Education opens doors to opportunity, strengthens communities, and prepares future leaders to serve the church and the world.  

Through the 2026 Bishop’s Appeal: Education for the Central Conferences, the Northern Illinois Conference helped expand educational opportunities for students and strengthen theological education across the global United Methodist connection. 

The appeal raised $32,247.40, supporting two initiatives that invest in education at different stages of life and ministry: the construction of a high school in Tanzania and theological education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. 

Construction progress on the high school moves forward as leaders and students visit. Photos courtesy of Rev. Young Seon (Christina) Kim.

Of the total raised, $16,123.70 supports construction of the high school at Global Mission Secondary School in Tanzania. The school is located at a mission site led by Rev. Young Seon (Christina) Kim, a missionary and clergy member of the Northern Illinois Conference. 

The project is already making progress. Construction has begun, and roofing work has been completed ahead of heavy rains predicted for Tanzania. The new school will expand educational opportunities for young people in the community, helping lay a foundation for their future. 

“God opened the way for us, sending the right people, resources, and help despite the many difficulties and unexpected situations. Through this, we deeply experienced God’s faithfulness that never turns us away,” she said. 

The other $16,123.70 from the Bishop’s Appeal has been sent to the Endowment for Theological Education in Africa, Europe and the Philippines. This investment helps sustain theological education and prepare future church leaders to serve congregations and communities around the world. 

An additional $20,459.56 was contributed to the endowment through Miracle Sunday, bringing the combined support from the Bishop’s Appeal and Miracle Sunday to $36,583.26. 

These gifts are part of a much larger connectional commitment to theological education. Through the collective generosity of United Methodists, more than $2.1 million has been funded through this connection, supporting the broader effort to strengthen theological institutions and equip leaders for ministry in diverse cultural and geographic contexts. 

Together, the 2026 Bishop’s Appeal initiatives demonstrate the far-reaching impact of connectional giving and the ability to extend educational opportunities beyond geographic boundaries. Through shared generosity and a common commitment to ministry, Northern Illinois United Methodists are helping build a stronger future for students, church leaders and communities around the world. 

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the 2026 Bishop’s Appeal and Miracle Sunday, helping make these educational opportunities possible and strengthening the church’s global mission.