2026 Will Be a Year of Hope
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Local education officials completed the first inspection of the Global Missions Secondary School in Tanzania, Africa on Sept. 11, 2020.
On Sept. 11 God’s miracle happened. The first school building inspection on the Global Missions Secondary School (GMSS ) in Tanzania was successfully completed because God made a way in an impossible situation. When we failed to reach 75% of construction by August 2020 according to the Ministry of Education, a light of HOPE to open the school in Jan. 2021 was almost dimmed.
But God turned the situation around and used a district education officer and a chief school inspector to give me one more chance to finish priority buildings and be ready for the second inspection on November 15, 2020. A new opportunity was a sign of God's grace, will, and power. Hallelujah!!!
A lot of things need to be done until Nov. 15, 2020—constructing priority buildings (minimum requirements) as well as recruiting students, teachers, staff, etc. God's advice for me is, "One step at a time. One thing at a time." As you see a short video (below), construction resumed recently after 6 months' stop and additional costs’ conflict.
I would like to encourage you to participate in God's school project with your persistent prayers and heartful donations, knowing that God is at work and won't fail to meet all needs. Our God is the Good Shepherd.
The GMSS won’t be a just small Christian school. But it will be a mission base to spread God’s Word and Love. Together we can accomplish God’s project and God’s vision—to transform many lives and raise Christian leaders in Tanzania for God’s church and mission.
Look for ways to donate through the Annual Conference online registration. For more info, visit umcnic.org/bishopsappeal.
Bishop Schwerin looks ahead to 2026 by turning to scripture; specifically, Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in his word, I hope.” He ponders, What kind of spiritual focus is nee…
Rev. Lora Zink, a retired member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.
Mrs. Freda Whittle, surviving spouse of Rev. Paul Whittle Jr., a deceased member of the Northern Illinois Conference, passed away on April 16, 2025.
This summer, churches across the conference brought vacation Bible school to life, each one putting its own unique spin on the beloved tradition. From creative scheduling and special…