Live Internet Events to Launch International '10-Fold' Effort

United Methodist Church Calls for Grassroots Participation

The United Methodist Church plans a 10-day series of live internet events from Sunday, October 10 through Tuesday, October 19, to report on the denomination’s work to combat poverty, disease, and social injustice throughout the world. Known as 10-Fold, the events will provide immediate access to missionaries, volunteers, and churches in Haiti, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United States.

Webcasts, streaming video, online chats, and discussions have been developed by the General Board of Global Ministries, the mission agency of The United Methodist Church, with the goal of drawing 100,000 supporters for the church’s global program.

“Millions of church members across the world share a passion for the ministries of The United Methodist Church,” said Thomas Kemper, chief executive of Global Ministries. “These ministries rebuild hospitals, provide clean water, build churches, protect victims of violence, and strive to create a just world. 10-Fold is a chance to see this work firsthand and be part of a movement that multiplies God’s work.”

The Rev. Shawn Bakker, who is in charge of development for the agency, explained the process: “Visitors to 10-Fold.org may register their particular interest in a program, triggering $1 of support on their behalf each time they do so. This has the potential to generate $100,000 for the work supported by The Advance, the designated mission giving arm of the UMC. And 100 percent of every $1 donation made possible by 10 sponsors will go directly to the chosen project. It is a way to learn more about what The United Methodist Church is doing globally and be part of a world-wide conversation and share your faith.”

To encourage participation by church members, Bible study groups, and congregations, a complete schedule and toolkit are available at www.10-fold.org. Resource packets may be downloaded for adults and for children. Visitors may also view a 10-Fold video on YouTube, connect with 10-Fold on Facebook, and follow 10-Fold on Twitter.

For a detailed schedule of online events from Oct 10 through 19, and additional background information, please visit http://www.10-fold.org/.