"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you". Matthew 28:19-20

PROJECT AGAPE – the God-given Project of the North Carolina United Methodist Church has been with the people of Armenia and Artsakh since 1993 when Armenia and Artsakh faced a humanitarian crisis following 1)the earthquake of 1988, which destroyed half of Armenia, 2) the war with Azerbaijan, and 3)the collapse of the Soviet Union which leveled the 80% industrial economy of Armenia to zero. The scope and number of all the projects carried out by Project AGAPE in these 27 years has been invaluable, and the number of people for whom these projects were life-saving and life-changing is uncountable.

Unfortunately, on September 27th of 2020, Azerbaijan launched a full-scale aggression against Artsakh. For 44 days, Armenians heroically defended their homeland, fighting against the country which used internationally prohibited cluster bombs and phosphorus munitions. The forces were unequal. On November 9th, after losing thousands of lives and many territories, a tripartite declaration was signed, leaving only one-sixth of the territory, almost a hundred thousand people without their homes, and most of Artsakh, including the capital Stepanakert, leveled to the ground. Nowhere in Artsakh is safe.

Donations are needed for Project AGAPE as much as ever right now. We need to continue to help those thousands of displaced people who need our support so that they will not to lose hope. The North Carolina United Methodist Church is collecting money to help those displace through the recent war. If you want to donate you can donate through a GoFund Me page. Here is the link: https://gf.me/u/zad69v please put $0 when it asks for organizer tip.

BREAD OF LIFE - the Bread of Life to-go program continues with takeout lunches provided on the First and Third Thursday of the month. A written devotional is also provided for the participants. This program, started by Don Allen, has been such a blessing. The youth group has also gotten involved with the program. They have been making bird feeders and Christmas ornaments for the participants. Thanks to all of the cooks, distribution elves, devotion preparers and the youth for making this such a success.

UNITY GARDEN- the winter crop in the UNITY Garden is beginning to come in. We have been able to provide radishes, lettuce and turnips to some of our Food Pantry participants. This garden has been a blessing. If you would like to volunteer to plant or pick the vegetables, please contact Jennifer Forsman at 910-603-0425.

SHOES AND SOCKS FOR WEE STUDENTS - The WEUMC Mission Committee and First Health IT Team, again joined their resources to provide new shoes and socks for twenty-three students at the West End Elementary School. Due to this year's Covid19 epidemic, vouchers were given out to the children, which families could then redeem at the Carnival Shoe Store in Aberdeen. After their purchase, the children could also choose a face mask made by Cathy Sheffield, and their choice of a fun activity book. In addition, through WEUMC budget and the fund-raising efforts of the First Health IT Team, Walmart gift cards were given out to each of the families to help them with expenses that were so needed this year.

We have been blessed with the support of Brooke Bowman and the First Health IT Team who has been so generous and have helped the children and families of need in our community elementary school.