This week I’m in New York at the United Nations attending a health summit with the United Methodist Church pertaining to the eradication of malaria in Africa.  The summit was called to highlight the efforts to rid the deadly disease which is a leading killer of children in Africa.  

One of those efforts is the “Nothing but Nets” program-- a grassroots campaign by the U.N. aimed at preventing the disease.  The U.N. is partnering with the NBA to supply mosquito nets to the villages in Africa.  The program also educates the residents and lets them know they do not have to die from this disease.

The Nothing but Nets campaign was also just featured in the season 4 premiere of the ABC series, “Ugly Betty.” While used with humor, that portion of the show -- which was actually filmed at the U.N -- helped bring national awareness to the global crisis.

This summit calls for the United Methodist Church to step up its effort to partner with the global community to do what has been done in the United States – eradicate malaria.  As a youngster I remember the truck coming through the neighborhood spraying for mosquitoes -- the “mosquito man.”  This was more common in the South given the numerous breeding areas for mosquitoes. 

So today we have an opportunity to help our brothers and sisters live and not die because of a preventable disease.  Help me help them by partnering financially to the “Imagine No Malaria” campaign.  You can contribute through our website’s online giving and mark your gift – IMAGINE NO MALARIA.  For more information, visit www.imaginenomalaria.org. 

God bless you.

Peace & Love,

Pastor M