We believe that our neighbors are throughout the world.  While we have supported projects in many regions of the world, we have a strong connection with several projects in Africa.

Jon & Kate Shaw Head for the Congo:  With Vancouver First UMC as their church home, Jon & Kate have been blessed with incredible supporters for many years as they have prepared for a long-term commitment in Congo.  Now they will leave for two years in Beni, DRC this summer!   Jon will be teaching at the Christian Bilingual University and Kate will be a nurse at the hospital.  Keep up with Jon and Kate’s mission work at www.congoshaws.org.

Ezekiel Wainaina and his wife, Lucy, have worked among the Aweer tribe in the Lamu region of Kenya for years. They are part of Karen Community Church (KCC) in Nairobi and were sent out as KCC missionaries to Lamu, where they now live and work full time. Their work among the Aweer is primarily focused on providing education and medical aid using these efforts as a platform for sharing the gospel. During their recent trip to the USA, VanFUMC was proud to raise $3000 toward the purchase of two need motor scooters for use in their mission work. Thank you to everyone who helped support this effort!

Ongoing Opportunities:

Global Bags:  The Global Bag Project sells beautiful tote bags and computer bags created and sewn by the women in the Kibera slums.  Each bag sold goes to support these women and their children.  Examples of the bags can be seen by request in the church office.

St. Martha’s Jewelry:  St. Martha’s Ministry is based in the Kibera slums of Nairobi Kenya, the largest slum in Africa.  Its major objective is to empower widows and care for orphans who are affected or infected by HIV/AIDS.  We have beautiful jewelry created by these women for sale.