News

At their April meeting in Nairobi, board members of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) approved a one-time distribution of $4 million from agency reserve funds in support of the 11 United Methodist-related Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States.

With $4 million in funding approved by the board of directors at their spring meeting, the new grant program centers on institutional development and contextual education beyond the U.S.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Paine College is experiencing a renewal, thanks in part to the enduring support of The United Methodist Church’s Black College Fund, which leaders say has been essential to both the UM-related Historically Black College and University’s (HBCU) survival and mission.

Easter! In the Christian tradition, the season of Easter (or Eastertide) begins on Easter Sunday and runs for 50 days ending on the Sunday after Pentecost. For me, this is good news. For the 40 days of Lent, we have been in self-examination, often finding ways in which we fall short. Eastertide is also filled with self-reflection, but as a celebration of who we have become. Eastertide is a celebration of transformation.

Roland Fernandes addresses the Global Ministries and Higher Education and Ministry boards of directors in their spring meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — For Philander Smith University President Dr. Maurice Gipson, support from The United Methodist Church, its General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM), and the Black College Fund is essential. “I look at those funds as our version of state support,” Gipson said. “Without the support, there would be critical infrastructure activity we’d be unable to do.”

There is no shortage of alarming events in our world today. News of pain and violence perpetrated against the most vulnerable is everywhere. It is easy to become paralyzed by fear. Overwhelmed by the amount of suffering. And in the process, lose sight of caring for our neighbor.

Rev. Justin Colón, chaplain at Robinson School in San Juan, a missionary-founded girls’ school that has grown into an international, English-speaking co-ed prep school, says his work with students is grounded in a steady sense of hope shaped by his faith.

As I read the events of the last supper, I can’t help but notice the reaction of the disciples to the news that one of them would betray Jesus. They didn’t all look to Judas, pointing a finger at the obvious culprit. One by one, each questioned: Is it I, Lord? Could it be me?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — “Meharry [Medical College] was birthed, reared in and now sustained by our faith. Methodists came together to create something special,” said Dr. James Hildreth, president and CEO of Meharry. “It allows our students to worship God through service.”