Stewardship For the Global Community

Stewardship For the Global Community

Steve Cherry


Paul Maina, an Oxford colleague of Janelle Larson, is in the states on break from his work as director of the Children & Youth Empowerment Center [CYEC] in Kenya. He spoke to the Every Topic Considered [ETC} Class on November 20th. You’ll recall that Berwyn UMC has partnered with him in support of this durable, successful project operating under extremely challenging conditions. Children and youth, many of whom were homeless and orphaned, are comprehensively supported giving them the best shot at whole and full life. Paul is articulate about the importance of helping young persons develop, in the Global Community in which we participate and are a part. We get to take part in God’s work while seeing the fruits of those labors bloom into success. [see emails: Giving Tuesday & Online Auction for Zawadi Fund International (ZFI), write to cyec.zfi@gmail.com or see website

For Berwyn UMC to be a force in the global community your participation in the church community is essential. Over the next several weeks you’ll receive some special requests: 

  • One is to make a plan for giving to BUMC for 2023 and respond by US mail or email. This helps us prepare for the various ministries and missions to which we’re called.  You can return your commitment to the church office on or before worship on December 11th.  You can also complete the form online at https://berwynumc.org/pledge
  • The other is to consider a ‘2nd mile,’ end-of-year gift as part of your 2022 tax year charitable planning. This will help us address a spending deficit for the year. You can give in person on Sunday Morning, mail your gift to the church, or give online.  Learn about all of thew says to support the mission and ministry of the church at https://berwynumc.org/give

Paul Maina is one who inspires us to see ourselves as part of a world community, aware of those for whom Jesus cared beyond our local community. Thanks for your being a part of the Berwyn UMC witness and participating in the global community.

links

This post was orignally published in the December 2022 of the Lighted Cross. Please use the links below to view the full newsletter.

Download PDF

Other Things You May Be Interested In:

The Cost Of Compassion: Embracing Inconvenient Love During Lent

Published: March 10, 2025

Lent is a season of reflection, sacrifice, and renewal—a time to draw closer to God by deepening our love for others. The Cost of Compassion: Embracing Inconvenient Love During Lent challenges us to reconsider what it means to truly love our neighbors, even when it's inconvenient or costly. Through the stories of the Good Samaritan and Mary and Martha, this piece explores how acts of mercy and presence can transform both those we serve and our own hearts. As we journey through Lent, we are invited to slow down, notice the needs around us, and embrace a love that disrupts, challenges, and ultimately reflects Christ’s own compassion. Read on to discover how this season can shape a more intentional and sacrificial way of living.

The Urgency Of Living In God's Kingdom

Published: March 18, 2025

Our tendency to delay important spiritual and personal growth is challenged by Jesus' teachings on urgency and repentance. Through the stories of unexpected tragedy, the parable of the fig tree, and the rich fool, Jesus reminds us that we do not have unlimited time to embrace God's kingdom. Rather than waiting for the "perfect moment," we are called to live with intention today—deepening our faith, mending relationships, and serving others. The kingdom of God is not just a future promise but a present reality, and choosing to engage with it now leads to a life of purpose, fulfillment, and abundant spiritual fruit.
Top