Chapel Hill UMC will again have its very own "special" Missionary.  Since Larry and Laura Hills retired we have supported many different missionaries throughout the world, but did not choose to have a covenant relationship with any one of them.  This year we are doing that and we feel this will benefit our congregation as well as "our" missionary: Elma Jocson and her projects.

     What is a Covenant Relationship?  It is when a church commits to an annual support payment to one of the missionaries sent by the General Board of Global Ministries that go out into the world to serve with love and to share the message of our Savior with others.

     Our Missionary, Elma, serves in Nepal.  She is a surgeon in the United Mission Hospital in Tansen, Nepal.  She also does obstetric and gynecological procedures as well as family medicine consultations.  Before going to Nepal Elma practiced medicine in her home country, the Philippines.  We are also supporting her projects at the United Mission Hospital (through our Craft Show profits).  These funds will assist with providing surgical, maternity and pediatric services to people who often travel up to eight days for treatments.  The funds will also help to purchase medical equipment for the hospital and to assist the Nepal Safer Motherhood Project, which offers midwifery courses.

     E-mails from Elma have told us "that 70% of patients come with long-standing diseases and are malnourished".  "Last year there were just enough donations to help 9% of the people" who came to the hospital.  Many of the poor had to sell their animals, their crops (that would have fed their families) or go into debt to obtain treatment, putting the whole family at risk.

     Look for more information from Elma as we receive it.  She is looking forward to a meaningful relationship with everyone at Chapel Hill.  Even though she is busy at the hospital she loves keeping up with correspondence, especially with kids.  She is currently on a trip back home to the Philippines, but will return to Nepal on Dec. 7th.  Please pray for Doctor Elma, her projects and for the people of Nepal as their religious freedom is currently at stake.