February 3, 2009
Iowa Conference News
2009 Conference-Wide Leadership Development Focus
“Excellence and Fruitfulness in Ministry: Living the United Methodist Way”
During 2008, over 400 Iowa conference churches and more than 1100 people were involved in one or more of the 3 “Five Practices” events. Comments heard in several different ways in the evaluations when the question was asked about suggestions of events or a focus for 2009 were “more of the same”, “cover the same topics with a deeper emphasis”, “let’s do these topics again, but take them to another level”.
The 2009 conference focus of “Excellence and Fruitfulness in Ministry: Living the United Methodist Way ” is both a follow-up to the Five Practices events from 2008, but also allows a beginning point for churches that were not involved in any or all of the three “Five Practices” events.
There will be NO COST for these events. The events are NOT district specific. You are welcome to attend an event outside your district if it is more convenient.
Click here for dates and more information…..
Student Day Merit Award Application Available On-line
The Iowa Conference Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministries’ Student Day Merit Award scholarship application is available online. Student Day Merit Scholarships are intended for Iowa United Methodist students who will be attending a United Methodist college, university, or seminary during the 2009/2010 year. Scholarship criteria can be found on the application form. Please note the March 15, 2009 deadline and that each church is entitled to make only one nomination. The application can be found at http://www.iaumc.org/page.asp?PKValue=1003 click on “UM Merit Award Application”
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Eyes to See
In 2008 funds were raised allowing for 107 free eye surgeries of which 74 were for cataract removal. Over 500 out patient consultations were done with 50 eye glasses dispensed. The Iowa nurses commented that the blind, the poorest of the poor living in the most disadvantaged societies received a touch of God’s love. Eyes were opened to see!
Dr. Gideon Avar says, “Let’s do it again…but in a different location.” He proposes that the eye care professionals travel to Gembu, in the eastern part of TarabaState. In this less populated area is MambilaBaptistHospital which has equipment needed to do the surgeries. The plan is to do 75 eye operations, give away 50 reading glasses and see 300 out patients. The cost for the surgeries is approximately $100 per eye.
To do the delicate eye surgery, Crescent and Keratome knives are needed. These microsurgical instruments are available with costs ranging from $17 to $51 for a quantity of 6 blades.
In addition to the $100 per eye, we need to recruit health care professionals, especially those with eye care training, to travel with the medical work team in June 2009. Let’s see if we can help Nigerian eyes to see. We can do the Eye Camp again!
Money may be sent through the local church to the conference treasurer designated INP #230, Eye Camp or Eye surgery knives
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Last Call for Nigeria Work Team
Volunteers are needed to complete the Iowa work team to Nigeria in June. A librarian, computer technician, and a person with mechanical and electrical experience are desperately needed. Health care professionals with specialty in eye care are welcome. Teachers to help at Banyam Theological Seminary are encouraged to participate.
Tentative dates are June 11 with return on July 3, 2009. We are hopeful to have about 5-7 persons. The Iowa-Nigeria Partnership will offer $500 per person for in-Nigeria travel, housing and meal expenses. An orientation is planned for Sat. March 21. The airline ticket and Nigerian visa will be secured for participants. The trip cost is approximately $2,800. Local churches and mission committees are willing to help with travel expenses which are (in part) tax deductible.
Application deadline is Feb. 14, 2009.
Contact for additional information and application form:
Beverly Nolte, 515 237 8544, bnmedical@aol.com Linda Rowe, 641 664 1828, Linda.rowe@gpaea.k12.ia.us
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mid-week update is a ministry of the Communications Ministry Team
of the Iowa Annual Conference
