winthrop wesley fall newsletter

8/14/2019 Winthrop Wesley Fall Newsletter

1/8

The Winthrop Wesley Foundation embarked on a tenday mission trip to the Jubilee House Community outside ofManagua, Nicaragua in the community of Ciudad Sandino

August 9-18 that kicked off the Fall semester.Ten students, one campus minister, and two dentists

from St. Johns UMC in Rock Hill spent the week workingas both a dental delegation offering services to people inCiudad Sandino, at a United Methodist mission project inSan Francisco Libre, and at a coffee cooperative on ElPorvenir and as a delegation working on several projectsboth in getting a Spinning Cooperative off the ground andworking in other community projects.

Junior Ashlee Warren from Eagle Rock, Virginia says,On a couple of the work days I was able to work withsome of the women from the spinning co-op mixing con-crete. Even though they haven't been getting paid for all the

work that they have put in over the last couple of years,they were so full of joy and hope for what is to come. Wejoked around with each other, and they kept smiles on theirfaces. People there can be living in complete poverty andhave a profound sense of joy and faith in God, and at thesame time there are so many people in America that are somuch better off financially but so poor spiritually. It reallyis uplifting to be around people with that type of attitude.

The delegation not only spent time working in variouscommunities but also were able to learn more about thehistory of Nicaragua and how the United States has been apart of that history. Students were given the opportunity tovisit various sites in Managua, the capital city, to enjoy wor-ship at a local church, to visit an active volcano, and muchmore. One of the most heart-wrenching visits was to the citydump. The delegation visited a mission site that ministers tothose living in the dump and were able to play with some ofthe children that live there.

Another of the eye-opening visits was to a community ofbanana workers that are protesting the chemicals that wereknowingly used on crops as they worked on them and nowwho have serious medical conditions. Warren says, Themost shocking thing of the whole trip was our visit with thebanana workers. I was absolutely horrified at the cruelty ofman. I never could have imagined that these big fruitcompanies would put harmful pesticides on their bananasknowing all the while what effects it would have on theirworkers. It is just hard for me to imagine treating anotherhuman being like an expedible object. To these companieshuman life has no value. There are not even words todescribe how terrible this situation is.

Winter 2009

The Spirit ofThe Spirit of

WESLEYWESLEYThe Winthrop Wesley Foundat ion

The Uni ted Methodis t Campus Minis t ry a t Winthrop Univers i ty

Return to NicaraguaReturn to NicaraguaReturn to NicaraguaReturn to Nicaragua

In the cattle car going up the mountain to El Porvenir.

Kristyn, Ashlee, Marissa, Holly, and Megan at the volcano. Continued on page 2

Learning about life, community & witness with the people of the Jubilee House Community.


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Page 2 The Spirit ofWESLEY

For many the trip was both a reaffirmation of vocationaljourneys and a challenge to how we live. Senior KristynEdwards from Grace UMC in Greer says, In some ways it wasone of the most depressing experiences that Ive ever had. Itmade me feel like a bad Christian for not wanting to move

there, but it didnt make me want to move there. It made mewish I had the guts to give up my college tuition to help, and itmade me wish that my college tuition money would even makea dent in the problem. It made me wish America was moreresponsible for its treatment of other countries, and made meglad that I live in America. It made me realize the luxuries thatI take for granted, and reminded me that I dont want to givethem up, even though I feel like I should.

The trip offers both a sobering view of life that is very

foreign from some of our own and also hope for a different

way. Mattie Long, a senior from Bethany UMC in

Summerville says, Nicaragua was one of the most amazing

and life-changing experiences I've ever had. The problems and

people there are very real, but those we interacted with still

have this strong, unwavering faith in God. The time I spent in

Nicaragua has permanently altered my view of the world andgiven me courage and direction for how I would like to live my

life. It helps you realize what's really important and makes you

even more appreciative for everything you have. I can't wait to

return and continue to try and make a difference with the

people of this beautiful country.

Journey to Nicaragua contin-

The time I spent in Nicaragua has

permanently altered my view of the world

and given me courage and direction for how

I would like to live my life.

---- Senior Mattie Long, Summerville, SCSenior Mattie Long, Summerville, SCSenior Mattie Long, Summerville, SCSenior Mattie Long, Summerville, SC


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The Nicaragua trips have been completely life-changing. Nothing could have prepared me for

seeing this completely different culture.Economically, the country is extremely poor. It isdifficult facing the reality of living in the United

States with every convenience imaginable when amajority of people in Nicaragua live on less than$2 a day. This is something easy to frown about

and brush off when you hear about it. However,after you witness this first hand, it is not somethingthat can just be brushed aside. Nicaraguans liveon so little not due to something they have donebut because of where they are born. In spite ofthis, Nicaraguans have so much hope and faith.

Somehow it makes my stressing over school workor relationships a little less important. If

Nicaraguans can live in this extreme povertyevery day and remain so full of joy and hope,then I really shouldn't get upset about a bad

grade on a test. I can see God in these people.They make me more optimistic about the world.

They inspire me to do everything possible to workfor the better world that they show is possible

through their eternal optimism.

---- Junior Ashlee Warren, VirginiaJunior Ashlee Warren, VirginiaJunior Ashlee Warren, VirginiaJunior Ashlee Warren, Virginia

Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 3

Here We GO Again!WESLEY will be spendingour Spring Break in

Tarpum Bay with Bahamas

Methodist Habitat, March

14-20, 2010. The 12

students signed up to go are

excited about this new

opportunity and are gearing

up for a great trip! If you

would like to help one of

these students go on this

amazing trip or if you have

any fundraising ideas or

opportunities for us, please

let us know at

[email protected]

or 803.327.5640.


4/8

I thought the experience was great and this beingmy first year doing it, I really enjoyed getting to

know people with the same goal of helping others inthe name of God's love. The house was in desperateneed of help but we were able to come together and

make a great impact in just one day of work.

---- Freshman Sarah Elizabeth McDonald,Freshman Sarah Elizabeth McDonald,Freshman Sarah Elizabeth McDonald,Freshman Sarah Elizabeth McDonald,Greenville, SCGreenville, SCGreenville, SCGreenville, SC


Charleston Mission Weekend @ Relief CenterCharleston Mission Weekend @ Relief CenterCharleston Mission Weekend @ Relief CenterCharleston Mission Weekend @ Relief Center

Part of the Winthrop-Charleston group after church on Sunday.

Students from both the Charleston Wesley whichincludes Charleston Southern, College of Charleston,MUSC, Trident, and The Citadel and from the WinthropWesley Foundation came together for their annual missionweekend at the United Methodist Relief Center in Mt.Pleasant October 9 11th.

Freshman Sarah Elizabeth McDonald from Greenvillesays, I thought the experience was great and this being myfirst year doing it, I really enjoyed getting to know peoplewith the same goal of helping others in the name of God'slove. The house was in desperate need of help but we wereable to come together and make a great impact in just oneday of work. The students had opportunities to get to knowone another better and fellowship with students from acrossthe state, enjoy opportunities of reflection and worship bothas a group and worshiping with Hibben UMC in Mt. Pleasanton Sunday morning, and working all day Saturday on Ms.Annies home repairing and shingling her roof, jacking upand working on the foundation of her home, removing all of

her furniture to a storage unit so that floors could be repaired,and scraping and priming the outside of her home. It was a busy,but very good day. Josh Edwards, sophomore at The Citadelsays, This weekend was an inspiring example of what we asChristians can do with God's love.

Part of the fun of coming together is the bonds of friendshipwith other students that you wouldnt normally interact with.Senior Leanna Greenwood of Anderson says, I was really proudto be working with people from all over the state. Though I didn'tknow the students from the other schools, we all came together toget some good, hard work done. Im glad that Ms. Annie will beable to more easily get in and out of her house after herwheelchair ramp is repaired and her home is made new and safe.College of Charleston Senior Austin Ruedrich echoes this saying,I have loved doing the Wesley Foundation Mission Weekend forthe past 2 years. It is great to be in fellowship with other studentsand to show our faith through our works and deeds. The ReliefCenter and its staff do an amazing ministry.

The students are excited to continue friendships made andcarrying forth a sense of mission in their own communities.Senior Kristyn Edwards says, The Charleston Mission Weekendwas a fantastic experience. It was so beautiful to see UnitedMethodist students from all over South Carolina come together inunity to serve the less fortunate. Even though we were all youngand most of us didn't have much construction experience, wewere able to work as a team and get an amazing amount of workdone. The director of the project was amazed at how much we

had accomplished -- he was actually running out of things for usto do! It's a great feeling to know that we could drasticallyimprove someone's life just by donating one day of our time.

Wesley Foundations are partially funded through the UMCs

apportionments. Especially in these economic times we thank

those that continue to support us in this way. We would not be

able to offer this ministry or opportunities such as this to young

adults without your faithful prayers and support.


5/8

The Wesley Foundation is a ministry of the United Methodist Church atWinthrop University. Open to all college students and young adults in theRock Hill area no matter where on their spiritual journey, WESLEY is acommunity of Christ-followers that:

Nurtures and challenges the lives of students throughspiritual growth, intentional love, and mutual support;

Reaches out in service and solidarity to the communities whichsurround WESLEY, including the campus, greater Rock Hillarea, and communities around the world;

Witnesses to the love of God and neighbor through our livesand relationships as we seek to grow into faithfuldisciples of Jesus Christ.

WESLEYWESLEYWESLEYWESLEYMission Statement

Volume 4, Issue 1

Homeless SLEEP

Page 5

Fall Retreat @ Chestnut RidgeStudents raised$1,565.20 for OxfamAmerica to go to a

local food bankduring Hunger &

Homeless Awareness

Week. This is the HIGHESTamount ever raised!

Wesley had the privilege of hearing

author Shane Claiborne in Charlotte

I really enjoyed getting to see Shane Claiborne.

Even after reading The Irresistible Revolution I was

unsure of what to expect. I love how he is living

his life for Jesus in the best way that he sees pos-

sible. He is helping so many people. Its encour-

aging seeing people who are actually taking this

vision of living a radical Christian life and put-

ting it into action.

---- Senior Jessica Beverstein, MissouriSenior Jessica Beverstein, MissouriSenior Jessica Beverstein, MissouriSenior Jessica Beverstein, Missouri

The Homeless Vigil was very thought-provoking andmeaningful and helped usremember why we weresleeping outside in a box for thenight. It was a lot of funsleeping out with everyone but

it also got really cold and weknew we wouldnt want to dothis every night. Its reallystartling how many veteransand people with mental illnessare among the homeless.Especially in our economy weshould be mindful of those whoare struggling and who need our help.

---- Sophomore Adrienne Chlumsky, MarylandSophomore Adrienne Chlumsky, MarylandSophomore Adrienne Chlumsky, MarylandSophomore Adrienne Chlumsky, Maryland

Wesley ventured to beautiful Camp Chestnut Ridge in Efland, NC inSeptember for our Fall Retreat. Students had opportunities to share inmorning devotion, campfires, fellowship and participation in a low

and high ropes course. Fun was had by all as folks worked as a groupbuilding community and working on communication skills during thelow ropes and in cheering each other on and encouraging one anotherduring the very challenging high ropes course.

Wesley hostedover 100 youth

from aroundthe Rock Hill

District for the2nd Annual

Day ofFellowship!


6/8


The 32nd Annual York CountyCROPWALK was a huge successwith the most walkers and collectingmore cans than ever!

There was definitely an increasein student involvement and aware-

ness in this years CROP. Beforethe walk, Wesley co-sponsored acultural event hosting BarbaraThomas, the CWS representativefrom Charlotte which gathered over 250 students to hear about hunger issues andto participate in interactive hunger simulations. Seventeen ACAD classes wererequired to walk in this years walk and several other student organizationsparticipated which translated to over 600 students walking in the walk this year.One of the other special highlights was Canstruction. Canstruction projects werecreated by ACAD classes and other student organizations and CROP walkers gotthe chance to vote on the Peoples CROP Choice Award as part of this yearswalk. All of the cans were donated to Second Harvest Food Bank and earmarkedfor agencies in York County.

In the midst of hard times people still gave sacrificially. Walkers collected$31,787.08! 75% of the money goes all over the world to combat hunger insustainable ways and the other 25% stays here in York County and goes to threeemergency food banks: HOPE in Rock Hill, PATH in York, and CARE in FortMill as well as to Pilgrims Inn and the York County Council on Agings Mealson Wheels Program.

Megan Augustine, Wesley House Manager and Americorps VISTA atWinthrop helped organize the ACAD classes participation. She says, Itsdefinitely a community-wide and campus-wide effort. It says a lot about ourstudents that theyre willing to go, stand up and help fight poverty for those herein their community and for people that they have never met, or who they maynever meet. It shows their willingness to be selfless for a few hours to go out andmake a difference.

A huge thanks to all of those who walked, who gave generously, and who

participated in Canstruction! Thanks also to Comporium for donating some ofthe cans for our project! A special thanks to all of the students who helped markthe route, work registration, set up, and take down. The walk wouldnt happenwithout your tireless support and work for the hungry!

1st Annual Canstruction1st Annual Canstruction1st Annual Canstruction1st Annual CanstructionWesley one the award for The

Biggest Meal in their creation

of the Wheel of Fortune out of

cans featuring Pat Flapjack

and Vienna White.

Students active in CROP

Wesley House Halloween

Sponge BobDesigned by Griffin

Glaze won the Peoples CROP

Choice Award voted on by CROP

walkers during the walk.


7/8

Thank you for continuing to give to

Wesley this year! We appreciate all of

your prayers and support. As

donations are at times harder to come

by, the needs of students have

increased dramatically. Thank you for

being faithful in your giving and for

believing in this ministry! We

appreciate you and give thanks for

you!

Volume 4, Issue 1 Page 7

Adopt a Student for Spring Break Bahamas Trip - $100This March Wesley will be going on a Spring Break trip toTarpum Bay through Bahamas Methodist Habitat. March 14 20 the group will be working alongside the people of the Baha-mas, learning about this distinct island culture, and havingtimes of worship and fellowship. Students are busy fundraisingbut the cost of airfare, lodging, materials fees, and food are alot for students struggling to pay for school much less otheropportunities. If you adopt a student you will get letters andpictures detailing their trip you will truly be a partner on thismission!

Adopt a Student for Spring Retreat - $30.00Each February college students from across the state gather forworship, Bible study, small groups, worship, and fellowshipwith one another during the SC United Methodist StudentMovement Spring Retreat. This is a great chance for them toget away for the weekend, reconnect with God, and get toknow other people of faith. In the midst of an economy that

makes working part-time and often multiple part-time jobs amust, money for retreats is often limited. Your gift of $30would sponsor the entire retreat for a student and you wouldget letters and pictures letting you know that your gift wasgreatly appreciated!

Help Purchase a Vacuum for The Wesley House - $1009 girls living in one big, happy house makes for a great timebut can get awfully dirty quickly. The Wesley House is in des-perate need of a vacuum. Your gift of $100 would make itpossible for these students to be good stewards of the houseand would help them wipe away some of the stress and clutterthat is college life!

Everyone needs Paper Products! - $25

Paper towels and toilet paper are something that we all use andwhether were trying to be green or trying not to waste, theyrestill essential. Wesley is home to many students.

Wesley Alternative Gift CatalogueSome of these are regular members who worship and grow with us.Some of these students are people that use the prayer room or for asmall group or study group or just to have a place to relax. Havinga good stock of paper towels, toilet paper, and Kleenex is reallyimportant in creating an inviting and welcoming space. Gifts forpaper products are appreciated by all!

Feed a Hungry Student Fund - $25Students are always hungry. Whether theyre eating for energy,more brain food, or out of the sheer stress of college life food is ahigh priority. At Wesley we provide snacks in the kitchen so thatstudents know that they can always find something here not to justto fill them spiritually but physically as well. We also providelunch or snacks at all of our small group meetings and at worship.Table fellowship is a huge part of our program and providing thisfood for students on limited funds is really important. Arent we alla little happier and feeling more able to conquer the world or atleast a mound of homework when we have a full stomach?

Scholarship Fund for Students Entering Ministry - $100

We have several students who are exploring calls to ministry rightnow. Many are making plans to enter seminary in the coming yearsand are having a hard time finding grant and scholarship money inthese hard economic times. If you are interested in supporting someof these soon-to-be-pastors journeys, I know they would reallyappreciate the help and support. The reality is that even when stu-dents get full scholarships many still worry about books and livingexpenses. Join these students in their vocational journey and hearand learn all about their experiences!

Rail Road Ties & Gravel for Wesley Parking Lot - $25The students in The Wesley House and those that come to ourregular meetings park in the vacant lot beside Wesley. We wouldlove some railroad ties to help mark out some spots in the lot.

There are also several large holes in the lot and some gravel to putin those would really help on the rainy days!

All Gifts Tax-Deductible and Greatly Appreciated!

Want to donate a car?

One of the students in The Wesley House had her car

stolen a couple months ago when several Hondas

were stolen from around campus. If you have a car

that youre not using that you would be willing to

donate, we would greatly appreciate it. The student is

a senior who is applying for the Peace

Corp and Americorps and is set to begin

an internship with Church World

Service next semester. Having a car

would be a huge blessing and God-send! Gifts and

donations are tax-deductible and we would make sure

that all of the paperwork is taken care of.


8/8

Mailing:

WPO Box 5009

Rock Hill, SC 29733

Street:

406 Stewart AvenueRock Hill, SC 29730

The Winthrop Wesley

Foundation

The United Methodist Campus

Ministry at Winthrop University

803-327-5640

[email protected]

www.winthropwesley.com

We Need Your Support:

The Power of PrayerThe Power of PrayerThe Power of PrayerThe Power of Prayer

First, we ask for your prayersfor

the students, the student servant

leaders, the staff, the campus, and

our mission and ministry here.

Spread the WordSpread the WordSpread the WordSpread the Word

Second, we ask for your help in

communicating to current and pro-

spective students about Winthrop

Wesley and how there are a variety

of ways they can get involved. We

love meeting new people and word

of mouth works the best!

Financial SupportFinancial SupportFinancial SupportFinancial Support

Third, we ask for your financialsupport so that this ministry may

continue to grow, both in size and

spirit. Because of tight funding

from the conference, we could not

provide programming to students

without the support of churches

and individual donors!

Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!

If you have any questions, suggestions, or want to share contact info for a student email us at [email protected]. Wed love to hear from you!

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Our stores and radios

have looked and sounded a lot like Christmas for some time

now. Whether youre one of the uber-Christmas people who

already have their lists checked twice and decorated long ago or

if youre just starting to listen to and enjoy your favoriteChristmas musicthis special season is now here in full force!

As students frantically begin the final countdown of the semester

with final papers and projects and exams looming, there are great

connections to the season of Advent. The word adventcomes

from the Latin verb advenire, which means to come toward, to

draw near, to approach. We remember during this time that

God, Emmanuel, has drawn near to each of us and we wait for

the kingdom of God to be fulfilled in all the earth.

May God draw near to each of us during this Advent. May God

give each of these students gifts of perseverance, strength, focus,

and motivation to finish out the semester. May God bless each

of us during this season with a sense of expectation and wonderthat all of the consumer-driven hype be drowned out and that we may be

unexpectedly surprised by a Savior who breaks forth into our lives daily. May we

be prepared not just for a cute little baby Jesus a la Talladega Nights, but may the

redeemer of all the world sow justice and righteousness in each of our hearts this

day!

Come Lord Jesus, Come! A blessed Advent and Merry Christmas to each of you!

Grace, Love, & Peace, Narcie=0)

Evys baptism.

Enoch loves football!

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