A Moment for Mission
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever." — Psalm 125:1, NRSV
When Isaac Broune of Côte d'Ivoire participated in two weeks of training for central conference communicators in 2006, he started a relationship with United Methodist Communications that continues today.
"Isaac was an ideal candidate," recalls Tim Tanton, United Methodist News Service director, "because he already had experience as a communicator and had shown a passion for journalism."
"In the years since," Tanton says, "Isaac has served as a director of communication for his episcopal area, provided editorial leadership and coaching for a new radio station in Abidjan, and helped United Methodist Communications increase its engagement with French-speaking audiences through the launch of a francophone United Methodist church portal and e-newsletter.
"Isaac has helped the agency understand how to engage people in different cultures in ways that are more contextual and sensitive. He has enriched his colleagues here with the theological perspective that he brings to the ministry of communication."
In 2004, United Methodist Communications began a communications-training initiative in the denomination's central conferences. Two years later, Broune and his colleagues from across Africa learned about designing a web page, writing, photography and video. "Some had never touched a computer mouse before," Tanton says, "and by the end of the training had built web pages."
Thanks to local church support of the World Service Fund, United Methodist Communications prepares communicators in Africa, Europe and the Philippines to share the love of Jesus Christ in innovative ways. Thank you!
Offertory Prayer
Loving God, trusting in you also means sharing your love with your children around the world. Help us to nurture the talents and gifts of our sisters and brothers everywhere. Amen.
From Discipleship Resources: Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide - Holy Architect of the Universe! You, Lord, created the earth and the oceans, shaped with your hands and your breath; you raised up the mountains and made the valleys low. The beauty you have captured on the canvas of creation we have covered with monuments to our desire to consume and acquire without regard to your call in our lives to be good stewards of the world. As we offer our gifts this morning, may they mark our resolve to be more faithful stewards of the resources of this precious planet. We pray in the name of Christ, our example and our healer. Amen. [Psalm 125]
Newsletter Nugget
Since 2006, United Methodist Communications has trained "hundreds—possibly thousands" of people in Africa, Europe and the Philippines in different aspects of communication, says Tim Tanton, United Methodist News Service director.
In September 2018, the agency hosts a West Africa regional training in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Nearly 20 participants will focus on technology and basic communication skills in writing, photography and video to communicate on behalf of the church.
Today, UMNS shares more central conference news across the church than ever before. "About a third of the 400 or so stories that we produce each year come from Africa, Europe and the Philippines," Tanton notes, expressing hope that central conference communication will continue to engage people with life-transforming stories.
"This is an important area of ministry for the entire denomination," he says, "and it requires resources and long-term commitment." Through local church support of the World Service Fund, United Methodist Communications has the resources to train global communicators.