Melba McCallum

Deaconess Melba McCallum knows the power of caring Christians working together. Troubled by the issues of poverty in her community of Laurinburg, North Carolina, and the need to prepare young people for a bright future, McCallum was called to action. She began to build partnerships with local clergy, laypeople and community leaders. In 2007, Partners in Ministry was born in her living room and is now a thriving and growing ministry.

“Our purpose is to coordinate efforts that respond to the social problems of poverty, dependency and community deterioration through capacity building, empowerment and leadership development,” said McCallum, executive director of Partners in Ministry. “I came from working in community college administration, and I was shocked how many students couldn’t handle the courses. I knew we needed to start kids early on a clear path.”

In March 2019, Partners In Ministry became United Methodist Women’s newest national mission institution, the first in the North Carolina Conference. I recently got to visit and celebrate the new partner in mission.

“This is truly an opportunity to expand our ministry,” McCallum said. “As a national mission institution, we will be able to expand our resources and be part of a network of like-minded agencies to share best practices throughout the country. We are truly blessed.” Jessica Tulloch, United Methodist Women executive for national ministries, is excited to welcome a new national mission institution.

“It’s our hope and aim that national mission institutions will continue to be a shining light of inspiration and transformation for our members and the communities they serve,” she said. I love my opportunities to witness our mission dollars at work, and I love knowing that the Legacy Fund Endowment Campaign will endow future core expenses so that even more mission dollars can fund vital work, like that of Partners in Ministry.

Day of Giving

This year, March 23 will once again be our Day of Giving in which members and supporters have an opportunity to give to the Legacy Fund Endowment Campaign to secure a future of continued mission work.

“Over half a million dollars came in from our generous members for Day of Giving in 2019. We hope to surpass that amount this year as we get ever closer to meeting our campaign goal,” said Emily Marshall, director of development for United Methodist Women.

Whether you choose to make a monthly pledge, one-time gift or leave a planned gift as a member of the 1869 Society, your support of the Legacy Fund Endowment Campaign will enable us all to continue to put our faith, hope and love in action.

Christi Campos is executive for development and donor relations for United Methodist Women.

Posted or updated: 3/5/2020 12:00:00 AM

More about response magazine:

response, an award-winning publication, is the official magazine of United Methodist Women and is published by the national office. Each issue will touch your heart, stir your soul, and challenge your mind. Topics and issues cover spiritual growth, mission outreach and reports on our local, national and international work.

response features include:

• Bible studies
• opportunities for spiritual growth and development
• program suggestions
• articles on where the Pledge to Mission money goes
• regular features such as “Bright Lights” and “Responsively Yours”

response helps United Methodist Women reach out to:

• New and potential members of United Methodist Women
• Every woman in your church who shares our commitment to mission and welfare of women, youth, and children
• High school and college students, especially the young women in your congregation
• Sunday school teachers who can share response mission stories with all ages
• Leaders in your congregation, including your pastor, who will appreciate knowing more about the women’s role in your church’s mission outreach
• Your friends and neighbors in other faith communities who share our passion for children and youth and for social justice