year to work as a missionary in immigrants in America, who founded the Christian education. Om’s mission journey is Evangelical United Brethren tradition, which later not unusual today and points to the reality that joined in forming The United Methodist Church in our denomination’s ethnic/language ministry 1968. Some of those American EUB pioneers plans in the United States are local, national, returned to Germany as missionaries, providing a and global in scope. foundation for the current Germany Central The national ministry plans highlighted in Conference, which is my home conference. this issue of New World Outlook have roots in There are other examples of the local/global the 1980s, when United Methodists were connection inherent in the US national plans. becoming increasingly aware of the ethnic, Immigrant United Methodists from Africa are racial, and language diversities in annual enriching and reviving congregations in conferences and neighborhoods across the Germany and other parts of Europe. A United States. The church on both its highest Vietnamese congregation in the US becomes a legislative and community levels grasped its mission partner with a local church in Ho Chi responsibility to minister with minority and Minh City. A Ghanaian church in Italy engages migrant populations. The need was missional in a mission project in Ghana. and it was natural that “Global Ministries,” as In her book, Christian Mission: How the mission agency, had an important role in Christianity Became a World Religion, Dana launching these “national” plans. Robert of Boston University points to the As the Holy Spirit would have it, the “global” importance of bicultural missionaries in the context was prophetic. Immigration and diversity spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ from biblical continue to enrich both church and society in times into the early Middle Ages. Immigrants many countries and, at the same time, The who become missionaries, national plans that United Methodist Church has expanded its recognize human diversity, and mission across mission outreach globally through new initiatives borders extend the story that began at Pentecost and stronger ties with global mission partners. and continues on to the ends of the earth. National and global reinforce one another in mission. Our national plans are global and our global outreach affects local ministries. More than just programs, the plans are ways of Thomas Kemper thinking about the wonderful, global diversity of General Secretary God’s people. General Board of Global Ministries In partnership with United Methodist congregations, Faith Community Nurses they provide health screenings and counseling, train and coordinate volunteers, offer classes on MORE THAN A HELPING HAND maintaining good health, visit church members, and much more on the path to health and wholeness.

Support Congregational Health Ministry, Advance #3021045 Be Hope. www.umcor.org

Paul Jeffrey