First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville hosts African orphan program

Press release

From First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville:

HENDERSONVILLE: Rev. Gaston Warner, executive director of ZOE, a mission of the United Methodist Church, will visit First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville on Sunday, March 23, preaching at all three services, speaking at a lunch program, and meeting the youth group at an evening program.

ZOE oversees a three-year empowerment program designed to move children in crisis from abject poverty to complete self-sufficiency by teaching them to grow their own food, helping them return to school, or train for vocations. Since its inception as an aid program in 2004, ZOE’s local social workers have served more than 20,000 African children.

First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville supports the work of ZOE by sponsoring three multi-year empowerment programs, two in Rwanda and one in Kenya. The church’s funding supports 250 orphans and vulnerable children as they learn life lessons in disease prevention, income generation and vocational training while they continue to live in their own communities with support and protection.

ZOE was introduced to First Methodist Church by member Carol Watson. “The needs of orphans spoke to my heart. ZOE is more than a relief ministry; it’s an empowerment program that helps break the cycle of poverty and gives hope to children struggling on their own. The word ‘zoe’ is Greek for ‘life,’ and true to its name, ZOE gives new life to those it serves,” says Watson.

The youngest members of First United Methodist Church will also learn about ZOE’s children. The Sunday School classes will provide ZOE calendars with activities for each day in Lent designed to educate and inspire children about global service. Teens in the youth program will meet with Rev. Warner and hear ways ZOE youth are transforming their lives in sustainable ways.

Rev. Warner will preach about ZOE’s outreach at all services on March 23 at 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. (Praise Worship), and 10:55 a.m. Warner will speak informally at a simple African-style lunch following the last service. The meal is free, but reservations must be made by contacting the church by phone or online.

For more information and to make a lunch reservation, contact the church at 828.693.4275 or visit the website at www.fumchvlnc.org