From church to church, amen!

AMEN to Pharr UMC for its Taco Ministry. While people wait in line for food from the church’s food pantry, they are given tacos and prayer request slips. The Pharr church includes these community members’ prayer requests in its prayer ministry.
AMEN to Phil and Debi Jones of Sunrise Ministries for sharing their inspirational music and personal witness at the recent Mc-Allen District Convocation on Padre Island.
AMEN to First UMC, Hebbron-ville, for its community involvement idea. The congregation sponsors a cook-off once a month in which community leaders are invited as judges. Each month the challenge to community cooks is different: Cook the best chili, the best strawberry dessert, etc.
AMEN to Susan Hellums of First UMC, McAllen, for lovingly and faithfully representing our district on the Border Friendship Commission. Our district seeks to be in ministry with our neighbors in Mexico.
AMEN to another community outreach idea. First UMC, Hebbronville, recently had thank-you cards printed. They say: Thank You for your excellent service today! I appreciate you and your hard work. May God Bless You! The church’s name is on the card, and members give them out to community workers.
AMEN to First UMC, Raymond-ville, for opening its doors to the community. The church played host to an ordination service for a small Episcopal Church next door, plans to have joint Vacation Bible School with its other neighbor, Bethel UMC, and plans a guitar seminar in May. Seminar participates will play in worship May 20.
AMEN to First UMC, Harlingen, for making itself even more visible to the community. The church has erected a beautiful new sign and has purchased vacant lots, which will be refurbished into parking areas.
AMEN to our district men for planning a West Texas renewal adventure. District UM Men President Jim Callaway said that 12 men traveled 1,200 miles to the Big Bend area for four days. They drove on back roads, hiked barren trails and watched the universe wheel above their heads as billions of stars shone down upon them. They worshiped and wondered how anyone could doubt the existence of God.
AMEN to South District Lay Leader Denny Jewell for challenging us to involve youths in our committees and to St. John UMC, Rio Grande City, for challenging us to involve youths in worship.
AMEN to Pharr UMC for serving 1,223 meals to children last year and for continuing to touch lives through its ongoing Pharr Community Outreach Program.
AMEN to the Methodist Health-care Ministries of South Texas for providing Wesley Nurses throughout the Southwest Texas Conference. Twelve of those nurses are in the McAllen District. In addition to these 12, five registered nurse positions are open in our geographic area. If you know registered nurses, tell them about this ministry opportunity.
Do you have an AMEN to share on the McAllen District pages of the Witness next month? If so, contact Mary Howard at (956) 421-3630 or yard23@aol.com.