Dear United Methodist Friends,

When three United Methodists were killed in Munga Dosa, Nigeria, in December 2024, it was the Rev. Eli Sule Yakku, along with other leaders stepped forward to provide leadership and ensure that United Methodists would remain calm and peaceful, while supporting the families and the village.

Rev. Sule was educated at the United Methodist-related Banyam Theological Seminary in Bambur, Nigeria. His education enables him to combine knowledge, faith, and leadership skills to move the church and village forward. It would not have been possible without his education at Banyam.

Together, we have an opportunity, through our generosity, to make a lifesaving, life-changing impact on the church and the world by supporting theological education outside the United States.

We have chosen to be the co-chairs of a worldwide offering on Miracle Sunday, May 17, 2026, that will further the United Methodist vision to create a new generation of outstanding faith leaders outside the United States.

The United Methodist Vision
Our vision is to form disciples of Jesus Christ, who are nurtured by outstanding leaders and empowered by the Holy Spirit to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in their communities and throughout the world.

Together, through a six-week worship and small group series and a worldwide offering, we will further the United Methodist vision as we develop new generations of outstanding leaders through theological education.

A Miracle
It would be significant for us to raise enough money to endow perpetually fifty (50) scholarships. But we believe God wants to do even more by calling us to raise even more pastors with theological degrees—enough to endow perpetually 500 leaders each year, every year. That will take a miracle. We believe God is ready to perform a miracle through The United Methodist Church as we pray, learn, and give together through this historic appeal.

A New Generation of Leaders
In Romania, the compassion and courage of United Methodist pastor Rares Calugar, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees fleeing for their lives are being housed and fed. Our schools form pastors who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously. This appeal will raise up even more leaders who are prepared to serve in some of the most challenging ministries.

We invite you and your congregation to join us. Together, we will further our bold vision and be a part of God’s miracle to raise new generations of educated, outstanding leaders. Begin by praying for God’s miracle to be fulfilled in us. Read and use helpful Miracle Sunday resources using the links below to assist you and your congregation in becoming a part of this anticipated miracle on behalf of our United Methodist Church.

Praying and Serving God Toward the Miracle,

Co-Chairs,
Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa

1 Chronicles 29: Our Path to a Miracle
With God’s help and using a scriptural approach, we will experience the blessings of God. We are using a biblical story to raise up leaders who love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously as they make disciples of Jesus Christ, grow congregations, and lead the church into the community for witness, mercy, and justice ministries.

1 Chronicles 29 is the model for how David raised the funds to build the temple to the glory of God.

King David Led:
dedicated himself to building a temple for the Lord. He first contributed a large sum of his own wealth, setting an example for the people.

Leaders' Example:
Other leaders, including family heads, kingdom officials, and military leaders, also followed David's example by giving generously.

People's Response:
The Israelites, witnessing the generosity of their leaders, were motivated to give. They offered gold, silver, and precious stones "joyfully".

Biblical Principle:
Generosity and joy abound when leaders give their best, and the people follow the leader’s example of generosity.