Missions
Global Missions
On April 26th , 2024 we had the privilege to meet and hear a report from two global missionaries thatwere commissioned into service during the General conference. Both shared about their call to ministry and told us where they would be serving. In being faithful to fulfill our mission to be more like Jesus Christ to our community and beyond, FUMCB has become Covenant partners with both of these missionaries. As a Covenant partner our main commitment is to pray for them. Providing financial support to the mission is an obvious piece but the relationship is most important as it helps the missionary know they are loved and supported in their call. The money we raise annually during our Father’s Day promotion will be sent to the missionaries to support their work. We proudly introduce you to Eric and Michelle our Global partners in mission,
Rev. Eric Kalumba
The Rev. Eric Kalumba is a missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries working in congregational development. He is a church planter for the Madagascar UMC. After teaching school in the mid-1990s, Eric decided to study theology. Serving as a pastor for several years, he became the superintendent of two districts. In 2020, he became the first assistant to the bishop. An elder in the Tanganyika Annual Conference, he is married to Louise Numbi Luse, and the couple have eight children, ranging in age from 10 to 27 years.
In his new role, Eric will focus on planting congregations; evangelizing communities; training and building capacity of local communities and church members; preaching, teaching, baptizing, confirming and officiating in other church activities; serving as a liaison between the Madagascar United Methodist Church and the rest of the Mozambique Episcopal Area; and teaching English and leading an English Bible study on the university level.
Michelle Kunce
Michelle is the international partnership promoter for Shade and Fresh Water in Sao Paulo, Brazil. A native of Atlanta, Michelle is a lay member of Tuckston United Methodist Church, Athens, Georgia. She earned master’s degrees in nonprofit management and leadership at Rothberg International School, and in international development at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in special education and early childhood education from the University of North Georgia.
Brazil experienced a massive rural migration in decades past. The result of this migration to the cities was the development of slums with few social services. Lack of employment opportunities for parents and educational opportunities for children have forced a large number of children in these communities into at risk situations on the streets where they come face to face with violence, drugs, prostitution, and child labor on a daily basis. Shade and fresh water provide free after-school care for children and teens in Brazil where school is only a half day program.
contact
For more information about one of our activities, contact Margie Ligon