The UMC in Mozambique is expanding an impactful program: Local churches are training young women to sew, and it provides them a different life path.
For teenage girls in Mozambique, marrying before age 18 isn’t uncommon. With no economic opportunity outside of marriage, many young girls find themselves in early and often difficult marriages.
Leaders in the UMC in Mozambique are, however, working to change that. Rev. Alzira Isac, the coordinator for North Conference women projects, described how the church has invested in teaching vocational skills.
“This has led us to create three vocational centers for sewing and design in Chimoio, Nicoadala and Mituge, which within the constraints we have, more than 30 people have been trained in the past two years,” Isac says.
The Mozambique Initiative of the Missouri Conference of the UMC helps meet the greatest needs of partner communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Our partners in Mozambique shared their hope to empower women and support girls by multiplying these sewing and design centers at churches across the country. We’re supporting this effort this Giving Tuesday.
Read more about the ministry and how you can support →
Upcoming Events
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Polity Virtual Lay Servant Course
Have you ever wondered how this movement of Methodism started, how and why we do what we do and how we do it, at the local, district and Conference level? This class unpacks a lot of history of Methodism, along with why we believe what we believe, and the “hows and whys” of why we are organized the way we are. This is a great class for all laity to understand who the people called Methodists really are. This class will be hosted virtually on Zoom on Tuesdays from Jan. 25 to Feb. 15. Learn more →
Other Upcoming Events
See the full events calendars at www.moumethodist.org/events
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Global Mission Fellows Application Now Open
Interested in serving the UMC around the U.S. or abroad? The application for the Global Mission Fellows program 2022-24 class is now open. Global Mission Fellows are young adults, ages 20–30, who are committed to serve in social justice ministries for two years. They enter into new communities, understanding their challenges and assets through relationships and with the long-term goal to overcome systemic oppression. Fellows partner with community organizations to address a variety of issues, including migration/immigration, education, public health and poverty. Learn more →
Featured Resource
Episode 30: 4 Pillars of a Multi-Cultural Organization with Nikki Lerner
This month on the Learn + Lead Podcast, we're releasing the audio version of Nikki Lerner's 4 Pillars of a Multi-Cultural Organization workshop from MOAC20. Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast app or at www.moumethodist.org/learnleadpodcast.
More Resources
How Does a Church Become a Supportive Community Guide
The absence of loved ones is often felt most during the holidays. Is your church equipped to support those who are grieving? Rev. David Howlett and Elaine Howlett, creators of The Mourning Center at Christ UMC in Independence, Missouri, offer thought about how to minister with those who are grieving this holiday season.
See the full resource library at www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
