United Methodists believe that generosity is a response to God's undeserved grace. Gifts are offered with joy and gratitude, as well as the confidence that individual transformation leads to the transformation of the world.
Communities are thus encouraged to "give joyfully," considering each gesture to be an expression of active love, faithful to the spirit of the Wesleyan movement.
Generosity in action
Students from The English-Speaking School of Lubumbashi, a United Methodist international school, recently put God’s love into action by serving girls at the Jamaa Letu Center. Their visit to the well-known orphanage in Lubumbashi combined joy, prayer and generosity.
The young visitors, accompanied by the principal, Mande Mutombo, the school chaplain, the Rev. Mike Musans, and other members of the teaching staff, provided substantial aid to the children through gifts of clothing, flour, milk, shoes, water, sweets and soap.
But beyond these material items, the day was marked above all by moments of fellowship. The students played with the orphaned children before sharing a meal prepared on site—a time of simple and sincere joy.
"We thank you for this commendable gesture, because not everyone thinks of us. May God bless you," said Rosyne Kayombo, head of the Jamaa Letu Center.
One of the orphans, Jemima Katembo Luzolo, was touched to see that their situation had not been forgotten, saying, "Your visit here proves that we are not abandoned by society despite our condition."
For the students, this visit was also a living lesson in faith and service. "It wasn't easy for us to do this, but we did it," said Soraya Ilunga, one of the group's representatives. Her classmate, Hadassa Kongolo, added, "It's an honor to be here and share what we brought."
Affiliated with The United Methodist Church and a partner of the University of Nebraska, The English-Speaking School of Lubumbashi is recognized by the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa and certified by the U.S. Department of State. Professor Mutombo emphasized that this initiative is part of the school's desire to "live out its faith through concrete actions."
During their time together, students and orphans shared the same hope: That this outpouring of love and solidarity would continue, and that God's grace would continue to unite their paths.
Generosity in The United Methodist Church
Generosity is at the heart of the Christian commitment of The United Methodist Church. It was inherited from its founder, John Wesley, who considered giving to be a spiritual act essential to the life of a believer. For Wesley, "giving is rooted in the very nature of God," and every United Methodist is called to invest in sharing with others, thus obeying the greatest commandment to love God and neighbor. This conviction is embodied in a tradition of service and solidarity, visible in missions, assistance to the most vulnerable and the quest for social justice.
In local communities, this United Methodist generosity takes the form of fundraising and charitable activities, such as food and educational assistance programs. Church members, young and old alike, are invited to serve their neighbors through concrete actions, thereby strengthening community ties and expressing God's love in their daily lives. These actions are seen as a natural extension of their faith.
The United Methodist Church is also involved in global initiatives through its humanitarian missions and interfaith partnerships. With activities in more than 130 countries and organizations such as UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief), it provides significant disaster relief and supports schools, hospitals and development projects, embodying generosity on an international scale.
Generosity in United Methodism goes beyond material or financial gifts and offerings. It also includes time, skills and attention devoted to others. Volunteering, mentoring, compassionate listening and prayer are forms of giving and service that are widely encouraged. Each parish is called to create a space where every member can play an active role in the ministry of compassion and hope.
This story was published on November 18, 2025.
Dyanda is the Communicator of Lubumbashi Annual Conference in South Congo and Zambia Episcopal Area. Chadrack Tambwe Londe — who coordinates French-language content in Africa for United Methodist Communications and is a correspondent for UM News — contributed to this article. He is based in Congo.
