Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey relaunched its youth group with the help of a grant from Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. Rather than focusing on the number of youth in their ministry, they chose to concentrate on developing meaningful relationships and ministry with the youth already in their orbit.
They recognized that service is an essential part of Christian discipleship, so they immediately began thinking about how to encourage the students to offer their time and talents to bless others.
They learned about Eastern Pennsylvania Annual Conference (EPA) & Greater New Jersey’s Annual Conference (GNJ) campaign to support UMC pastors in Tanzania with a living wage. Youth ministry members were amazed to discover that the average minister in Tanzania receives less than $63 per year—less than the cost of a small family’s trip to McDonald’s. Their hearts were moved to do what they could to make a difference.
Youth Organizes Fundraiser to Help Tanzanian Pastors
The youth reflected on how they could be a blessing using the skills they already had and decided to organize a bake sale.
The bake sale quickly snowballed into something greater than anyone could have predicted. What began as a youth mission project soon became an intergenerational effort. Members and friends joined in to help the youth bake cookies, brownies, cupcakes, mini pies, Jamaican fruitcake, and coconut bread.
Fundraising Goal Surpassed
The youth planned for the sale to last five weeks, hoping to raise $1,200—enough to support one pastor’s salary. But when they stepped out in faith, God did more than they could ask or imagine. They exceeded their goal, raising $2,400—enough to provide living wages for two pastors. Ms. Evelyn Nelson, one of the youth ministry leaders, was astonished by the result, declaring, “Praise Him, who gives us the courage to challenge ourselves!”
A small group of youth, supported by a loving faith community, contributed $2,400 to the ForTanzania campaign—bringing EPA & GNJ 5% closer to our goal.
The youth at Covenant UMC have shown us what’s possible when faith and action come together—reminding us that no effort is too small when it’s fueled by love and purpose. You can join them in making a lasting impact.
To date, EPA & GNJ have raised $41,740 for Tanzania. Inspired by the efforts of the youth of Covenant UMC, let us continue their movement of generosity until every pastor receives a living wage. Your gift, no matter the size, brings hope and dignity to pastors in Tanzania who are serving faithfully despite great challenges.
Your Generosity Helps Others
By supporting your local congregation’s outreach ministries, you impact lives of your surrounding communities and those around the world. No matter what part of the world we live in, your generosity can reach across oceans and help churches like xxxxxxxx help those that are less fortunate. To give, visit gnjumc.org/fortanzania
story by Sarah Borgstrom Lee, Greater New Jersey News,
This story represents how United Methodist local churches through their Annual Conferences are living as Vital Congregations. The overarching purpose of The United Methodist Church is to "make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." A vital congregation is one that is effectively engaged in this mission. Together, we become a powerful force for healing, growth, and transformation—living out the Gospel in every corner of the globe.
