UMTV Brief

UMTV Web Brief #37 1/29/03

Courageous Calling – Intro:

Welcome to UMTV’s Web Brief; I’m Reed Galin.

On a daily basis, missionaries around the world deal with problems that prevent them from carrying out their goal of just helping other human beings. The recent murders of three Baptist missionaries in Yemen show that being a missionary often means putting your life on the line. Violence and other unexpected occurrences are just some of what confronts those who feel called to serve.

Courageous Calling – Story:

Cg: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Mike Collins, United Methodist pastor: “Majority of the people here live a day-to-day existence on about 50 cents to 75 cents a day for a family of three or four. It’s very impoverished.”

United Methodist pastor Mike Collins came to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, two years ago to help the people of one of the poorest nations in the world.

“If we oppose their order, we will be arrested, or even hurt.”

For missionaries around the world, political instability often overshadows the primary goal of feeding the hungry and helping the poor.

“If we refuse to leave, they will use force.”

Missionaries here want to focus their efforts on helping the country’s most desperate. Instead, they find themselves battling military police in a land dispute that is forcing them to vacate their headquarters.

Mike Collins: “We have had to use approximately $30,000 in lawyer fees that could have been used for the people of Cambodia.”

Nat sound: “Yeah, I will leave now.”

It’s a dangerous struggle in a place where life is too often expendable.

Mike Collins: “You can hire someone to kill someone else for $50 in this country.”

Fearing violence can erupt at any time, they choose to retreat.

Mike Collins: “I ask everyone to please leave.”

Despite having to battle the political evils, Pastor Collins and other missionaries vow to not let police or politics get in the way of carrying out their work here, no matter what the risks.

Mike Collins: “God will continue to work with us as we work here in Cambodia.”

Courageous Calling – Tag:

United Methodist officials in Cambodia say they will continue to fight eviction through the courts in hopes of getting their property back.  But in the meantime, they have secured another building and are continuing their service to the Cambodian people.

5,000 Miles to Safety – Intro:

Imagine leaving your home in the middle of the night, knowing you will never be back, taking only what you can carry.  Eighty thousand refugees from the Balkans experience this every year, searching for a better life in the United States.  Many are finding help, hope and a home in The United Methodist Church.

5,000 Miles to Safety – Story:

Family watching TV       

Ezmin Subasic remembers well the life he left behind. 

Nat sound: “Tonight, four family members from war-torn Bosnia began their new life in Central Texas …” 

Two years ago, the Subasic family came to the U.S. as refugees. 

Ruth McLeandon, University United Methodist Church member: “They didn’t know what to expect, but they were overwhelmed with generosity.”

Like so many others, they were forced to leave. And, as Muslims, they were not allowed to return.

Ruth McLeandon:  “By the time the Subasic family arrived, we had rented an apartment and we had it completely furnished.”

In fact, they were given virtually everything, even an automobile – all gifts from University United Methodist Church. 

The church supports the interreligious ministry’s “Refugee Resettlement” program, teaching English classes and helping refugees find work.

Sefrika Subasic, Bosnian refugee: “Nice America, it’s very nice for living, for, you know, make money, for you have job.”

Despite the tangible gifts, the Subasics, who remain Muslim, are most grateful for the church’s intangible offering. 

Rosie Johnson, University United Methodist Church senior associate: “We are the embodiment of God’s love to people, and so there’s that sense of community, of belonging, of not being left alone.” 

With steady work, they have done well enough to sponsor other family members. 

Ruth McLeandon: “They knew how to take care of themselves very well, they just needed to know how to do it here in this country.”      

5,000 Miles to Safety – Tag:

The Austin area interreligious ministries helped to settle 139 refugees in 2000. Due to heightened security after Sept. 11, only half that number was settled in 2001.

Tease Next Week:

On the next UMTV Web Brief – searching for a spiritual legacy.

“We’re just looking for our roots.”

Thanks for watching; make it a good week.