December 7, 2021
From Mozambique to Northern Missouri
A friendship that was forged by a Mozambique Initiative Volunteers In Mission team lead to a family relocating to Missouri to serve churches here.
Rev. Naftal Naftal had no thoughts of moving to the U.S. when he visited Vermont in 2003: Nor did he consider it when he visited Missouri in 2005. At the time he was on staff for the Mozambique Conference, but he wasn’t a pastor. He was coordinator of the Volunteers In Mission teams that were coming from Missouri to serve in Mozambique.
But he recognized his call to ministry while working for the Mozambique Conference. He started seminary in Zimbabwe in 2007. He was ordained deacon in 2012 and elder in 2014.
After that Naftal and his wife started considering living somewhere other than Mozamabique, but they didn’t know where. His friend from Savannah, Missouri, Rev. Cindy Buhman, encouraged him to give Savannah a try.
Read more of Naftal's story →
Upcoming Events
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INSPIRE Hybrid Discernment Event
Have you ever dreamed of starting something new that will reach new people? God is doing new things throughout the world and in the most unlikely places. If you have felt that nudge to do something different and wonder how you can make that possible, then INSPIRE is for you. Join us online or in-person, 1-5 p.m. on January 8. This event is a great opportunity to kick-off 2022 with your local church leadership team.
Learn more and RSVP for this free event →
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 Resources
Faith and Race Podcast - Seasons 1 and 2 and Curriculum
The Faith and Race Podcast is designed to help predominately white churches host constructive dialogue about faith, race and the church. Every episode has a specific focus to help us intentionally think about the intersection of history, institutions, scripture, prayer, race and justice. The audio recordings bring diverse insights and experiences into churches, homes and hearts across Missouri and beyond.
Recommended Reading on Race and Culture
A curated list of books specifically related to race and culture.
Grieving Together Webinar Training
Grief is a tricky topic, but it’s one we don’t have to navigate alone. Offering support is a community effort that can be intentionally fostered. Rev. David and Elaine Howlett offer an introduction to building a supportive community around grief for local church pastors and laity.
See the full resource library at www.moumethodist.org/resourcelibrary
