Dear friends,

All too often for people in poverty, hope is fleeting and the future is uncertain and scary. Last week at United Methodist Ministries, we were blessed to be a part of one woman's journey from homelessness into hope.

This woman, whom I will call Jackie, was on her first mission experience with us. She is recovering from substance abuse and transitioned out of a homeless shelter into an apartment only in the last couple of months. She has been attending her local United Methodist Church, but is not a member. Her local church has provided support and hospitality to her and her children. She has found hope and community there.

During her time in Omaha, Jackie was touched by the opportunity to give back to those in need by serving in a food pantry. She has received groceries from food pantries in the past and was able to relate to those she was serving in Omaha in a very personal way.

While she was with us, Jackie asked if she could be baptized. United Methodist Ministries Director of Communications, Jaimee Trobough, arranged for Jackie to be baptized at Hanscom Park United Methodist Church the next day. Her mission team, including her eight-year-old son, gathered around her in the dimly lit sanctuary, as Rev. Zach Anderson poured the water and Jackie made her commitment to follow Christ. It was a holy and powerful moment; Jackie cried upon her baptism.

The work we do at United Methodist Ministries truly has the power to transform lives. We are grateful and humbled to be able to be a part of it, and we invite you to join us in this work.

God's Blessings,

Nathan Morgan

Executive Director