As United Methodists, we faithfully participate in the life and ministries of our local congregation through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. To go along with this year’s Annual Conference theme of Love God, Love Neighbor, we are remembering our Afghan neighbors that came to Indiana as guests in Fall 2021, after their homes were violently taken over in Afghanistan. Many of them are now making Indiana their home. We are serving alongside and supporting agencies such as Exodus Refugee Immigration and Church World Service, along with other organizations and churches that are co-sponsoring families. 

At Annual Conference you will be able to pick up the first name of one of our Afghan neighbors so that your church may be in prayer for them specifically. We hope you will be able to make connections with Diversity, Missions, and Justice, Exodus, and churches who are co-sponsors so that you and your church can continue to be supportive of our new neighbors. 

Before our time together, we would like churches to collect a financial offering for the resettlement organizations. Bring this with you to Annual conference, and it will be gathered during worship. We will be accepting electronic donations during our Annual Conference Sessions. You may donate in a variety of ways: 

Text the word “neighbors” and the amount of your donation to 855-389-1555. 

Online through Securegive HERE. 

We also would like for you to make school kits. These can be collected at specified drop-off locations and at Annual Conference. These are UMCOR kits that will be collected and distributed by Midwest Mission Distribution Center. 

If you have questions, please contact the Conference Missions Coordinator, Rev. Jen Huff at Jennifer.Huff@inumc.org or 317-564-3245. Thank you for all of the ways in which you are loving your neighbors in your community, Indiana, and the world!