Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and District Superintendent Edie Gleaves talk about Rotifunk: Mission of Hope and encourage us to pray for women and children around the world as we focus our gaze upon Mary holding the infant Christ.
Bishop Ward: Mary stands tall in the midst of Advent. She’s overshadowed by God’s goodness, God’s light, God’s mercy, God’s love. Reverend Edie Gleaves is superintendent of the Harbor District and the leader and one of the visionaries creating an amazing mission focused on women and children in West Africa.
Edie Gleaves: The mission is called “Mission of Hope.” It is situated in Sierra Leone, West Africa which is one of the poorest nations in the continent. Along with that comes a very short lifespan and the children, in particular, don’t often make it past childbirth. Over eighteen percent of them die before they are five years old. This hospital focuses on helping mothers birth their babies, helping them learn how to take good care of them health-wise, to make resources available, and to help these children grow strong in hope with the love of Jesus Christ undergirding the mission and ministry that is being done there.
Bishop Ward: As we focus our gaze upon Mary holding the infant Christ, may our prayers arise for women and children around the world. And, our prayers will go with you Edie as you go to preach at the Sierra Leone Annual Conference in January.
Edie Gleaves: Thank you.