I am a UMC pastor in Kokkola and Jakobstad. Like many Finns, I was born and raised Lutheran. During my studies in Theology at Åbo Akademi University, I became acquainted with the United Methodist Church in Finland through the local Methodist church in Turku, a multilingual church with worshipers from many different nations. The church’s profile was charismatic and evangelical, not unlike the local Lutheran congregations in my hometown. Even though many of the active members of the church were non-Methodists at first, I also met many of the born-and-raised Methodists that would come to shape my view of God and faith.
Through those people, I discovered a God that allowed me to use my knowledge of how the world works and my logical thinking when approaching Him. In that church I discovered my calling into ministry, because I was presented with reasons why women could and should become pastors and leaders. I not only felt the calling to serve my local church right there in Turku, but also discovered a broader calling to become an elder within the UMC.
Since I received my university degree in Theology at a non-denominational university, I was happy to deepen my understanding of Methodist theology through Methodist e-Academy. Having gone through a sort of conversion from Lutheranism to Methodism during my local theological training, I fell in love with Methodist theology even more during my studies at Methodist e-Academy. I sometimes joke that if everyone was more acquainted with Methodist theology, everyone would want to become Methodists!
In addition to shaping and confirming my Methodist conviction, the Methodist e-Academy was my first encounter with our worldwide connexionalism. I studied along Methodist pastors from all over Europe, and I am happy to this day to call these people my friends and dear colleagues.
I am convinced that if we want to continue to exist as a denomination in Europe, specifically Finland, we need to embrace our Methodist identity, not blur it out to “fit in” with a more general crowd of Christians in Europe. I believe that in our DNA, history, and theology, we have what it takes to once again do the ministry that Christ has called us to do through the church that is called the Methodist church. We still have a mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
The Methodist e-Academy plays a very important part by educating and connecting people from all over Europe and the world. I am forever grateful for my education and my connections through the e-Academy.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Sarah will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
László Khaled Abdo (Hungary)
I was quite young when I took over from my predecessor as superintendent of the UMC in Hungary, and by divine grace I am coming to the end of this special ministry after eight years. As part of a new generation, I hoped to represent new culture, new ideas, and new emphases. Now it’s important that I pass on the baton with humility, so that those who come after me will be able to take the next steps according to their gifts. As Paul writes in Colossians, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord." (Col 4:17)
My wife, Klára Boglárka, and I have four children (Lilián, Benjámin, Simon, Sophie) ranging in age from 5 to 15. I love spending any free time with them.
Before starting my theological education, I earned an MA in History and in Cultural Management at the University of Pécs, then spent one year at Szeged UMC. This time helped me experience the reality of pastoral ministry firsthand. Thankfully, the Lord helped me in these challenges and confirmed my calling. After my internship, I moved to Budapest to begin my theological studies where I was assigned to Budapest-Óbuda UMC, keeping me engaged with continuous pastoral ministry throughout my education.
After completing five years at the Lutheran Theological University in Budapest, I was assigned to Szolnok UMC for six years. Throughout my theological education, God kept and renewed my call to the ministry, both a sign of faithfulness and a miracle. I had received my call to the ministry at the age of sixteen, and I received my pastoral diploma at the age of thirty, fourteen years later. During this time, I also learned that our calling is to be a missionary Church. We are not theoretical specialists, but Jesus Christ sends us into real situations with practical tasks, duties and a message that impacts the world.
An important stage in my theological journey was my three years of training in the Methodist E-Academy, a European program for Methodist Churches that do not have their own theological seminary. I learned about the deeper context of Methodist theology and spirituality and was particularly influenced by the international interconnectionality of Methodism. An additional fruit of these years was that in 2024 we were able to establish the Hungarian-Romanian Annual Conference, an extraordinary Methodist witness in a world where countless events seem to tend towards ruptures and polarization.
I also received many valuable ministry tools, especially the study of church history. My interest in the history of The United Methodist Church in Hungary convinced me that God has given our Church a special missionary focus from the beginning. Later, I earned a doctorate in this subject. As one Methodist bishop who was beginning his own ministry by founding a mission in Hungary said, “The history of our Church can be read as the Acts of the Apostles.”
My theological education has also been an ecumenical relationship-building experience, in life-changing and formative ways. Trained initially at a Lutheran institution, I have maintained those relationships. As Methodists, theological education has placed the extraordinary value of ecumenism at our hearts. I see this as increasingly important, particularly in my ministry as a superintendent.
Our biggest challenge is still the lack of pastors. I am grateful for new young pastoral colleagues, local pastors, and lay missionaries. We are fortunate to have active participation of our laity, which is aligned with our Methodist heritage. Several of them are continuing their studies either as pastors, faith teachers or even deacons. More and more of the latter come from Roma congregations.
I am also very grateful to the Lord for the emergence of new places of ministry and mission stations. Buildings have opened to us, new home groups have been born, new Roma communities have been formed, and we have also taken over a large school, which has become the second school in Hungary maintained by The United Methodist Church. The future of vacant rural properties and congregations is an important challenge and requires us to make serious decisions. We need to turn to the places where doors open and need awaits.
At the end of every letter I write, I include Matthew 28, Jesus' invitation and commandment to "Make disciples of all nations." We cannot pick and choose the targets of the Gospel, but we must open our hearts to the world. The other message of this phrase is the need for becoming and remaining Jesus’ disciples. Going forward, let us be a Jesus-focused Church; let us be a disciple-making Church.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like László will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
Sarah Tiainen (Finland)
I am a pastor and scholarship student from Kamina who who serves as a pastor pastor in the Mulongo district in the Kisasa local church.
After completing my undergraduate studies in Kamina at our United Methodist University, I earned my degree at the Methodist University of Kabongo in 2018. The money I received as a scholarship recipient helped cover the expenses of food, clothing for family members and medical care for my children and my wife.
My wife, Angel Ngoy wa Ngoy, and I have three children and still live in Kamina. My wife is a market-gardener - she tends our field and grows tomatoes, Chinese cabbage and onions. This harvest is sold for income, but also provides food to keep our whole family healthy. To study well, you must eat well. My wife’s work also contributes to our family's well-being.
During my pastoral ministry in Kisasa, I had to get to know the community and how to adapt in a new environment. The main activity here is fishing and trading. I learned to fish for leisure and survival, while pursuing my pastoral duties. From my ministry, I learned the language of those in this community, a sign of belonging and cultural integration. I'm learning to minister in an environment where I don't know anyone. Fortunately, I socialize easily so I've strengthened the spirit of leadership and collaboration. By going to the river for fishing, I’m also able to target young people for evangelization, meeting them where they are.
Pastoral ministry reminds me of the words of the prophet Isaiah, where God asks, “Whom shall I send?” God sent me to the districts of Kabongo, Mulongo and Kamina as an educated pastor. In Mulongo, my work was door-to-door evangelism. It was an enriching experience. I am delighted that pastoral ministry is indeed itinerant.
As a scholarship recipient, I am grateful for donors' financial support. This help stabilizes not only me as a student pastor, but also my home and family, providing a strong base for a student life. From this strong base, God sends us forth to minister to others.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Kanungu will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
Kazadi wa Kamwanya Divine (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
I'm a pastor, married with three children. After earning my degree at the Methodist University of Kabongo, I served as pastor in the local church of the Mulongo district. The scholarship is an incredible moral and financial support. I thank all those who give of themselves to make me what I am today. This assistance has made me an important member of the body of Christ as a pastor in the United Methodist Church.
During my ministry, I learned to be humble as a woman in the Mulongo district. A woman's value lies in her dignity and determination. In the morning, I wake early and fetch water like any other woman. I take care of my children so they are well fed, well clothed and also go to school. Being a pastor's wife, I have to manage my time well to maintain a harmonious relationship with my husband.
In the evenings, I gather at home with my family, and we pray together, I plan for my children's future with my husband by selling relief items like candy, matchboxes, and soap cubes in the neighborhood. Careful saving has allowed me to have an evening kiosk.
It’s not easy for a woman to study in our community where men are privileged. I'm one of the rare birds in the patriarchal male-dominated context. Even during my ministry, some male members doubted my pastoral work as a woman. Nevertheless, God is present and able to equip anyone. The quality of one’s work, intelligence and wisdom are the divine domain. That's why, for me, supporting a woman's education through financial support is a source of blessing. This blessing is not just personal, it is communal.
The money I received monthly as a scholarship recipient bought food for my children, clothing, and transportation from my home to the university. I was a beneficiary, but that's not all. I hope that this scholarship will continue to train other women like me, because women in pastoral ministry are a force to be reckoned with.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Kazadi will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
Kanungu Ngandu Vital (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
My journey as a Methodist pastor has been deeply enriched by the theological education I received, particularly through the Methodist e-Academy. Growing up in a country with a strong Lutheran cultural context and having family roots in Pentecostal revival, I found myself drawn to the Methodist tradition's unique blend of Wesleyan theology and practical ministry. While I learned the basics of Methodist doctrine and practice in my local church, the e-Academy provided me with a deeper understanding of the Methodist way of thinking and doing theology.
As a pastor serving small churches in a rural setting, the e-Academy equipped me with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities of ministry. Through courses on Methodist heritage, structure, and practical issues, I gained a solid foundation for understanding and addressing the specific needs of my congregations. This knowledge was invaluable in handling various situations, from pastoral care to administrative tasks.
During my time as a District Superintendent, the e-Academy's courses on the Book of Discipline proved to be a valuable resource. While I always sought guidance from my bishop, having a thorough understanding of the Book of Discipline enabled me to make informed decisions and navigate complex situations more effectively. This not only saved me time and energy but also helped to alleviate the workload of my bishop.
One of the most significant benefits of my e-Academy experience was the opportunity to connect with Methodist colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. This exposure to the global Methodist family deepened my understanding of the diversity within our tradition and gave me the courage to embrace my own unique approach to ministry. Through the e-Academy, I learned to appreciate the value of different practices and traditions, and I gained the confidence to incorporate contemplative worship into my ministry without fear of deviating from Methodist norms.
In conclusion, the e-Academy has played a vital role in my theological education and ministerial journey. It has provided me with a solid foundation in Methodist theology and practice, equipped me to navigate the challenges of ministry in a rural setting, and inspired me to embrace the diversity and richness of the global Methodist family. Through the e-Academy, I have been able to grow as a pastor and serve my congregations more effectively.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Jori will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
Gjergj Lushka (Albania)
I serve as pastor to two of the five United Methodist churches in Albania as well as the Center for Children with Disabilities. I am filled with hope by the desire and passion of the families and young people of our church as we work together to strengthen the church community.
In my ministry, I want to be faithful to God’s mission to "go and make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20). My responsibility is to advance this mission, reviewing my progress from time to time depending on the situation and the challenges that the Church faces. Pastoral work must be constantly reformed to find new ways of direction and leadership.
When I am not on the road as a pastor, I use my background as a Social Worker to work with children with special needs in the "Early Intervention" project in Tirana. It is not only a gift God has given me, but also a practical part of being a pastor: to serve the community and help others,
In 2010, I completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at the Faculty of Education Sciences at "Aleksander Xhuvani" University in Elbasan (Albania), graduating as a social worker. In 2012, I earned my master’s in social policies from the University of Tirana. Then God called me to start a new adventure, so I embarked on a six-years study program through the Church of the Nazarene.
These studies proved to be a solid foundation for the beginning of my ministry as a Local Pastor of The United Methodist Church in Albania. Not only did they help me grow in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, in leadership, and in pastoral ministry, but they also helped me explore Christian counseling and the role of a pastor in the Church.
The most important elements of the "ministry toolbox” I acquired are: humility to be a servant leader of the Church community and beyond, good communication, transparency in decision-making, credibility in leadership, and sharing duties among Church members.
The United Methodist Church in Albania faces many challenges, including young people leaving home for other European countries, how best to share the Gospel in our modern Albanian society, and how to reach young people and encourage them to participate in ministry.
One of my favorite texts is Philippians 2:3-11, which captures the fullness of Christian life and the center of faith for servant leadership. These words of the Apostle Paul are essential, and I will keep them in my heart and work as I continue serving the people in Albania through The United Methodist Church.
When I consider the growth and development of the Church, I feel thankful for the leaders of the UMC in Albania, especially Superintendent Wilfried Nausner, his wife Jean, and the pastors who have shaped the Church and built a reliable, cooperative leadership. We are also blessed by many committed lay people and by the Bishop's Office, donors and many friends who provide financial support.
On the personal side, I like playing football regularly and skiing (when I get a chance in the winter). My wife, Marinela, and I were married June 29, 2024.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Gjergj will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
Jori Brander (Finland)
Louise Aaen (Denmark)
For the last fifteen years, I have been blessed to serve a large congregation in a small village called Strandby in the northern part of Denmark. We have a warm relation and uncomplicated cooperation with the Lutheran church that benefits the whole town.
The population of Strandby is approximately 2500 people with five hundred Methodists. Although this area has a tradition of strong Methodist identity since 1880’s, surely faith cannot be inherited, but must be nurtured and grasped by each new generation. That is mainly what I try to facilitate in my ministry.
We work to build a thriving open church with socially and culturally relevant activities that build a bridge to spiritual and existential growth. We pray that we might include more people as members of the church in all ages and life situations. Hopefully, we will continue to witness people bringing their children to baptism and adults confessing faith in Jesus Christ each year.
Currently, we are seeking to expand our ministry to nearby villages with diaconal outreach to isolated, ill and lonely people by driving a bus to visit them, establishing cafes and conversation, and offering food aid and recycled supplies. I give thanks to God’s grace every day that I am part of this meaningful ministry.
I began my second career as a pastor in 2010 and enrolled in the Methodist E-academy to enhance my theological education. Deeper understanding of specific Wesleyan theology through doctrine, ethics and ecclesiology all benefitted my training and equipped me for ministry. I was especially helped by practical assignments focused on my own ministry, challenging me to reflect and analyze strengths and weaknesses and act on given possibilities. I relished networking with my fellow students, learning more about their ministries and gaining insight in the state of the Methodist Church all over Europe.
I keep in contact with colleagues from Finland, Latvia, Germany, Austria, Romania, Hungary and Italy. I absolutely enjoyed our trip to Oxford, Bristol and London tracking the footsteps of Wesley and the rise of Methodism. Experiencing the holy roots of Methodism really resonates with me, strengthening my faith and commitment to ministry.
Note: Funding for theological education for students like Louise will be sustained through gifts to the Endowment Fund for Theological Education
